Sunday, October 11 to Friday, October 16 is Anti-Poverty Week. It’s a week when Australians from all walks of life are encouraged to speak up in support of people who go without the essentials of life.

In support of Anti-Poverty Week, Mission Australia is encouraging the Australian public to tell us how you would tackle poverty if you were Prime Minister via a short, 60 second petition video. Your video is your 'signature' against poverty.

Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, has announced the competition winner to be The Rotary Club of Revesby-Wirrimbirra. One member of the winning team will be flown to Canberra to meet the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator Ursula Stephens, to discuss the club's idea.

Latest research shows that around one in seven Australians who turn to welfare organisations for help lack a substantial meal at least once a day. As well as the most basic need for food, 29.6 per cent of clients lack a decent and secure home; 25.3 per cent are unable to buy prescribed medicines; 45.7 per cent don't have access to dental services; and 11.4 per cent don't have a separate bed for each child.  People living in poverty are unable to participate in the activities that most people take for granted. They are often faced with difficult choices - such as skipping a meal to pay for a child’s text book.

Take part now!

Take part in our petition and you could meet Senator Ursula Stephens, the Rudd Government’s Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion. There's a chance you will also meet the Prime Minister during your visit of Parliament House too.  Mission Australia's CEO, Toby Hall, will select the video that he finds most compelling, and the winner will be flown down to Canberra for this exclusive meeting. The video petition is open now and closes on Friday 16 October.

How to take part -

** Having problems with your YouTube upload? **
If you are having problems uploading your YouTube video, please email us your competiton entry video (under 4MB only) plus your name and contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

1. Read the Terms and Conditions of entry
2. Film your video petition (remember that the maximum length of the video is 60 seconds!)
3. Visit our YouTube competition page
4. Click on the link 'Post a video response', you will find this is the second link under the video
5. Email your name, address, contact number and YouTube URL to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be in the running for the prize
6. By entering the competition, you automatically accept the Terms and Conditions of entry

Download a poster and encourage your friends to join in!

Video tips

• Keep the camera as still as possible.
• Limit the amount of times you zoom in or out.
• Keep your video petition short – no more than 1 minute.
• If you are talking direct to camera head and shoulders, rather than full length, is best.
• Ensure you are filming in the brightest light possible.
• Speak clearly – use a cue sheet if necessary.
• Have a few practice runs.
• Remember, the viewing video size is small so anything filmed at a distance may not be seen very clearly.

 

Q&A

Can we use a mobile phone to record or does it need to be a proper camera?
Mobile phone if perfectly acceptable, ensure you use a head and shoulders shot if you are talking directly to camera.

 

Is Anti-Poverty Week global?
Yes, and it includes the UN’s International Anti-Poverty Day is Saturday 17 October. The Week focuses on poverty around the world, especially in the poorest countries but also in wealthier countries such as Australia.

What is the aim of Anti-Poverty Week?
Its main aims are to:

• strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and within Australia.
• encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments.

What is the purpose of Mission Australia’s video petition?
Mission Australia believes everyone should have the chance to enjoy a full and active life, irrespective of their personal challenges or circumstances. We stand up and advocate for the most disadvantaged people in Australia. Your video will join hundreds of others in a video petition; your video is your signature against poverty.

Can Mission Australia staff participate?
Yes, staff members are encouraged to submit their video petition.

Can we organise our own activities?
Yes, everyone is encouraged to organise activities during the Week or join in some being organised by other people. The activities can be large or small, and activities at local levels are especially welcome. Please ensure to post details of your plans on the Anti-Poverty Week website www.antipovertyweek.org.au.

Can we participate in the activities of other organisations?
Yes, visit the Anti-Poverty Week website www.antipovertyweek.org.au to see what’s on in your community.

Can we use a mobile phone to record or does it need to be a proper camera?
A mobile phone if perfectly acceptable, ensure you use a head and shoulders shot if you are talking directly to camera.

 

 

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