Multicultural Leadership Initiative
$40,000 | December 2022
What do Multicultural Leadership Initiative do?
Build and strengthen the participation and leadership of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the climate movement by cultivating the right organisational conditions, movement infrastructure and resonate messaging.
Why is this work important?
Against the momentum and background of Australia recently becoming a majority migrant nation the Australian climate movement still struggles to represent, and reflect, the multicultural diversity of Australia. Continuing this trajectory puts us all at risk by limiting the potency and potential of the climate movement. By strengthening the capacity of CALD organisations to work on climate action whilst simultaneously developing the cross-cultural literacy of existing environmental organisations MLI brings new perspectives, new audiences and greater legitimacy, leverage and power for the Australian climate movement.
How is Groundswell supporting this work?
MLI is focused on growing the climate movement in Australia, and beyond, through engaging and activating CALD communities. With Groundswell’s support, they will do this through:
Researching and sharing with the rest of the climate movement what climate and environmental messaging, channels and methods resonate best with the many diverse CALD communities of Australia. Ensuring CALD climate voices are more effectively seen, heard and supported in Australian public debate.
Co-creating movement infrastructure that supports CALD people to be more effective in their climate action pursuits. This includes facilitating international connections between diaspora and in-country CALD climate leaders to share learnings and know-how on campaigning and other opportunities for impact. Which could include the potential for better global coordination on areas such as local and international divestment from fossil fuel.
Strengthen existing and build new leaders, CALD and non-CALD, in the climate movement who are versed in practices of climate justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. These leadership, mentoring and coaching programs will surface new perspectives and mindsets that will strengthen the climate movement as a whole.
Surfacing, celebrating and amplifying stories of CALD individuals and communities taking climate action as a method of exploring and strengthening values alignment between CALD communities and climate action. Which over time will transform the perception and reality of the climate movement landscape.