Hobart Respects All

Hobart Respects All

Hobart Respects All is a Message platform established by the City of Hobart in 2019 to encourage and support the core Human Rights Principles of Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity.

Each member of the community has their own set of strengths, skills and resources and when we give them the opportunity to share them the whole community benefits.

But not everyone's experience of our community is the same. Systemic barriers within the built, social and information environment can prevent people from thriving and contributing to society.

To truly become a city that respects all, we must work towards inclusion and equity for all who live, work, study or play in Hobart and we all have a role to play.

The Hobart Respects All message is used by the City to create awareness and help improve the Hobart experience for different people in our community. The Hobart Respects All visual assets are used as the thread to position other campaign messages that share the same objectives of Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity.

Anti-racism campaign

Background

In 2019 the City of Hobart became a signatory to the Welcoming Cities network. This is a national network of local governments who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. As a Welcoming City, the City of Hobart strongly believes that migrants, refugees and international students should feel that they are valued and welcomed here. As such, feedback from multicultural communities that racism is on the rise cannot be ignored. It is well known that racism has serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of those who experience it, as well as negative impacts on the community as a whole.

Various patterns with words associated with how to deal with racism

Hobart Respects All messages

The campaign was a call to action to stand against racist behaviour. Practical measures are outlined as follows:

  • As a bystander, you can send a clear message that racist behaviour is not okay. Depending on the situation, there are lots of ways to help.

Be there

  • Speak to, sit or stand next to the person being harassed to show you support them. You do not have to respond directly to the perpetrator, if that feels safer.

Report it

  • You can report racism or discrimination, wherever it happens, to Equal Opportunity Tasmania via their website.
  • If you're travelling on public transport, call on the driver to assist.
  • If the situation feels threatening, call for police assistance on 131 444. In life threatening or emergency situations call 000.
  • If you wish to remain anonymous you can alternatively call Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 in non-emergency situations.

Call it out

  • If you feel it won't endanger you, tell the person who is being racist that they're out of line. Sometimes they'll back off. Or perhaps they'll reflect on what you've said later.

Use your power

  • If you take action, others may too. You'll never know how much your intervention could mean to someone who's being harassed.

Your contribution matters.

What can you do to help the message of Hobart Respects all?

Offer opportunities

When people are provided opportunities to have the FREEDOM to actively participate economically, socially, at home, at work, in public places and online they feel valued and thrive. Get to know people who are different from you, you might be surprised by what you can learn, and give them opportunities to join in the things that you enjoy about life. For example celebrate culture in your school, home or workplace. Get to know your neighbour. Think about the way you communicate with others.

Join together

When we join together it enables us the time to listen and learn from each other, where we can support or be supported, where we know we can be ourselves and won't be judged. It gives us the time to RESPECT our differences and gives moments to celebrate those things we share in common. For example be the first to say hello. Offer support. Share stories.

Challenge stereotypes

If you hear a sentence that starts with, 'All people…' or 'People like that…', it's probably not true and is often meant to divide rather than unite. Challenging stereotypes takes a conscious effort. Humans are complex social beings and categorising people is one way that helps us navigate our world. However if we recognise that stereotyping can be a discriminatory way of categorising individuals, we can reduce prejudice and improve EQUALITY in our community. For example listen to understand. Be curious. Call it out.

Courageous conversations

Be an ally and afford people the DIGNITY of knowing YOU won't tolerate exclusive behaviour and/or language. Real change happens when we are willing to say something. You could do something in the moment, or find the right time later, just don't let it go. You may never know how much your intervention could mean to someone. If it's not safe to say something you can always show support by speaking to or sit or stand next to the person being targeted. For example speak out. Report it. Use your power to create change.

  • You can report racism or discrimination, wherever it happens, to Equal Opportunity Tasmania via their website.
  • If you're travelling on public transport, call on the driver to assist.
  • If the situation feels threatening, call for police assistance on 131 444. In life threatening or emergency situations call 000.
  • If you wish to remain anonymous you can alternatively call Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 in non-emergency situations.
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