“Working for The Body Shop should not just be selling bars of soap, but working for the community, lobbying for social change, campaigning for the environment… working in fact, for the greater good” - Anita Roddick
Each and every one of The Body Shop stores should be congratulated on their level of commitment and their ongoing effort to ensure the success of this campaign. The National result for week 1 of the Respect campaign is incredibly close to target which is just FANTASTIC. It is so important with this campaign that we never underestimate the power of discussion, even if it does not result in a signature from some of our customers. We have a target of 20,000 signatures for ANTaR and as the results show we are on track to achieve this. But this campaign is not just about signatures, it is about raising awareness and education across the board. If we think about every individuals circle of influence, if just a handful of people leave our stores and tell one other person about this campaign… Keep up the great work, I have every confidence we can reach the 20,000 signature target, with so many more people educated along the way.
The Glen Store - Rachel Byrne & Alice Johnson (Left to Right).
Forest Hill Store - Steph Jacobs.
Steph's modelling our special Respect campaign t-shirts. Available to you now for $36 from the ANTaR online shop. Woo hoo!! You're guarenteed to appear 29% better looking wearing it! Get it now!
This blog post was written on the land of the Wurundjeri people.
Something we've started doing is acknowledging and respecting the traditional land owners our offices and stores are located on. It fits in perfectly with our new campaign with ANTaR to foster greater respect between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.
To tell you the truth it wasn't the easiest thing in the world to find out. There are still some areas which have contested ownership. There's not one magic website to go to or phone number to call. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
I wish someone *out there* created a website of Indigenous countries (see how many there are by clicking on the map !) that you can find just by inputting your postcode. That would make acknowledging our traditional land owners so much more accessible.
But now it's done and out in stores and actually it wasn't that hard... it would be a simple way for other organisations, schools, businesses or even homes to show their respect to the traditional owners of the land. In a small way it makes me feel more connected to Australia and its long history.
If you'd like help finding out who the traditional owners of your land are, I recommend asking ANTaR for help. They can even make a nice metal plaque for you.
A secret to the success of our ANTaR Respect campaign (which from all reports is going great guns in-stores right now) is Chloe Banicevic, a casual staffer at our Parramatta store (pictured right).
Chloe also happens to be an Advertising Award School graduate. She volunteered her creative services to help our Values Partners develop their The Body Shop campaigns after she saw the great job WSPA's Ad Agency did for the Make Yourself Beautiful campaign.
ANTaR greatly benefited from Chloe's insider information and advertising savvy. Chloe actually came up with the sassy social tag line: "The best skin treatment doesn't come in a bottle" displayed on the poster and postcard as well as "The best skin treatment is free" line which is printed on the t-shirts.
Chloe said in her first email:
"I would love to put my passion and store /values knowledge to further use. I would love to use my creative advertising skills for the company that has changed the way I look at the world."
It's over a year since our Government said it was 'sorry' for human rights abuses committed on the stolen generation of first Australians.
It was more than a word. For me it was an enabler. A symbol that we are ready to start healing a massive gulf between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
...Today’s apology, however inadequate, is aimed at righting past wrongs. It is also aimed at building a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians—a bridge based on a real respect rather than a thinly veiled contempt. Our challenge for the future is now to cross that bridge and, in so doing, embrace a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians...
It’s up to us now, as individuals, to bridge the gap. A gap represented by inequality in health, a 17 year difference in life expectancy, poor education, housing, standard of living and lack of career opportunities.
So that's why together with ANTaR we're proud to be launching the Respect campaign today in The Body Shop stores and online at the ANTaR website.
What we are trying to achieve?
Achieving equality and addressing the disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is the single most important social challenge in Australia today. This is recognised both nationally and internationally at the United Nations level. Many people perceive the current condition of Indigenous people in Australia as a stain on our country’s reputation internationally.
Although to be addressed these issues require additional funding and policy change, the underlying problem that can be and must be addressed by us as individuals is the lack of understanding and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Better engagement, understanding and mutual respect is what we are trying to achieve through this campaign.
We are also thrilled to be able to promote positive images of Aboriginal people.
Campaign Target:
We aim to get more than 20,000 Non-Indigenous Australians signed up in-store to receive emails on how to show respect to Indigenous Australians. The four steps are:
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, read about how you can support non-Indigenous Australians show respect to Indigenous Australians: click here.
If you're simply curious about this campaign, read the finer details, including information about the launch.
So if someone asks you: "What's the next step after 'Sorry'"? Tell them: "Respect!"
If you're on Facebook become a fan of the Respect campaign!
Indulge on your own terms. Whether it's fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market, or a pint of Häagen Dazs Vanilla Fudge ice cream or loving your body is also about loving your taste buds every once in a while.
Stretch your mind and body. Yoga—gentle yoga that encompasses relaxation and a healthy lifestyle, as well as meditative yoga—can bring one to the consciousness of their unique inner being. Yoga can rejuvenate the mind and body and teach us how to care for ourselves.
Read. It can be a source of entertainment, a way to catch up on current events or an educational tool. Several books have been published on loving your body—get some new ideas!
Throw a private party. It worked for India.Arie and it can work for you too. Take a day for yourself and yourself only. Turn off your cell and log out of your instant messenger. Just spend the day looking in the mirror and exploring your body. Once the celebration is over you'll realize that you learn something new everyday.
Laugh out Loud. This isn't just an Internet acronym spelled out. It's an action that will do your body some good. Don't be afraid to show the world your smile. It's contagious.
Have safe sex. Loving our bodies is about keeping them healthy and free from diseases. And besides, there's nothing like getting a two for one on Love Your Body Day.
Spend time with your family. Whether it's a pet or partner, your spouse or a sibling, quality time is a must-have in nurturing relationships which in turn nurture and love your body.
Listen to positive music. Developing a theme song can do wonders for your body esteem and your overall outlook.
Develop a creative outlet. Everyone needs a medium to express daily stress and frustrations constructively. Maybe you're a photographer, writer, poet or all three. Maybe you can knit, make shapes out of clay or finger paint. Loving your body is also about loving your mind.
My name is Paddy Hart. I was one of Australia’s last whaling captains before the industry was shut down in 1978. I spent 18 years hunting sperm whales in WA. Then Greenpeace came along. They helped end whaling in Australia. They would get out in boats and annoy us. But their most effective method was telling millions of Australians about the whale hunt. Along with other environment groups, they turned the tide of public opinion against whaling and that’s when whaling stopped in Australia.
Greenpeace has 30 years experience shutting down whaling operations around the world. I recently went to Japan to see what they are doing there. The Japanese government is stubborn but the experience of Greenpeace will win out if they can keep their campaign going.
Help Greenpeace save whales There's no humane way to kill a whale, speaking from experience as a whale gunner. The harpoon causes massive internal bleeding but death comes slowly and it is agony. We killed whales for their blubber – to make lubricating motor oil. Now the oil is made synthetically.
There is life after whaling – and more money to be made from whale watching than killing whales. I have sympathy for the whalers in one sense because I've been in that situation. But, if whaling stops, they'll find something else to do, like we did.
When I was in Japan with Greenpeace, I talked to people from the media, the public and the whaling industry. People think the Japanese support their government’s whaling program but I found out that’s not true. Most of them don’t even know the government spends their taxes and loses money on whaling. I helped get these issues in the news, so Japanese people know what’s going on. Greenpeace is working hard on the ground in Japan – and they’re getting results. Japanese people are speaking out against whaling for the first time. The whaling industry is becoming an embarrassment. The pressure will force the Japanese government to ground the whaling fleet forever.
The world has changed a lot since I was a whaler. Whale watching is now a $300 million industry in Australia. It's taken 40 years for the whales to come to trust us and let the boats come close to see them. If whalers start shooting humpbacks, we've lost that trust and that industry, and our grandchildren will never see a whale. I saw first hand how Greenpeace helped stopped whaling in Australia. And I’ve seen how they will end the Japanese government’s whaling. Thanks for supporting Greenpeace to end whaling today, Paddy Hart.
PS. As an ex-whaler, I can say whaling no longer has a place in the world. Whale protection is the way to go and I’m honoured to help Greenpeace end whaling.
By Sabrina Oliver - Assistant Manager, The Body Shop Westlakes (SA)
It was a three month lead up and I was ready and so excited to be off on what I knew would be a life changing experience. I met Megan and Libby at the airport, they had flown from Melbourne to Adelaide and we were then off to Darwin to meet Ben and get to know each other. We spent the day and night in Darwin, which was absolutely beautiful and it was a great opportunity to get to know each other by the pool. We instantly felt like we had known each other for ages, we were all doing this for similar reasons and all share the same passion and self less attitude to put ourselves out of our comfort zone.
The following morning was a 4am start and we were off to Dili. We had already talked about what we wanted to get out of the trip and that was mainly to get some perspective, some personal growth and to have a challenge. We arrived in Dili and were welcomed with a big hug by Kerry and Jo, we couldn't have asked for greater co-ordinators. We instantly saw a huge difference and a big culture shock, you can tell what a poor country it is and Kerry gave us a brief history of East Timor and pointed out significant buildings. It was a six hour drive to Viqueque with a quick lunch stop in Baucau, the first of PLENTY mee goreng meals. When we arrived there were kids all out the front of what would be our home for the next ten days, which is directly opposite the CFS (child friendly space). They were so excited to see the "malae" (foreigners) and we were equally as excited to see their beautiful, friendly and smiling faces.
The next day after a well needed sleep and to be awoken by the roosters we went for our first kindergarten session at the CFS and the children instantly loved us. Without judging, without verbal conversation (due to the language difference) they accepted us and were so excited to play with us. In the afternoon children of all ages can come to the centre and play games and participate in activities that the volunteers have organised.
One day we had 250 kids there, it was so amazing. They love it, that it is a safe place they can come and have fun. Some people walk an hour or two just to come to the centre everyday, its truly mind blowing. There is also an art and English class that runs in the afternoon and one day I sat in on the English class which there was about 15-20 people aged 15+ and they were all so motivated and enthusiastic about learning. Due to the poverty you are lucky if you receive an education and the lucky ones that do don't take it for granted.
One of the boys, Domingos is 26 years old and we were privileged to hear his story. He is married and had two children, one of which has died (which is not uncommon) and he attends the English class everyday after his job to better himself and his families life. On day four we were starting to feel like we belonged in Viqueque, the kids started to recognise us, we were learning the kindy songs (in Tetun), we were picking up some of the language, mainly just saying good morning, good afternoon and good evening to everyone and how to ask "how much?" at the markets. We were all definitely loving the Timor life, so laid back and friendly and connecting with our inner child. It was surprisingly easy to communicate with the kids, language didn't even feel like a barrier. To play, to have fun, to smile, to laugh and be friends is universal, it does not need a spoken language just an understanding and connection.
By day five and six we were already feeling how sad it was going to be to have to leave, to never see these friends we had made again, to go back to our privileged life. One big culture shock was the animals. There are dogs, roosters, chickens, goats, pigs walking around everywhere. The majority of the dogs and horses that you see are badly malnourished, there are live chickens tied by their feet at the markets to be sold and everyday at 6pm there is cock fighting. It is a sad way of life for all of the animals but due to the poverty there is not enough food for the people, let alone excess to feed the animals.
East Timor is a very economically poor country but so rich in spirit, friendliness, kindness, generosity, creativity and family. It made me realise what is really important in life and what is just time wasting. Everyday I think about this experience and I know I will never forget it and the few special people that have touched my heart. I have already changed so much in my life since I have been back and try to be grateful everyday for my family, my home, clean water, nutritious good and having a great job.
I am constantly thinking of new ideas of how I could raise funds for the centre, so the children can basic human needs like clean water and food. I have been communicating my story to lots of customers, my friends, family and am hoping to speak in some school assemblies and community groups. I want to thank The Body Shop, Children on the Edge, Kerry, Jo and Rudy, the other volunteers and everyone who helped me with my fundraising and encourage everyone to apply and get out there and see the world. One thing that Kerry said on the first day on the six hour drive to Viqueque still resonates with me today, that is "Wealth is not about what you have, but what you give back."
By Lidia Franco, Manager The Body Shop - Pacific Fair.
I'm sending through a little bit of values action from Pacific Fair. We currently have two Values Coordinators in store; Carly Blaik (Pictured Right) and Catherine Lewis (Pictured Left).
I wanted to celebrate their passion and bring it to your attention..
At a previous team meeting Carly announced a drive happening with the local Gold Coast City Council. This drive encourages the community to donate items that will be displayed over a few nights at a local centre. It's an evening where the homeless have access to all these items and take what they need, no charge and no questions asked. As a team we collected a giant box full of items including t-shirts, food, socks, clothing and books.
As a team full of animal lovers, we decided to turn our passion to action and collect/donate some goods to the Animal Welfare League going towards pets affected by the Victorian Bush Fires. We felt they would love some toys, pet food and bowls and our Values Coordinator Catherine dropped these off a few weeks ago.
These mini-values actions we do as a team maintains our perspective on the bigger picture. We feel our little bit of action helps those in our local circle.
By Emma Smith - The Body Shop - Murray Street store (WA)
I have taken an interest in the upcomming Body Shop Stop Sex Trafficking of Children & Young People campaign. I trawled my local libraries to find information and came across a book that is extremely informative and eye-opening:
"Sex Trafficking: The Inside Business of Modern Slavery" by Siddharth Kara explains the business side of sex trafficking as well as the extent of suffering that slaves in different countries endure. If you have not already read it, I highly recommend this book.
Watch this video of the Author, Siddharth talking about his book.
Here's my interview with Stir Editor Nigel Preston. It will be shown during Stir Sessions in Adelaide and Brisbane to hopefully give some insights to young activists who want to fight poverty particularly through campaigns like Don't Trade Lives.
Below is another taped interview for the Stir Session by the Vision Generation (World Vision's Youth Movement) President Alana Smith conducted with the Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, the Hon Kate Ellis. At the 3:32 minute mark of the video she says:
"The Australian Government is committed towards not entering commercial arrangements with companies we know have a history of exploiting it's workers"
This is a great reveal uncovered by Alana. It is also a great insight into how your advocacy and ethical consumer is making an impact on our politicians! Ethical supply-line management is something I'm really interested in. Some policies of The Body Shop that ensure our products are resourced ethically include our Ban on Animal Testing, minimum human rights standards for our suppliers including not using child labour and a commitment to supporting Community Trade initiatives around the world.
Fairtrade Fortnight starts tomorrow and according to the Fairtrade Assoc of Australia and New Zealand (FLANZ), support of Fairtrade Certified and Labelled products has grown strongly for the fifth consecutive year with 2008 retail figures exceeding $23 million.
“Every dollar Aussie shoppers spend on Fairtrade products helps create a better future for developing country producers, their families and communities. It’s giving them the chance to take control of their lives, grow and develop their businesses, send their kids to school, build roads, and access better health care,” said FLANZ Operations Manager Cameron Neil.
Simply visit your local supermarket between 20 April - 24 May 2009, find all the FAIRTRADE Labelled products you can, then download the Checkout Fairtrade postcard, fill it out and then send it back to the address provided, or you can enter your results online – vote now & win!
The entry with the best idea for making Aussie supermarkets more Fairtrade friendly will win a fantastic Fairtrade prize pack valued at $2000. The Body Shop is proud to have pioneered the first Fairtrade program in the bath & beauty industry. Over half of our products contain ingredients that are what we call "Community Traded".
The list of communities around the world we're helping to help themselves is continuing to grow. Community Traded Organic Coconut Oil is the latest ingredient to be sourced fairly from the Women in Business Development Inc - Samoa. There is also top secret news (that you didn't read here) that The Body Shop fragrances are also going fairtrade soon with a new supplier of Community Trade alcohol in Ecuador!
“Activism isn’t listed on The Body Shop labels as an ingredient, but it is there as surely as the bergamot and hemp oil. The campaigning we do is in our hearts and it is what we want to do.”~ The Body Shop Founder Dame Anita Roddick
We hope The Body Shop Activist, inspires you to change your heart. Our planet is in crisis. There are justice issues in our community deserving your immediate attention, skills and energy. Pick an issue you care about. Speak out about it. Do something. Anything! Every person has the power to make a difference. It's more than just rhetoric, as you'll read on this blog, The Body Shop has proven it's not hard to make profit with principles. Best of luck! ~ The Activist's Contributors
A Reverse Birthday
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So.
It's my birthday today!
38 years young and loving life every day.
I have no super duper plans except brunch with family, cuddles with the
kitties an...
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Walking home the other day, I was struck by some ads for a photo exhibit now
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KWINANA POLITICIANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST LIVE EXPORTS
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Roger Cook, MLA for Kwinana in Western Australia was recently quoted as
calling Australia's live sheep export trade "abhorrent".
Said Mr Cook, “I have a c...
By Deb Baxter - The Body Shop
