Giving...

Of Princes...

2011-12-26T19:28:00.000+11:00

When I was a kid I couldn't wait to grow up. I was so tired of not being taken seriously, so fed up with having my questions and concerns passed off as just the cute ramblings or interests of a child.

I kept telling myself how wonderful it must be to be an adult, to be respected and be able to make your own decisions.

Not even my love for the Little Prince could convince me otherwise.

Now that I'm a grown man, I wish I could tell the younger me to not be so anxious.

Responsibility isn't without heartache, without challenges, without pain.

It's been an incredible year, as always. I'm sure this is far from the last post this month, and hopefully will make up for the vast gap in thought in the latter half of this year. I try to take stock of my life around this time every year, and although the blessings are so very many, the greatest of which is right beside me, playing solitaire at 4 in the morning as usual, there have been so many moments which test every particle of my being.

This week, flash flooding in southern Philippines swept through Cayagan De Oro and Iligan cities on Mindanao Island, leaving more than 4957 people dead and at least 1,582 injured. Typhoon Sendong (also referred to as Typhoon Washi), struck over the weekend, sweeping entire villages away and leaving tens of thousands of people homeless.

About 10,345 homes have been partially damaged or completely destroyed by floodwaters. In Cagayan de Oro, four schools were found completely submerged in water, and in Caraga, communities suffered loss of livestock, fisheries, and crops. Overall, about eight cities in 13 provinces were severely affected by the storm.

It's impossible to avoid being taken back to Cyclone Sidr... in the past 48 hours I've been negotiating and arranging for funds, medical supplies, building supplies, clothing and toys to be sent to the area so that our brothers, themselves trying so valiantly to deal with destroyed homes and a headquarters deep under water, can do what they can to help those around them recover and rebuild...

It hurts.

It's taking every ounce of self-control to not hop on a flight to join Brian there right now, particularly as the messages and emails are now rolling in asking when I'll be there... for all of the anguish and trauma Sidr left on me, I'm so very hurt that Brian is now experiencing this tragedy for himself.

I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone, least of all my family.

...and there goes 2 days of being lost in memories of those days. I just can't seem to shake them. Not sure I want to...

There's just so much to be done, and so little time to do it...

Sound familiar?

Wuddup Brian, so proud of you right now... so heartbroken you had to experience this.

And If You Come From Under That Water...

2011-12-26T19:12:00.000+11:00

...and there's fresh air, just breathe, God's got a blessing to spare...

Rest In Peace.

Ted...

2011-10-26T09:42:00.000+11:00

My first Ted talk...

All The Words That Matter...

2011-10-18T16:48:00.000+11:00

Lending A Hand...

2011-08-15T11:13:00.000+10:00

http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/a-helping-hand-benefits-everyone/

"Our volunteer programs teach us how and remind us why we continue to give, both at home and abroad.

They give us perspective, give us context, teach us how best to help others, and in the process help ourselves.

They send the message to the outside world that we care enough to send our young people, our experts, our passionate game-changers to some of the most demanding places on earth, knowing that our best and brightest demand that the values and principles of equality and justice and human rights, which come so naturally to Australians, are rightfully inherited by all around us."

3 Thousand Words...

2011-07-08T10:10:00.000+10:00

Opportunity...

2011-06-22T14:06:00.004+10:00

For as long as I can remember I've been talking about opportunities. Opportunities are everywhere, yet as a general rule w rarely seize them, or at the very least even identify them. I speak of opportunities to kids, reminding them of their duty to chase those opportunities, make of them what they will, exploit and use and learn from and grow through those opportunities every chance they get, I speak to adults of recognising the opportunities they so readily walk by every day; opportunities to learn and live and create and help others...

Just last week I was privileged enough to see how free opportunities can be, by speaking at and participating in the Outward Bound National Aspiring Leaders conference.

What struck me then, and what continues to strike and effect me every day, is the awareness of young people to the things that just aren't good enough. We're talking about kids from extremely hard backgrounds, kids who shouldn't have been through all that they have in their young lives... yet they they were, conscious not only of their story, but also of the hardships being faced around them. I watched as these amazing young men and women were overcome with emotion that their friends were addicted to alcohol and drugs, were living on the streets, were being bullied and assaulted... More than their tears, more than the pain they so obviously felt at the social circumstances in which they lived, I was taken aback by their compassion, their extraordinary capacity to care, in spite of all their heartbreak and pain, for the people around them.

In spite of everything, these young adults were looking for and creating opportunities for themselves and those around them.

Maybe it's because of M, maybe it's because of AJ, maybe it's because of both of them that I was so struck by how amazing the young women at this summit were... There was the young women determined to provide breakfast for her schoolmates, because some kids couldn't afford to eat and their work suffered as a result. There was a young woman who wanted to use sport to bring together young people and overcome social barriers (sound familiar?). There was a young woman impassioned enough to speak on behalf of tormented animals, and promise to run an education campaign to teach other young people how to handle and approach animals. There was a young woman determined to provide an alternative to her indigenous friends besides alcohol and a life of crime...

Only a few days later I was blessed to be able to visit my gorgeous god-daughter. There's nothing but opportunity ahead of her, and I couldn't help but pray that she would grow up to always look for opportunities, the same way those wonderful young men and women had.

My life is ridiculously difficult and challenging at times, to the point where i can't really see how the Sun is going to rise the next day, yet there they are, these rays of light, peeking out from behind the mountains of pain and struggle and unfortunate circumstance, reminding me that just as surely as the Sun does rise, change will come.

Oh yes it will.

Cardboard and Cold Floors...

2011-06-16T11:12:00.000+10:00

Tonight is the CEO Sleepout, and I've been asked a few times why I'm not taking part in it this year... 2 reasons; firstly, because part of the goal of the sleepeout is to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness, and as it's a passionate issue for me, I know my time and efforts can be put to other uses in this field. Secondly, so many of my friends and acquaintances are involved that I find I'm encouraging donations to so many others who are doing it for the first time.

The CEO Sleepout is an incredibly fantastic way of both raising awareness and raising funds, and I can't praise the St Vincent De Paul Society enough for both this event and the tremendous work they do every night of the week.

For our part, the Big Bang Ballers will continue to run camps and day-sessions for at-risk and homeless kids in the region, in partnership with St Vinnie's, and we wish all the CEO's tonight a great experience and hopefully not too much freezing wind.

Personally, I'm tilting my hat at Philip Jones and Patrick Pentony, both first timers, who will be braving the weather tonight.

Over the last year of campaigning on the issue, I'm often faced with shock when I quote the figures of homelessness in Australia, as though people can't quite understand how homelessness exists in our Lucky Country... I share that shock, each and every day. It's not good enough that this problem exists. For the stats, click here.

A quarter of Australia’s homeless are children; that’s almost one in four homeless people under 18. Of every 42 Australian children under four, one has experienced homelessness.Every day, half the people who request immediate accommodation from the homeless service system are turned away, staggering when you consider 12,300 on an average day will be accommodated in services funded by the Government’s Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). Two in every 3 children who need support are also turned away, as are almost 80% percent of families. The Indigenous population is facing even worse statistics. While Indigenous Australians comprise 2.4 percent of the population, they represent 10 percent of the homeless.

Sorry Day...

2011-05-26T17:13:00.000+10:00

Not good enough.

• 29% of young Indigenous Australians are NOT earning or learning compared to 9% of non-Indigenous young people.
• Indigenous children under 5 are more likely to die than non Indigenous children to preventable childhood diseases.
• While Indigenous Australians comprise 2.4 percent of the population, they represent 10 percent of the homeless in Australia.

Not anywhere near good enough.

Thank you, Ngunnawal people, for allowing me the privilege to live on your land.

Quote me...

2011-05-26T16:03:00.000+10:00

Dear AAP; "dubiously-named but well-intentioned"? Really?

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8253872/rudd-launches-new-volunteer-program

Thanks guys... good thing I have a sense of humour!

Speech at launch of Australian Volunteers for International Development

2011-05-26T14:22:00.005+10:00

26 May 2011, Parliament House

Walking into a room full of Australian volunteers preparing for deployment is a great lesson in tempering preconceptions and avoiding stereotypes. It’s easy to imagine all volunteers being of the same ilk; ultra-progressive, left wing, vegetarian… I am joking of course, but I do note that several of you nodded in agreement as I said that. I admit that I had that image firmly planted in my head as I walked in to my first briefing session, wondering frantically if I would fit in with the group that was already there.

Here’s the extraordinary, powerful side of Australian culture that too often goes unnoticed by even our own people. Lending a hand to one’s neighbor isn’t a chore, a monumental gathering of effort. For Australians, it’s just a part of who we are. In that room and in so many rooms I have been in since that moment, I was privileged to be swept away by the diversity of people representing their country, representing my country, who were prepared and willing to give their time, their efforts, their particular expertise for the benefit of our international neighbours.

In my intake alone there were bankers, archeologists, public servants, professionals, lawyers, uni students, tradesmen, surfers, cricketers, nurses, therapists, the list goes on and on…

It is a testament to the strength of our collective character that not only do Australians from all walks of life, all backgrounds and cultures, political, social and religious leanings, constantly and continuously raise their hands to give of themselves to the people and places that need them the most, but that also successive governments, themselves of varying political and social leanings, continue to value and support and fund volunteer programs so that we can help where help is most needed.

The benefits extend back home as well.

Sending motivated, driven, talented Australians overseas to places and situations which may be lacking resources, expertise, corporate knowledge or certain skills is a three pronged fork; firstly, it directly benefits the host organization, providing them with the skills they require to both build the capacity of existing staff as well as make use of the new talents brought by the volunteer.

Secondly, as in many cases the volunteer is the first contact with an Australian many people have, it is a wonderful form of ambassadorship for our own country. Preconceptions and even misconceptions go both ways, and too often it is too easy for the outside world to prejudge us and our country based on stereotypes, some positive and some unfortunately negative. In my experience, the sight of Australian Volunteers, so clearly diverse in both background and skill, is an incredibly positive reflection of our multicultural, multi-talented community.

Finally, thankfully, it is also a great motivator for those who volunteer, with Australia directly reaping the benefits. Former volunteers have used their experiences and lessons learnt while on assignment to return to Australia and form local and international charities, increase their community involvement, give back by joining, running and even leading community and social organizations whose sole purpose is the betterment and success of our own society.

I am a proud returned volunteer. Proud of my experience but more so proud that my country places such importance on the worth of such programs, that we take the chance to send Australians far and wide to help and to learn from other people and cultures. Proud to bring my experiences, successes and failures back home and use that combined knowledge to continue my involvement with both international development and local community development.

For most of us, we leave the country doe-eyed and eternally optimistic, assured, regardless of any warnings given to us prior to departure that we will inevitably change the world with one fell swoop. The reality is of course far less poetic and glamorous than that, however we come back with far more than dreams, and far beyond skepticism. We come back with experience, tangible, real world experience of what it takes to live and work in a developing country, hands on experience of the difficulties and issues around international development, in most cases a renewed optimism of the possibilities and power of cooperative work. While we may have left home believing the world needs saving, it quickly becomes apparent that even those of us whose focus has long been beyond our own borders, misconceptions and preconceptions inevitably form over the course of a lifetime. By living and working amongst people of other cultures, those social barriers quickly fall, and our own perceptions of the world are changed, sometimes subtly and sometimes in great strokes. At the very least, the experience reinforces just how right they were to call this the Lucky Country
.

On the other end of the scale, they serve to inspire a lifelong commitment to our home.

I spent a lifetime wanting to do more, be more, help more. In 2007 I was fortunate enough to be assigned to Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh. From creating a marketing and fundraising platform to Program Evaluation to the development of Habitat Bangladesh’s first disaster rehabilitation program, I immersed himself in Bangladeshi language and culture, and helped revamp the Resource Development Department of the organisation. In the process, although I couldn’t foresee how far it would go at the time, I helped start my organization, the Big Bang Ballers, which uses the game of basketball to fight youth poverty and social disadvantage around the world.

Being a volunteer not only allowed me to help those in developing countries, it gave me the experiences to realize how much could be done right here in Australia, how much need, more than ever, there is for helping hands right here.

See the criticisms we sometimes hear about spending money and time to send aid and people overseas aren’t unreasonable. As lucky as we are, as blessed as we are, there are plenty of things we can improve, plenty of situations in which our experiences in the developing world serve to contribute to the betterment of our own country. We learn so much about not only how to deal with and solve problems overseas, but also to bring those skills back to Australia and apply them here.

Returned volunteers are now working with Generation One, the Red Cross, local and federal government departments, committed, motivated, inspired to help solve the problems here at home just as much as they are to eliminating poverty overseas.

I have a confession to make. I lied before about losing that doe-eyed optimism. It never leaves you, it just becomes more focused.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, said Sir Winston Churchill.

Our volunteer programs teach us how and remind us why we continue to give, both at home and abroad.

They give us perspective, give us context, teach us how best to help others, and in the process help ourselves.

They send the message to the outside world that we care enough to send our young people, our experts, our passionate game-changers to some of the most demanding places on earth, knowing that our best and brightest demand that the values and principles of equality and justice and human rights, which come so naturally to Australians, are rightfully inherited by all around us.

What could make us prouder to be Australians.

Thank you.

Capital Kids, Capital Leaders 2011...

2011-05-24T18:57:00.002+10:00

Q & A...

2011-05-19T16:21:00.000+10:00

From an interview for a student paper...

Describe what your upbringing was like- e.g. the environment you grew up in, whether or not you have a religious background, were you taught certain morals, etc.

I was born in war-time Iran in 1982, the son of an Iranian mother and a Norwegian father. Raised in a household of UN Diplomats, I was exposed at an early age to the harsh realities of war and poverty. At the same time my parents ensured I saw the incredible resilience and strength of the human spirit, from the Afghan refugees taking shelter on the Iran-Iraq border, to the incredible generosity and openness of Albanian refugees struggling to make a living in modern Greece, still proud, still at peace.

I grew up in a mixed-religion, mixed-culture environment. My father was an extremely spiritual man, devoted to his faith yet unattached to the institution that had grown around it. My mother had come from a religious household, yet shared my father’s disinterest in traditional institutions. I was fortunate to be allowed therefore to choose my own path, guided and not forced to find my own beliefs and faith. Along the way both parents made the effort to instill what they saw as the basic tenants of morality and human rights, unsurprising considering their line of work.

Having been brought up around the world, along the way picking up an American accent, a French name, a Fijian disposition and a love of all languages, not to mention a European appreciation of food, my mom and I eventually settled in Australia after the untimely passing of my dad.

In spite of having spent the majority of my academic career in French-language schools, I eventually established himself at Canberra Boys Grammar, diving into all the options presented to me and taking advantage of every opportunity to expand my understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

I then attended the University of Canberra, studying both Law and Journalism, where in 2003 was named the President of the Isaacs Law Society. In 2005, I received a scholarship to attend the University of Georgia, USA, where I was the 1st undergraduate student admitted into the prestigious UGA School of Law. My concentration was international civil, criminal and human rights law, presenting a paper on the scope, function and jurisdiction of international law on sovereign states.

On completion of my semester at UGA, I was accepted into the Cornell University International Comparative Law Program at Universite Paris-I Sorbonne in Paris, France.

On return to Australia, I completed my Journalism degree, and began full-time employment as the Legislation Officer for the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing in Canberra, while continuing my legal studies.

In 2007, I was accepted as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, and spent the next year working with Habitat for Humanity International, Bangladesh. From creating a marketing and fundraising platform to Program Evaluation to the development of Habitat Bangladesh’s first disaster rehabilitation program, I immersed himself in Bangladeshi language and culture, and successfully helped revamp the Resource Development Department of the organisation, ensuring the future sustainability of the program.

Do you have any role models/influences?

I’ve always been influenced by people who are not only great thinkers and doers, but great speakers as well. There are so many wonderful people doing great work in the world, and those who can at the same time inspire others have always held a fascination for me.

My father was always a big mentor. He held a high position in a stressful job with the United Nations, often working 7 days a week, coordinating and concerned for staff and clients across South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, yet he was ALWAYS home for dinner, and he ALWAYS made time to discuss the day’s current events with me. From him I learned that leadership is not about telling others what to do; it’s about caring about and for others enough that you think nothing of sacrificing your time and energy to ensure they are looked after. He would speak to me like I was a grown up, ask my opinions on things and really listen to my responses. His patience and passion are what I try to use most in my leadership style.

My mother to this day mentors me on taking initiative, not accepting the status quo and working hard to ensure everyone around you stays motivated. It’s the biggest reason why we are now Partners in Johannessen Legal.

I am a passionate follower of Bill Clinton, for the work he is doing with Clinton Initiative, Jay-Z, for changing not only the music industry but also breaking down barriers no one thought possible, and expanding an empire built on pure hustle. I am awe-inspired by Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jnr, blow away by the Dalai Lama and constantly inspired by President Obama. The generosity and focus of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, the sense of duty and purpose of Generals Petreus and Powell, the strength of character of Lincoln and Franklin, Roosevelt and Churchill, the overwhelming perseverance of Gandhi, Emerson and Armstrong, these are all people who inspire and motivate me on a daily basis.

Describe the work environment or culture in which you are most productive and happy

I love being challenged. I need to be questioned and tested and have my back to the wall to be at my best, so I try to surround myself with the best and the brightest so that my own skills, knowledge and dedication is constantly reviewed and renewed.

Describe your role as CEO.

My position as CEO of Big Bang Ballers involves 5 core activities:

1. Board Administration and Support -- Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff, and supporting Board's evaluation of chief executive
2. Program, Product and Service Delivery -- Oversees design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs

3. Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management -- Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations
4. Human Resource Management -- Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations
5. Community and Public Relations -- Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders and potential donors and volunteers
6. Fundraising -- Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and documentation

Of course being part of a small, young, energetic not for profit means I’m hands-on in every aspect of the organization, including delivery of our programs as well as being the face of our programs.

Why did you want to start BBB? Are there any factors that influenced this (e.g. your upbringing, etc)?

It was while on the AYAD assignment, through the weathering of a devastating cyclone and the pressures of the position, that “The Original 4”, including myself, created the Big Bang Ballers.

From just a team to a squad to a registered NGO, the Big Bangs grew from 4 boys playing basketball to a worldwide organisation using basketball to fight youth poverty and social disadvantage.

It all began on a dusty basketball court in Bangladesh.

I’ve always felt as though I’m not doing enough, as if there is so much more to give, and so little time to do so. My friends joke that I never sleep; not so funny when it’s the truth.

I always wanted to work in International Development, since as far back as I can remember. I can still see myself sitting across from my father in his office, a giant oak desk between us, papers and files strung about, staff rushing in and out, my dad dealing with the latest refugee crisis to hit. He was the Regional Representative for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at a time when internally displaced people around the world seemed an unfortunate norm; with major wars on every continent, it seemed an unending dilemma.

I sat across from him, in a small leather chair, my Asterix comic in one hand, in French of course, a sandwich in the other. My dad looked up from his papers, stood up, came around the desk, ruffled my hair, checked which one I was reading then went back to work.

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. He never once made me doubt his dedication to his work, his family, his dedication to me.

How can you not want to follow in those footsteps?

My father passed away 11 days after my 12th birthday, and I found myself thinking more and more of him while in Bangladesh. After his passing I turned to basketball to keep my strength; I played every waking moment I could, losing myself in the game and the situations.

Now I found myself in one of the poorest countries on earth, one least able to help itself, which had just been hit by the worst cyclone in 3 decades. On visiting the worst affected areas, I found myself at times so overwhelmed by the pain and destruction, the loss and helplessness felt by ordinary people that all I could do was force myself to think of those days in Greece, when a court, a ball and a basket were all it took to get me through the hurt.

I found myself getting even less sleep, if that was possible, and working even harder to try to secure funding to rebuild homes and villages, campaigning as if my life depended on it to draw attention and support to that part of the world, debated and argued and yelled at and cursed so many different heads of mission and government officials for never implementing preventative measures so this could never happen again…

One night in Dhaka, when it all got too much, I ran into someone who told me of a basketball court… I had found a court in my 1st week in the country, thanks to another Australian, but had found no ballers, no games. I hesitantly made my way to this place, this dusty, downtrodden, cracked court with no lights, no lines, no shelter… and found my family.

I met a Bangladeshi kid who had played for the national team.

I met a Frenchman working for a telecommunications company.

Another Frenchman, working for the French Economic Mission, moved in across the hall from me.

These 3 became my team, my outlet.

After playing with locals for a couple of weeks we knew there was huge demand for a tournament; knowing the only way we could really compete was to do it ourselves, we organised “Hoops for Habitat”, a charity tournament to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. We were told we couldn’t secure a court; we ended up convincing the International School, Dhaka to lend us theirs. We were told no foreigners would come; we had 12 teams full of embassy and company staff participate. We were told no locals would come; we had 14 teams made up of locals from all parts of town, people who traditionally never mingled. We were told no females would come, not in that culture; 4 teams solely of girls showed up, ready to play.

Our success that day fuelled our every activity thereafter; we coached teams, created tournaments, sponsored other teams and groups who wanted to run tournaments. We helped the Bangladesh Basketball Federation promote a tournament, we ran camps and clinics at schools and orphanages, all while increasing our volunteer base across the board, from school-kids, both foreign and local, to adults from all walks of life, all different types of communities and cultures… we brought food and clothing and basketballs and school materials to schools and orphanages around the city, along the way creating partnerships and establishing teams in every corner of Dhaka.

Today we work in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Philippines, Australia and Papua New Guinea, expanding our teams, our reach and our activities day by day. We have 11 Board Members, a long list of organisations and individuals wanting to partner with is, and a bright future.

Have there been any obstacles you’ve had to overcome to get BBB where it is today? If so, what, and how did you overcome them?

Starting the Big Bang Ballers has been difficult, wrought with barriers not only in terms of setting up the organization, but also in the development and implementation of our programs. We’ve faced corrupt officials, gangs unwilling to relinquish hold over an area, our kids becoming very sick, programs not working well, if at all, even safety concerns over our volunteers and staff.

We’ve always gotten through the difficult times by relying on each other, by using each other’s expertise and most importantly not allowing the difficulties or frustrations to stop our progress. Our mentality has always been that we can’t change what has happened, so there’s not much benefit to anyone to dwell on what has occurred, nor does it make sense to allow the problem, barrier or difficulty to overwhelm what we’re trying to achieve. The only way to move forward is to take another step, so even though that may be difficult and at times hard to contemplate, the simple fact is that it has to be taken, and no one but us can take that step.

What factor(s) kept you motivated in these situations?

I’m constantly motivated by the end goal. It’s easy to become demotivated and lose sight of what you were trying to achieve, but I’ve found that making the conscious effort to visualize my goal is often the best way to reinvigorate my passion and motivation to get something done. Reading about the people who inspire me, knowing what they have been through and how they deal with difficulties has been a great way to learn how to deal with my own obstacles.

What factor(s) motivate you now?

I have very clear goals, and trying to achieve them keeps me motivated. I’ve found that if we don’t take the time and put in the effort to be honest with ourselves about what we really want, we are then unable to be clear about what are goals are, and as a result the motivation just doesn’t happen. I try to be clear about what I want to achieve, which allows me much more freedom to find the motivation I need to keep going. To be honest, seeing the success of others is also a great motivating factor!

What goals, including career goals, have you set for your life?

Such a huge question! For the Big Bang Ballers, to change the way development is seen in the world, that is to say to shift the focus to the people who need help the most, not on the things that they need. The reach of people is limitless; their capacity for good, their strength of character, their ability to overcome all obstacles are all traits to be developed, to be encouraged. I don’t think we do enough of that in the development industry, so my goal for the Big Bangs is to be both operating in every country on Earth, as well as be leading the change towards self-sufficient, self-reliant international development.

At the end of your work life, what must have been present for you to feel as if you had a successful career?

Simple; healthy, happy kids, all over the world.

Hate or Love...

2011-05-03T10:26:00.001+10:00

It's easy to let hate override humanity.

Much harder to not allow one's demons to shout down the better angels of our soul.

Thank you, Sorkin.

2 Thousand Words...

2011-03-31T16:30:00.002+11:00

Just Fine...

2011-01-02T16:32:00.000+11:00

Some moments catch you by surprise. You neither expect nor anticipate them, and often you're left a little bewildered that they occurred at all.

Those moments often bring with them lessons or messages; they can remind you to be humble, can teach you to be prepared, can drag you to the realisation that you're getting older...

More often than not they reveal a little something about yourself, about the person you are, the character you have, the positions you hold.

The last 2 weeks have been physically, emotionally and at times spiritually quite demanding, replete with those moments. Moments which at times have made me question everything about myself and at others question values of everyone around me.

Yet through this field of moments I could always see my "character", for want of a better description, hovering just overhead, which has made the moments pass easier, more securely. I know it's a sign of growing up, a sign of passing into a new stage in my life, which in and of itself brings new emotions and challenges, but also a sense that though ties may be hard, everything will be just fine.

Trust me.

Talk It Out...

2010-12-15T18:30:00.000+11:00

1 Thousand Words...

2010-12-15T12:39:00.002+11:00

Speech to Belconnen High Presentation Night...

2010-12-15T12:23:00.000+11:00

Last night I spoke at the Belconnen High Presentation Night. There is nothing on earth that compares to the beaming, proud faces of parents seeing their kids walk across that stage and get their awards.

Yeah I got a little emotional, and what?

Go get 'em youngn's, the world needs more people like you.

Speech to Gold Creek High Graduation...

2010-12-15T12:21:00.000+11:00

It’s always such a shock to see young people I know, have taught or have spoken to in formal dresses and elegant suits. It reminds me, it proves to me, that you’re no longer kids.

In so many cases for your parents, your teachers, even your friends that can be a difficult truth to face.

How many of you were late this evening because your parents just had to take a couple of extra pictures of you?

So what can I possibly tell you, impart to you, provide guidance on this evening. This is such a monumentally important night in your high school lives, I’m sure listening to someone else speak is far down on your list of priorities. Especially someone like me who is having such a hard time reconciling just how much more grown up you all are compared to when I was in your position over a decade ago.

I remember sitting at my table with a girl who I’d only plucked up the courage to ask out 24 hours before, barely listening to the speaker because I was so nervous about the formal, about my date, about my friends, about how the night would pan out.

I should have been more worried about how we’d make our way home at the end of the night, but that’s a story for another night.

So what can I tell you, young ladies and gentlemen, young adults who are heading to College or the workforce or overseas or any number of different paths. What of my 28 years can I share with you that has any value.

It’s simple, it’s compact, it’s so effective.

Aim for greatness.

So many people get confused by that statement, so before I explain what I mean let me share what I won’t tell you.

I won’t tell you what to do with your life. While the specifics are always interesting, there is never just one right path or option.

I won’t tell you what your profession should be. What you choose to do in life is never a matter for anyone else to judge or dictate.

I won’t tell you what your opinions should be. Where you end up philosophically is a matter for you and no one else.

I won’t tell you what you should do, what you should think, what you should feel, how you should speak.

I won’t tell you to have the next few years of your life figured out. I certainly didn’t at your age.

I won’t tell you to go to university or not, to become a doctor or a mechanic, a teacher or a musician. I won’t tell you to travel the world or never leave this town.

I won’t talk to you about obstacles in life, because you’ve seen nike and adidas ads far more emotionally eloquent than I can be. I won’t talk to you about dealing with issues such as conflict and drugs and alcohol and depression, since you’re bombarded with images and messages every day, at school, on tv, in magazines, on the internet.

I won’t talk to you about the importance of good grades or making it through university, because the truth is that for so many people, they’re simply not the most important things.

This is the part of the speech where teachers sometimes throw me out… no? ok great…

I can’t talk to you about any of these things, because you’re no longer kids.

You’re no longer easy to mold, easy to convince. You have your own ideas and your own opinions and your own priorities and frankly your own species at times; your generation is so far removed from when even I was in year 10. You’re the facebook, ipod, ipad, 3d tv generation. You know more and have experienced more and learnt and forgotten and relearned so much more than I ever did at your age.

Ok if I start talking about the price of bread when I was a kid you officially have my permission to throw me out.

You’re not kids anymore, and unfortunately for those of us working in the “kid” industry, you’re growing out of being a kid earlier and earlier and earlier…

It used to be so easy to inspire you, motivate you, encourage you. We pretty much just had to pop in a Disney movie and that would be the end of it.

But you’re all so grown now. So in touch, so beyond the simple ways we used to learn.

So I won’t tell you about the things you already know, you already hear, you already feel.

I won’t tell you of the incredible power your generation has; you already feel it. You’re the generation who are taking over the world; young men and women your age are right now in countries like Iran, using the internet to fight for social change. In Bangladesh, uniting across vast cities to make a positive change in the slums of every suburb. In Tanzania, taking collections of food and clothing and medical supplies to schools in some of the most remote villages on the planet. Here in Canberra, marching on Parliament House, demanding our politicians consider not just the voters of today, but those of tomorrow, to deliver cleaner air, freer media, safer streets, a stronger, healthier, happier planet.

You see we talk to you about your potential and your opportunities. Maybe we’ve reached the stage where you’re so difficult to reach that we just bombard you with as much as we can in the hopes that something slips through. Maybe if you receive enough feedback about your limitless potential, you’ll get the drift and succeed somehow.

But we don’t talk to you enough about greatness. About success. About responsibility.

See we never really define success in a way that approachable. Think of the word successful and you immediately think of either people who are rich, sports stars or celebrities. I STILL don’t have a clue what Paris and Kim Kardashian do.

So is that greatness? The pinnacle of success? The goal for you to aim at?

Not really. We’re not all athletes, we’re not all brilliant students, we’re not all models or dancers or writers or musicians or lawyers or doctors.

But that doesn’t preclude you from greatness, from success, because isn’t defined by your popularity or website hits, but by your acceptance of a responsibility and your accomplishment of it.

Greatness and responsibility. They’re not often spoken of together, yet we instinctively marry the two.

Responsibility has so many connotations to it. When we’re very young, and our parents tell us we’re responsible for taking care of the new puppy in the house, we’re delighted. A few years later, when we’re a little older, our parents remind us of our “responsibility” to walk the dog every day. We don’t find it that thrilling anymore. When they remind us that it’s our “responsibility” to take out the garbage or do the dishes, we look for the nearest exit. At least, I know I did.

Yet at the same time we assign responsibilities to all sorts of people around us with an aura of awe. We praise the team captain whose responsibility it is to lead his or her team, regardless of personal injury or suffering. We can’t get enough of athletes who push themselves on the field, then turn to the camera and tell us it’s their job to do what they do.

We see heroes on the screen overcoming personal conflict to fulfill a sense of responsibility and duty, cheering on those who do and jeering at those who give in to their own insecurities or failures.

As a society we debate and discuss, and often argue, the role of parents’ responsibility towards their children, whether through encouraging exploration of topics and ideas, or simply turning the TV off, confiscating the xbox and making sure you do your homework.

We even debate our government and education departments’ responsibilities to ensure certain curriculum are met, to better allow the mental growth of our kids, whether through introducing new programs and incentives, extending or limiting school hours and days, even whether schools should have uniforms, all to satisfy a responsibility to ensure all students are afforded a certain level of education upon which they can build their own destinies.

But you’re not kids anymore.

You haven’t been for a while now.

You walk like adults, you talk like adults, you act like adults. Time to take ownership of your own responsibilities.

Not a single person on this planet has more of a responsibility for your success than you. For your greatness than you.

You have an undisputed duty to yourself, to be who you want to be, to go after your dreams and goals and conquer all obstacles in your way.

Your responsibility is not just to dream, but to chase your dreams, no matter how small, no matter how big, no matter how far-fetched or close to home.

You have the responsibility, the unequivocal purpose to be great.

The most heart wrenching tragedy I have ever faced in my life is meeting kid after kid, from Bangladesh to Afghanistan to Sudan, who has not once been given the opportunity to dream of greater things. Not once imagined being able to change the course of their destiny.

Can you understand what that must be like? To never hear someone say that you can be whatever you want to be? To never know how to, let alone dare, to dream of a different future, a better future?

Let me put it another way; the success of one person inspires and encourages the success of others. Whether you’re Tony Hawk, Gerry Harvey or the next Prime Minister, right through to the local sports coach, the teacher in your social studies class who encouraged you to read everything in sight, or the guys that run a small business who give you and your friends your first sponsorship deal so you can put on that show, or enter that competition, or set up your own event.

You have the opportunity to be any of those people, and thousands of thousands more, if you fulfill your responsibility to yourself.

So I won’t tell you what to do with your life. Just be great at whatever you choose.

I won’t tell you what your profession should be. Just be great at whatever makes you happy, whatever satisfies you.

I won’t tell you what your opinions should be. Just make sure they’re your own, and reflect your own greatness.

I won’t tell you what you should do, what you should think, what you should feel, how you should speak. So long as you do so greatly, with thought and presence and care and honesty.

I won’t tell you to have the next few years of your life figured out. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

So long as you know that you’re responsible for you. For being a great you. For being the best you.

Be great.

Speech to Campbell High Year 10 Graduation...

2010-12-14T00:12:00.001+11:00

I've re-written this speech 100 times this week... I struggled with what to tell you, what to impart... let's start with what I won't tell you.