Celebrating Who We Are, What We Do – There’s a Festival for That

As agents of social change we need to celebrate who we are and what we do and the biggest social impact event in Australia  – the 2017 Social Impact Festival this July in Perth – does just that, writes Professor Paul Flatau from the Centre for Social Impact at UWA.

It’s a funny business, working to create social change, as I’m sure all of you can attest. We don’t have much – if anything – in the way of perks, funding is sparse, the pay is often below average, the people we work with and for are often people who have been dealt cruel blows by the world around them. Every day we hear stories of heartbreak, of unfairness, of injustice, and of course, of disadvantage.

We’re not beaten by this. On the contrary, it’s what drives us. Every day we rise to tackle it head on. We are agents of social change and we need to celebrate who we are and what we do. It’s out of this notion that the Social Impact Festival was born.

Now in its third year, the festival is the biggest social impact event in Australia and the largest social impact festival in the world.

Hosted by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia (CSI UWA) Business School, the Social Impact Festival brings together cutting-edge international experts, speakers from throughout Australia, and community leaders.

Check out the website www.socialimpactfestival.org #SIFest17 and see for yourself what the festival has on offer and then book your flights and get to Perth.

This year’s festival celebrates initiatives bringing about positive social change across the three big themes of the Festival Home, Land and Place. It addresses complex problems such as homelessness, regional development challenges, the sustainability of agricultural communities, the social impact of climate change, equity in housing design, urban planning, the economic and social impact of Native Title and place-based poverty.

The Festival Opening is on 18 July at 6pm. Join us to journey through the landscapes of Western Australia, hear stories of our past and present, and celebrate caring for our place. Come and hear from guest speakers followed by a range of presentations and artistic performances around the themes of the festival.

The three Impact School events (over three days at the UWA Business School) and Public Lectures involve over 150 speakers in 75 sessions. The Social Impact Festival is not just about lectures and workshops. Events include Impact Labs in the City which address key social issues, guided walking tours in Impact Gallery and an ethical shopping experience in the Good Market: Guilt-free shopping to change the world.

Join WA’s community of change-making businesses and consumers for a fun day out with the whole family. Shop ethical and hear direct from the stall-holders about how their products and services are making a positive impact. And on top of all that come to over 20 Impact Sparker and Open Day events put on by community and social purpose organisations throughout Perth.

The festival has been designed for individuals, groups, and even families to enjoy. We’re seeking to create a healthier, more thriving society for us all, with an incredible line up of speakers and a program jam packed full of exciting events.Our hope is that people will walk away feeling more passionate and inspired in their lives to make a difference to society. Indeed, that’s something to celebrate.

The Social Impact Festival takes place from 18 July to 28 July at the UWA Business School, and venues around Perth, WA. Download the festival program here, visit the website, and book tickets here. The Social Impact Festival is produced by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia.