vgen: see the bigger picture this federal election
On 31 August 2013, VGenner’s from across the country took to the streets to campaign for the benefits of Aid. As World Vision’s national youth movement, VGen (or Vision Generation) aims to educate the public community about the importance of giving aid. The title of the VGen 2013 campaign is “See the bigger picture;” and with only a week until the federal election, VGenner’s stepped into the streets to promote.
In Australia, many people have misconceptions about how much we give in Aid. When public individuals are asked what we give, common answers include 10, 12, and even up to 30 percent of the Australian budget. If this were true that would great! But in reality, we only give 0.37 percent of our Gross National Income (GNI), or 37 cents in every $100 of our national budget.
Through the “See the bigger picture” campaign, VGen aims to educate people on the reality of what we give and to help them see the benefits of increasing this, even just a little bit.
Often the response we get is that we already give enough, or that we need to spend more within our own shores. But as these responses often stem out of lack of knowledge or ignorance, prompting people to see the bigger picture can change their minds.
Just last year, Aid helped as estimated 1 million children enroll in school, gave 2.5 million access to safe water and ensured that 230,000 women gave birth with the support of a skilled birth attendant. The benefits of Aid can and have been life changing for those who receive it, and as an activist group, VGen wants Australia to understand this and to consider the benefits of giving more.
Taking to the streets with orange frames and a wealth of knowledge about Aid, VGenners asked locals to “See the bigger picture.” If they agree’d to show support, they were then asked to have a picture inside one of the orange frames. With the Federal election just a few days away, VGenners want Australians to know exactly how much we give in Aid. Ideally, this would gain public support for its increase.
As a country committed to the 2015 United Nations (UN) Millenium Development goals (MDGs), Australia pledged that they would give 0.5% of their GNI in overseas aid by 2015. But in March this year the government broke its promise and delayed its target until 2017. While many people think that this was necessary amongst the other budget cuts that have been made by the government this year, VGen asks Australians to consider how giving just a bit more can give millions a brighter future.
You can find out more about VGen at www.vgen.org
