What has motivated you to join the Be More Challenge?

The hardest part of inspiring people to take action in reducing global poverty is the fact that it can seem so overwhelming and beyond the capability of individuals to have a positive influence. But Be More reminds people that every little bit helps and that if everyone made small changes to their life, then the opportunity for a grass roots movement to have power becomes a reality. Even if we believe that it is the politicians and world leaders who have the ultimate power to change policies that will help in the alleviation of poverty, it is up to us to hold them to account. Be More has helped me commit to the changes in my life that I have always wanted to make and has motivated me to follow through with them.

What has inspired your actions?

I have been inspired by the world around me – and I have chosen challenges that are achievable but meaningful. By committing to these challenges just by writing them down and having other be More challengers as witnesses to them, I have been able to stay focused. For a few of my challenges it was about formalising things I was already doing – like taking part in the DAN Run for Darfur or volunteering with the youth climate change initiative Project Survival Pacific. My family challenge is making a commitment to composting – something I have been talking about with my family for ages and never got around to doing.

What words of advice would you give someone who has just joined Be More, but doesn’t know where to start?

It’s not about ‘reinventing the wheel’ – and by that I mean, you don’t need to make huge scary challenges that make you feel pressured. But it is about making or formalising some lifestyle changes that will flow on to the lives of people around you.

How do you feel about the Be More Challenge? Why is it important for staff at Caritas to get involved?

The Be More Challenge has great potential to activate a generation of Australians to be empowered and feel like change is possible but not in an unrealistic and tokenistic way. Be More is not about grand words, but about small actions with significant results. Many of us at Caritas are already doing things in their life for social and environmental justice and by signing up to Be More and formalising and building on these we can inspire others and be more inspired ourselves.

Be inspired by checking out Gillian’s profile. While you’re there why not write a comment of encouragement.

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