17 May 2000 Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues Re: Victorians for Reconciliation I am writing, seeking your assistance to publicise a symbolic gesture of support for a proper reconciliation for indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Many people I have met with have expressed a strong wish to demonstrate their support and compassion for our indigenous community. The idea of a large advertisement comprising a public statement with signatories from across all sectors of the Victorian community, which will appear in The Age on National Sorry Day on May 26, developed from these discussions. We are contacting Victorian individuals and institutions in industries and communities, including business, philanthropy, the arts and design, media and entertainment and legal institutions. We see this action as a symbol of unity and support, which is strengthened if we have signatories from across a range of interests and sectors of the community. The form of words and instructions on how to become involved are also enclosed. We are asking signatories to the letter, to make a donation towards the cost of the full- page advertisement. I am sure that you will recognise the positive spirit and value in this symbol of unity and consider participating. Please contact me if you require further information. Yours Sincerely Anne Tuohey Policy and Research Unit Victorians for reconciliation We the undersigned, represent the large and growing number of Victorians who wish to express their strong commitment to the reconciliation process. We have come together to articulate the views of many in the community. People have been dismayed by the insensitivity and hurt caused by the derogatory comments about the stolen generations and the failure to take steps to abolish mandatory sentencing. We express to the stolen generations, our solidarity and compassion for the pain and suffering endured by so many individuals, families and communities and acknowledge that the Indigenous people who have signed this letter have also suffered that pain. We are deeply saddened that our shared history has hurt so many families, communities and individuals. Our shared history has impacted on the collective memory of all Indigenous groups of Australia. The complete history of Australia must be formally and properly acknowledged. The Declaration for Reconciliation is another chance to symbolically and sincerely proceed with uniting the nation in a public and national commitment to justice and reconciliation. We cannot afford to delay this process any longer. We owe it to our generation, to those who follow and to those who went before us. We trust that Australia can today demonstrate the leadership and generosity of spirit to enable us to work together for a better future for all Australians. Yours Sincerely List of signatories ���������������������������������� This is the draft form of words to appear in The Age on National Sorry Day, 26 May. Please tick either or both of the boxes below if you wish to participate and fax to VCOSS, 9654 5749. Confirm your participation no later than 24 May. � I wish to be a signatory to the letter. Please record my name/ organisation as follows: ����������������������. Address details���������������.. � I am able to contribute towards the cost of the advertisement. Amount is $�����.. Please contact Anne Tuohey for further information. Ph 9654 5050, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------ RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words: unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2%40paradigm4.com.au/
