Donor Responses to our FAQs

Will Austcare's Australian Identity be lost with affiliation with ActionAid?

Austcare is proud of its Australian identity. As the Australian affiliate of ActionAid we believe that we will be in a unique position to share our Australian perspectives with the wider international community of the ActionAid network. Through affiliation we will become equal members of this international network giving our voice much greater reach. As an Australian organisation we will continue to lobby the Australian Government on issues that most concern vulnerable people around the world. We will continue to have an in-depth understanding of the countries in our region and be well placed to respond to their needs in times of crisis and emergency. Affiliation will allow us to bring regional issues to the attention of a wider international audience and we will be able to share our regional expertise with the ActionAid network.

Will there be increased administration costs?

ActionAid is committed to efficiency to maximise the impact of resources dedicated to the ultimate objective of eradicating poverty. As the ActionAid affiliate in Australia we will not contribute any levies to support the international network and nor will any administrative costs be imposed on us by the network. On the contrary, ActionAid is investing in our growth. The only funds that will be sent to ActionAid offices will be for international project implementation. As an ActionAid affiliate we will respect ActionAid's guidelines for administration, advocacy and fundraising expenditure. You may be interested in reading ActionAid's Memorandum of Understanding which includes information about the nature and characteristics of AAI, its Affiliates, its governance and its management. http://www.actionaid.org/docs/mou%20final%20(2)_1632006_113843.pdf

How will the affiliation affect Austcare's identity?

Our board, staff and supporters are all very proud to be associated with the name Austcare and of what the organisation has achieved over the past four decades. ActionAid has a mission and values are aligned with those we have upheld the past 40 years. Being a member of the ActionAid network will allow us to reach more people around the world facing insecurity, displacement and poverty. As the Australian affiliate we will have our voice heard on the issues that are important to our organisation such as refugees, landmine action and protection. We will share our extensive experience and expertise in these areas with a broader international community.

Will there be any loss of brand recognition associated with the name change?

As the Australian ActionAid affiliate we will use the ActionAid International name, logo and identity. ActionAid is a very well known and highly respected global organisation. ActionAid currently has affiliates in the UK, USA, Italy, Greece, Ireland and Brazil. Those in the process of becoming affiliates include Ghana, Kenya, India, Uganda, Sweden, Guatemala, and Nigeria. For over 30 years ActionAid has been expanding to where it is today - helping over 13 million of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people in 42 countries worldwide. ActionAid's excellent reputation and track record will facilitate the growth of the ActionAid brand in Australia allowing us to reach more people around the world facing insecurity, displacement and poverty.

Will aid still be recognised as coming from Australia?

As the Australian affiliate of ActionAid we will continue to promote to communities in which we work that our programs are funded by the Australian people and Australian government agencies. We will continue to rely on the generous support of individual Australians to carry on with our vital work with vulnerable people. Within the ActionAid network we will also be recognised as being distinctly Australian in the same way that Action Aid Italy, for example, maintains its distinct national identity and autonomy.

Will we continue to be autonomous and independent as an ActionAid affiliate?

As ActionAid in Australia we will maintain our existing autonomy and independence. We will keep our current governance arrangements and will continue to have our own board of directors here in Australia. As an affiliate we will be an equal member of the ActionAid International network with a voting representative in the ActionAid International governance structure. We will continue to be accountable to the Australian public through the relevant Australian government bodies such as AusAID. We will also continue to comply with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct.

Will there be any change in Austcare's programs?

Upon affiliation Austcare's project work will continue as planned. We will continue to work in our areas of expertise and retain our ability to decide our programming priorities. As ActionAid we will continue to work in our key areas of strength and experience such as refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), landmine action and helping those affected by conflict and natural disaster. Our affiliation will provide opportunities for us to share our experience and expertise in these areas with the wider ActionAid network which will increase the impact of our work.

Where can I learn more about ActionAid?

You can find out more about ActionAid at their website: http://www.actionaid.org/