CFA is encouraging all members to join in celebrating Wear it Purple Day on 28 August.
Wear it Purple Day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses.
This year’s theme is 'We are the Change', and focuses on the importance of encouragement, empowerment and making real change for the LGBTIQ+ community.
In CFA we all play a part in creating a safe, empowering and inclusive environment for rainbow youth.
Even with restrictions in place there are still a number of ways CFA members can get involved. It can start with something small, like wearing a splash of purple for the day to spark a conversation or something bigger.
Volunteer Programs Leader (Youth) Jen Clement said CFA’s young members are not just the leaders of the future but they are leading the way now.
“They will show us how to contribute to the inclusivity of their communities, how to celebrate diversity and how to change attitude,” Jen said. “We just have to take a look.”
CFA 15-second video challenge
CFA is looking for members who would like to demonstrate their support with a 15-second video challenge that asks you to talk about how LGBTIQ+ inclusion in CFA can support our rainbow youth community.
For more information contact Digital & Social Media Adviser Tiahn Wright Tiahn.Wright@cfa.vic.gov.au
Increase your understanding of LGBTIQ+ to help create an inclusive environment
- Encourage your brigade or team to complete the LGBTIQ+ inclusion training module available on the CFA learning Hub.
- Invite a young member within the LGBTIQ community to speak if they are comfortable to do so at a DPC meeting, Inclusion and Fairness Council meeting or team meeting. Parental consent may be needed if they are under 18.
- Seek out other Wear it Purple activities in your local area by contacting your local government or your local LGBTIQ+ community groups.
Promote and celebrate the success of young LGBTIQ+ people in CFA
Nominate a young LGBTIQ+ member for an award, to recognise and celebrate their achievements.
Recognition helps promote and reinforce individual and team behaviors that support CFA’s Mission and Values. CFA has many ways of acknowledging outstanding service. For further information please visit the CFA website.
Further Information, including logos and resources, can be found on the Wear it Purple website.
If you are celebrating the day, know someone who is or require any assistance, you can contact the Inclusion and Fairness Team at inclusionandfairness@cfa.vic.gov.au