National Reconciliation Week may have drawn to a close, but the fight against racism continues. The idea of these kinds of events is not just to provide a focus point for efforts to combat racism and to encourage tolerance and integration within society, but to highlight the need for ongoing awareness.

multicultural, say no to racism

The struggle against racism cannot be won in a day or even a week. Instead, it is won over time, by educating the next generation and by reinforcing attitudes of acceptance and unification across the board. When an event like National Reconciliation Week comes to an end for another year, this is the time in which
we should be galvanising our efforts and re-emphasising the importance of saying no to racism every day, not just for one week out of 52.

Raising Awareness, One Person at a Time

This is where silicone wristbands can prove incredibly useful. Cheap to produce and lightweight and unobtrusive when worn, these wristbands are fantastic for raising awareness about a cause and for building a growing momentum behind it.

Say No to Racism wristbands form a rallying point for anti-racism campaigns, and are visible enough to be ever-present in society. By representing your opinion in this manner you are showing the world that you will not stand for racism in any form, and making it clear that you stand together with like-minded people in stamping it out.

In addition to this, they are easily manufactured and distributed, making it easier than ever before to get the word out there, and to leave a lasting impression on your local community and beyond.

Education for the Youngest Members of Our Society

It is in schools that these awareness-raising wristbands are at their most effective. School-age children are our future; they are the next generation of Australians and will form the society of tomorrow. However, they are also susceptible to negative influences and mindsets, which is why positive education and reinforcement is so vital.

multicultural, education, say no to racism

Many schools across Australia have already recognised the power of the silicone wristband and have deployed it to great effect. Wristbands inscribed with the school motto are given to students who behave well or who excel in class in some education institutions, and it is this atmosphere of positivity and rewarding socially-responsible behaviour that the Say No to Racism campaign can tap into.

The Say No to Bullying campaign has proved itself successful in a similar way. The modern environment in our schools is one of pressure, both academically and from peer groups, which has caused bullying to be a serious problem. However, this is also the factor that makes wristbands so popular; if wearing these wristbands gathers pace within peer groups, the popularity of the accessory spreads rapidly, and awareness is raised on a mass scale.

A Bright Tomorrow, Together

This boosted level of awareness – particularly amongst the younger generation – is what will make the Say No to Racism campaign really take off. By achieving its aims in schools across the country, the campaign and the wristband which supports it will lay the groundwork for a positive society in the future.

A society in which no one is discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, in which no one feels excluded or devalued because of their heritage, and in which we work together to build a positive environment for each and every one of us is not some pipe dream. Instead, it should be our immediate goal. Spread the word, raise awareness, and let the world know that racism is unacceptable in our society; this is how we secure a bright future for the land we all share.