If You Really Care About People And Communities, Keep Caring When The Fires And Hype Die Down.

If you really care, the best thing you can actually do is keep caring when the internet hype, and fires, die down.

I realise this is a 10 minute video that people probably won't watch or share, but there are some things that need to be said in the middle of another social media 'issue' cycle.

The cycle of hype - fundraise - forget, - wonder where the money went - be briefly outraged by the waste is as old as social media. So many major disasters have been through this cycle, a cycle of humble brag/post/tell everyone what they need to do right now, into forgetting about it while communities rebuild over the coming years.

There is a distinction between disaster relief, and community rebuilding. Right now the priorities are protecting people and keeping them out of harms way, so the needs of those individuals and communities at the moment are simple. They need food/water/somewhere to stay safe. Financial relief, in the form of payment pauses from banks etc. When the fires come under control, there will be damage and loss assessments, insurance agencies will determine the how/what/why's of what they will pay (feel free to put pressure on them to be good blokes about it). Councils will review building regulations for the rebuilding of lost/damaged homes. Qualified Tradespeople will be needed then to deliver the work, which will take time to deliver.

Businesses, farms, and local economies will need support in the long-term through your purchasing power in those communities, holidaying there, buying produce and supporting the people and organisations that are based there so that they have a chance to rebuild as a community organically as well.

In the months following these fires, The Just Be Nice Project will be working to fill in the gaps left between existing (or not existing) services, insurances and the needs of individuals/families and communities affected by these fires.

The process of relieving the distress, disadvantage and difficulty of communities and individuals in need is a sophisticated, long-term, comprehensive process that certainly requires support and resources, but it requires them when needed. Not just when the internet is full of photos of a particular issue.

Skills/Expertise + Resources + Responsibility + for a stated outcome + Patience is required to do good effectively. If you really want to help those affected, continue to care in 12 months time.

I tip my cap to the fire services who are absolutely up against it at the moment, and my condolences to all those who have experienced and will experience loss across this fire season. Rest assured, as always, we'll be working 365 to ensure that people in need get the help they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it, regardless of how they come to be in distress.

While I am not rapt with the leadership of the country, in general, not just today, and their general disregard for the most vulnerable members of our communities, I don't think piling shit on people right now is going to help. We need to educate and understand the needs of people in distress better, so that in coming elections everyone can make more informed, better decisions. Holding politicians to account requires long memories, rewarding character, taking responsibility, collaboration/co-ordination and active participation in community, not just memes and calling people f*^kwits.

Maintain the passion. Maintain the love. Maintain the support. Maintain the good vibes and lets make strides towards ensuring people get looked after better across the board in 2020. There is plenty you will be able to, I can't wait to help you fulfil your impact potential and build impact literacy as we head in this direction.

As always lots of love, look out for each other and Just Be Nice - Josh

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