YOU, ME & MPs

Engaging Communities in Democracy Toolkit

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Engaging Communities in Democracy project took place on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians throughout the country now called Australia and their continuing connection to their ancestral lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Intro to Engaging Communitiesin Democracy Toolkit

The You Me & MPs Toolkit is designed to support and enhance engagement between culturally and linguistically diverse and faith communities, the Parliament of Victoria (POV) and local Members of Parliament (MPs).

This Toolkit was conceived, designed and delivered under the guidance of the Engaging Communities in Democracy (ECD) Project Advisory Committee. It is based on the lived experiences of people in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne (EMR) together with feedback provided by local MPs and Electorate Officers.

The Toolkit is a key outcome of the Engaging Communities in Democracy Project.

Learn How To Engage and Interact Confidently With Your Local Parliamentary Representatives

The toolkit includes:

  • Animated video, “You, Me and MPs” [full edition].
  • Animated video, “You, Me and MPs” in three short parts, “What is an MP”, “What does an MP do” and “How can MPs help you?”
  • Video, Introduction to the Engaging Communities in Democracy Project by Dilnaz Billimoria.
  • A Glossary of commonly used terms.
  • A series of stories from local community members and electorate staff about their experiences accessing and working in State Parliament.
  • A poster for Electorate Offices and other community organisations that direct community members to the Toolkit.
  • Social media and promotion copy that you can use to share the Toolkit.

Toolkit Resources

Toolkit Resources

The Engaging Communities in Democracy Project is a partnership project between Eastern Community Legal Centre and Parliament of Victoria. The project is indebted to community leaders who have generously shared their knowledge, expertise and lived-experiences of accessing and participating in the parliamentary system. It is hoped that the co-design and rigorous feedback loop undertaken during the development of this Toolkit will ensure it is useful and impactful for community members, electorate officers and MPs.

The Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from the following communities and organisations; Chin Community Victoria, Bohri Dawoodi Muslim faith group, Bahai Assembly, Zorastrian faith group, Hindu faith group, Indiancare, Bounce refugee mentoring program, Chinese Health Foundation, Zomi community, Whitehorse Interfaith Network, Maroondah Interfaith Network, Manningham Interfaith Network and Boroondara Interfaith Network.