School program, ongoing
What is Respect?
The RESPECT is a music program for boys under 12 years old, teaching them about domestic violence and gender equality, with a view to prevent and reduce domestic violence in the future. Over 12 weeks, the boys write, record and perform an original song, and also become active agents of social change and role models in their schools.
How does it work?
This 12 week early intervention harm reduction project takes place in primary school with facilitators who are also professional musicians, working alongside Family Violence counsellors. The learning style emphasises open discussion, allowing participants to solidify their learning about acceptable behaviour in relationships.
Participants write and rehearse an original song, and perform it at their school assembly, and at a showcase at Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, which is packed with audiences. The song is also filmed and made into a professional film clip, which is released online, garnering thousands of views. Each year RESPECT directly works with around 150 boys aged under 12 in schools and in our showcase performance.
The program’s success
The program transforms young men into active agents of social change and role models in their schools. This project has been assessed by Macquarie University, Deakin University and Western Sydney University as a model project that leads to long term change in the boys that are a part of it. It has been proven to increase awareness and understanding of Domestic Violence and healthy relationships in 98% of participants. Teachers tell us about the culture of the school shifting over the years that we return.
Check out the highlights and history of RESPECT!
Our facilitators
Craig Taunton (he/him)
Program Manager – RESPECT & UNITY
Craig has been working in the community arts sector for the past 25 years, working primarily in South West and Western Sydney. With a background in music, performing arts and youth work, Craig has a large focus on young refugees and migrants. Craig has been working with Outloud since 2013, and has been involved in a wide range of workshops, projects and live performances.
Van Nguyen (he/him)
Workshop Facilitator/Producer – RESPECT & UNITY
Van has worked with Outloud from 2019. He brings about his skills and knowledge from his past studies which include a Diploma in Screen and Media, a Diploma in Sound Productions and a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Psychology. Van is also skilled in video and music production and also brings his music and performance skills as a musician to the program.
Nicole Issa (she/her)
Workshop Facilitator – RESPECT & UNITY
Nicole is a singer, songwriter, and performing artist born and raised in South-West Sydney on Darug Land. Nicole has a degree in Music and Psychological Science from Macquarie University, and is passionate about using music and creativity to develop and facilitate workshops that brings light to important issues and life skills. Nicole is also a vocal coach and a recording artist, and has performed at Metro Theatre and Splendour in the Grass (2019). Coming from a Lebanese migrant family, she wants to encourage others from CALD backgrounds to follow their dreams and pursue the arts as a career choice.
David Miller (he/him)
Workshop Facilitator – RESPECT & UNITY
David has been working with Outloud since 2016 and brings a wealth of experience in music, songwriting and facilitation. David is Filipino and currently studying a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Innovation and Change at Western Sydney University. His passion for music dates back to his first performance in front of a live audience in the Philippines when he was five years old and has since been involved in programs, workshops and theatre projects to hone his skills and talents.
Partners and supporters
This program is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs, and the Bankstown Communities for Children partnership through The Smith Family.
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