The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful tool in understanding others, ourselves, and the world around us. Stories can inspire and motivate, and help people articulate their thoughts and feelings. Stories can also help people to think critically, making them potentially less vulnerable to extremist viewpoints, and more open to understanding the complexities of other people’s journeys, beliefs...
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Encouraging critical thinking
In today’s digital age, we have more access to information than ever before, and fewer protections in place to ensure that the information we find is unbiased, factual and authentic. This makes the ability to think critically more important than ever. What is critical thinking? Critical thinking can be understood as careful thinking, and...
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Removing hate from the debate
Multicultural NSW recently launched Remove Hate from the Debate, a website designed to help people address online hate speech. Hate speech, as defined by the UN, is “any kind of communication… that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are”. This...
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Developing connections with young people
By Sarah, Youth Case Worker, NSW Sarah is a youth case worker with a community support organisation and has extensive experiencing delivering youth, mental health and community engagement programs across NSW. Step Together asked Sarah to share her insights for how support workers and community leaders can better connect with young people, particularly those who...
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Keeping friends and family safe online – at any age
We often hear concerns about the safety of young people online, but it’s important to acknowledge that there are risks for people of any age. Aside from the well-reported threats to privacy and sensitive data, there are potential impacts on our social and emotional health. Below are some of the dangers, as well as benefits,...
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Helping young people have their say
Many of us have ideas of what changes we’d like to see in our society, but it can be hard to know how to turn these thoughts into positive action. Young people, in particular, can feel that their voice is not represented, especially before they are old enough to vote. However, you can help encourage...
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How to break the negative thinking loop
Feeling worried or anxious every now and then is normal and is not a sign for concern in itself. Worry can keep us alert, help us remember things, and make us aware of dangers. Humans have evolved to feel worry, and we often use those emotions to drive us towards a solution. Worrying or feeling...
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Coping after a large scale traumatic event
Large scale traumatic events don’t only affect those directly involved – you can also feel the impact of trauma through exposure to ongoing media coverage or public discussion. This may make you feel unsafe, anxious, or powerless, and it’s important you address these feelings so they don’t significantly impact your daily life. Below are some...
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How to strengthen family communication
Our closest relationships are often, though not always, with our family. Parents, partners, spouses or kids may know you best, and want to help when times get tough. However, family relationships can also be a source of tension, especially when there is a focus on negative emotions. Creating an environment for positive communication is paramount,...
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Understanding and Managing Anger
Anger is a common emotion and can be expressed in many ways, from mild frustration to extreme rage. There may be real causes for anger, and genuine (and perceived) injustices in daily life that may make us all feel angry. If expressed positively, anger can be healthy and motivating but it is more often a...
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