Plus Twenty

Background The idea of Plus 20 emerged following the 2004 federal election, when it had become increasingly evident that progressive values of social justice had been eclipsed by a wide-ranging and effective conservative agenda. This agenda was so well developed and ‘marketed’ that even some of those harmed by it ended up supporting it and ‘bought into’ its language.

Following the election, an email was circulated that made exactly this point and asked a number of simple questions:

– If the conservative agenda can be packaged and marketed so successfully, why hasn’t this happened with the progressive agenda?

– If conservative groups have put together a 20 year plan for change then why haven’t we?

– Should we move to reframe the debates about public health, education, reproductive rights and values within our own language rather than being reactionary?

There was an overwhelmingly positive response to these questions and the email generally. From there, the concept of a 20 year plan materialised. This is the aim of Plus 20!

What we do

– Provide space for reflection and debate about what strategies and planning we need to make sure we reach our long-term goals.

– Organise informal social gatherings called ‘Beers without Borders’. The gatherings welcome anyone with concerns about the directions Australia is taking, and are aimed at building and celebrating progressive networks.

– Through both the website and the social gatherings, we also promote other projects and organisations who have similar goals and ideas.

That’ll do for now! We all have busy lives – Plus 20 wants to enhance the work we do already, not double it!

Contact

For more information please feel free to get in touch with the convenors:

James Arvanitakis | j.arvanitakis AT uws.edu.au | 0438 454 127
&
Miriam Lyons | miriam AT tsd.net.au | 0432 360 234