Reconciliation Action Plan
Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
Reconciliation Tasmania is committed to working with Tasmanian organisations in the development of their RAPs and onward throughout their reconciliation journeys.
RAPs provide a mechanism for organisations to align their activities with practical reconciliation outcomes, that encourage greater understanding and respect for First Nations peoples, their staff, their families, their clients and the broader community.
We support each organisation through the development of their RAPs bringing about cultural change that, while internal at first, has the capacity to engender broader external changes into the future.
Relationships
Building and encouraging relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community.
RESPECT
Fostering and embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving cultures and communities.
OPPORTUNITIES
Develop opportunities within your organisation to improve socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
There are four levels of RAPs
Reflect: Scoping capacity for Reconciliation
Reflect RAPs are for 12 months and are right if your organisation is new to reconciliation and unsure how to get started.
They set out steps to prepare your organisation for reconciliation initiatives in future RAPs.
Committing to a Reflect RAP means scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on your vision for reconciliation and exploring your sphere of influence.
Stretch RAP: Embedding reconciliation
A Stretch RAP is best suited to organisations that have developed strategies, and established a very strong approach towards advancing reconciliation internally and within the organisation’s sphere of influence.
This type of RAP spans a two-three year period, and is focused on longer-term strategies, and working towards defined measurable targets and goals. The Stretch RAP requires organisations to embed reconciliation initiatives into business strategies so they become ‘business as usual’.
Innovate: Implementing reconciliation initiatives
An Innovate RAP runs for two years, and outlines actions for achieving your organisation’s vision for reconciliation.
Innovate RAP commitments allow your organisation to gain a deeper understanding of your sphere of influence, and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation.
An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Elevate RAP: Leadership in Reconciliation
An Elevate RAP is for organisations that have a proven track record of embedding effective RAP initiatives in their organisation through Stretch RAPs and are ready to take on leadership to advance national reconciliation.
Elevate RAP organisations have a strong strategic relationship with Reconciliation Australia and actively champion initiatives to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and create societal change.
Elevate RAP organisations also require greater transparency and accountability through independent assessment of their activities.
At any stage of your RAP process, RecTas can help with advice, workshops and support.