Block Commits to ‘Empowering Futures’ of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders with the Launch of Inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan
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Block ’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), designed to empower, create transparency, and foster connections with indigenous communities -
More than
$3 million AUD ofSocial Impact Fund committed to date in delivering programs to Aboriginal andTorres Strait Island organisations acrossAustralia .
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“At Block, we recognise the profound importance of our commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and its cultures. We understand that our existence goes beyond providing financial services and profit; it's about embodying fundamental principles that resonate with the fabric of society. Technology, for us, isn't merely an industry but a powerful tool to empower, create transparency, and foster connections,” said Ant Eisen, Afterpay Co-Founder and Block’s RAP Champion.
“Taking steps to achieve, and advocating for real, nuanced action, as outlined in our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is not just important; it's vital across every facet of personal and commercial life. It's about taking responsibility for what's right,” Eisen continued.
Block’s Reflect Plan, the first stage of the RAP process, includes actions to bring its business and foundational teams together to partake in relevant stakeholder engagement, education and training programs, establish ongoing community partnerships and plan and participate in cultural awareness initiatives.
“As we look to the future, we are eager to build upon the foundations we've established. Our commitment to reconciliation is about taking tangible steps and embarking on initiatives that add real value to our society and community. From fostering impactful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples partnerships to implementing programs that drive positive social change, our journey is marked by purposeful action,” Eisen continued.
To capture this mission,
“The Block group is passionately devoted to advancing economic empowerment while amplifying the voices and businesses of Indigenous communities both within and beyond their business. “Empowered Futures” acts as a roadmap for them to follow in applying that passion, educating themselves, and their communities, to make meaningful change,” Sampson said.
The RAP plan builds on a host of new and existing initiatives, both independently and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, with the intention to continue to build upon these initiatives to create lasting, impactful change.
In 2020, Block established a USD
Initiatives delivered as a part of the fund, and in addition to, include:
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In
November 2023 , Block invested AUD$3 million in a new fund set up byFirst Australians Capital (FAC), a national Indigenous-led fund manager dedicated to helping Indigenous entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses. -
Block is now into its second year of a partnership with Indigitek, with The Indigenous New Developer Initiative, a scholarship program funded by
Cash App , consisting of a 3-month paidGeneral Assembly bootcamp, followed by a 6-month paid internship atCash App with the opportunity of full-time employment. The program has already resulted in full time employment and several scholarship opportunities. -
Square and Afterpay joined forces with
House of Darwin , a for-profit social enterprise and clothing company reinvesting its profits into social programs and the 2023Aboriginal Economic Development Forum in Darwin. Block provided financial support for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to attend the forum and conducted workshops on utilising Square's products. - Children's Ground, is guided by a 25-year approach led by First Nations leaders and is committed to driving systemic reform and revitalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge. Block has provided monetary contributions and will continue to find meaningful ways to support their endeavours in 2024 and beyond.
- Make it Happen HQ, specialises in supporting First Nations entrepreneurs by facilitating access to resources and offering expanded learning opportunities. In addition to financial contributions, Block donated 512 Square card readers and 510 reader docks to empower Make it Happen HQ in achieving their mission.
Block also strives to integrate reconciliation and cultural learning into our workplace culture. Recent activity includes NAIDOC Week firesides, excursions to the Yuldea performance by
In the Reflect RAP,
Acknowledgement of Country
About Block
Notes:
- Access Block’s Reflect Reconciliation Plan here.
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