Bronwyn Lee is the manager of youth programs for World Vision Australia in Victoria. She manages heaps of cool events, like the 40 Hour Famine and works with thousands of young people across the state to make sure that their voices are heard and can take action against global poverty.
I met with her to ask about what motivates her and for advice for other young Australians who want to work in organistions like World Vision.
Can you tell us a little bit about your job and yourself?
I would for World Vision Australian, in the Victorian office. I basically look after World Vision’s engagement with young people, mostly through schools. We do this through leadership events, the 40 Hour Famine and Vision Generation, World Vision’s youth movement for Australians. It’s a really great job!
I did Arts/Commerce at uni and one day I was talking to a friend who worked for World Vision. She told me about opportunities to be involved and that sparked my interest. I then got a casual job with them while I was still at uni, and then this job came up about two years ago and I got it!
What issues are you most passionate about?
I am probably most passionate about young Australians realizing there is a huge problem in the world with global poverty and helping them to be active about that. I try and work with young people to be young activist, I guess!
Global poverty issues are not the only ones I am passionate about, although I am particularly passionate about the ‘Survive 5’ and how so many children in the developing world never get to see their 5th birthday. I think its really hard to see that when they are such basic things that people need to survive.
And I am also really passionate about Laos and the people of Laos, after having visited the country in January this year with World Vision!
What are some of the best ways young people can take action about these issues?
I think learning is really important. You might think that learning is a pretty funny way to take action, but I think that being aware as a young person in Australia today is a really powerful thing. And I think that World Vision is really good at educating young people about these issues! Its great that they invest in programs like the 40 Hour Famine because you can learn in a really practical way what its like to go without food! I also think the MakePovertyHistory coalition is a great place to learn more about global issues and learn ways in which you can take action.
What sort of action do you take in your life?
I try really hard to make socially aware/informed choices about what I buy and do. I also think my work is really important – it takes up a lot of my life! – and I am working towards long term ways I can contribute to the development industry. I would like to work overseas one day.
Also this year (and every year) I did the 40 Hour Famine after visiting Laos. I think that this is really important because it means I am actually doing something, and not just asking for donations all the time!
What’s the best part about your job?
Its really rewarding – I get to see real change in the lives of young people here in Australia and also know that I am contributing to World Vision’s work all over the world in making change for people in poverty. I am genuinely passionate about what I do and that makes my job great!
What advice do you have for young people wanting to work for organisations like World Vision?
World Vision is a professional organisation – so you will probably need to study and have a degree to work here. Be interested in the organisation and get involved as a volunteer. There are heaps of opportunities!
Also, that working for World Vision Australia rarely means working overseas. Most people who work for us, work here in Australia and their work is really important. They help to raise money and change mindsets! Check out www.stir.org.au for more information about careers in the development industry.
Thanks Bronwyn! Your job sounds amazing.
No worries, it is really easy when you have a job you love!
