interPART has a vision
of an equitable, just and sustainable world
where people who are most vulnerable
are treated with respect and understanding,
as a basis for enabling self-determination
in ways that enhance individual lives and
contribute to the wellbeing of communities,
now and in
the future.
Background
International Partners
in Action, Research and Training (interPART) is
a small, innovative organisation with widely
recognised experience in social and environmental
planning, management and review. Working with
local partners internationally and in Australia,
we specialise in sustainable development, community
engagement, capacity building, and participatory
research, monitoring and evaluation.
interPART brings together
members and associates
who have an interest in
promoting inclusive, holistic
forms of development.
Initiated by a small group
of experienced professionals
who were concerned about
the direction and impact
of ‘development’ policies
and practice both at home
in Australia and overseas,
interPART was formed to
explore and actively support
opportunities for positive
change and influence – with
people struggling to lead
meaningful and sustainable
lives, and ourselves as
the personnel engaged in
responding to real needs.
Others have since joined
the organization: as members
of Friends of interPART,
often helping to raise
awareness and funds for
capacity building initiatives
and pilot projects; and
as associates, undertaking
consultancy, education
and project work.
Collectively, we believe
there is a need to evolve
new ways of working with
and on behalf of vulnerable
people in ecologically,
socially and economically
sustainable ways. In a
world of increasing inequity,
poverty, environmental
devastation, and conflict,
there is an urgent need
to find different ways
of living on this small
planet we all share. This
is the overarching concern
that motivates and binds
the organisation.
We also recognize the
importance of diversity,
cooperation, and shared
learning in addressing
changes. Enhancing and
extending relationships
with partners, be they
individuals, groups or
organisations, offers enormous
potential to meet this
challenge. Evolving new
forms of partnership that
have the capacity to deal
with uncertainty and continuous
choice while maintaining
a sense of cohesion and
solidarity, is in itself
an exciting challenge.
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Mission
interPART seeks to enhance the
wellbeing of people who are most vulnerable through
influencing policy and planning and supporting
programs in ways that promote transformation
toward a more equitable, just, peaceful and environmentally
sustainable society, through creative partnerships
and processes of shared learning and development.
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Guiding Principles
interPART seeks the achievement
of its vision through adherence to fundamental
principles that guide planning, action
and reflection at individual, organisational
and program levels:
A belief in the philosophy
of process whereby relationships
encourage mutual respect and caring
for one another and the environment
Equity, justice
and rights are prerequisites for
ethical development and are inherent
considerations in all aspects of
decision-making and action
Environmental sustainability
is fundamental to long-term social
and economic well-being
A commitment to
values which encourage creativity,
and acclaims difference and diversity,
within a spirit of cooperation
Collaboration with
partners and one another that ensures
active participation and communication
Recognition that
change and transformation can be
brought about through processes of
shared learning
Utilization of action-reflection
approaches, in consideration of the
dynamic, adaptive nature of change
and management processes
Nurturing, encouragement
and strengthening of a balanced,
holistic approach that acknowledges
and reflects the inter-connectedness
of all things
A commitment to enabling
people to take action to discover
their own dignity and to realize
their potential to take control of
their own situation
The process of social
transformation begins within oneself.
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interPART Objectives
In working
to achieve its mission, interPART
provides and/or
facilitates professional, technical
and financial assistance to support
existing programs and to develop
new initiatives, programs and projects
with and for people who are most
vulnerable
undertakes design,
development, implementation, monitoring
and evaluation of programs and
projects, in partnership with local
organisations, including government,
community groups and other development
agencies
provides and/or
arranges consultancy and capacity
building services overseas and
within Australia, contributing
a percentage of proceeds to projects
for those who are most vulnerable
is evolving an
organisation which, through the
diversity of its members and partners,
will be able to respond innovatively,
opportunistically and with flexibility
to activities overseas and in Australiao
activities overseas and in Australia.
