17. Finding the Right RAP Leader: Prioritising Work over Visibility

In this episode of Reconciliation Roadmap, Cooper Silk and Dixie Crawford discuss the importance of finding the right RAP Leader. They highlight the problem of leaders who prioritise the visibility metric of allyship over actually doing the work of reconciliation. Dixie emphasises the qualities of a good RAP Leader, including consistency, passion, insight, critical self-reflection, and the ability to bring others along. They also discuss the importance of First Nations representation in RAP leadership and the need for ongoing learning and engagement. The conversation concludes with tips on spotting potential RAP champions and creating a leadership collective for the RAP.

Takeaways

• Leaders should prioritise doing the work of reconciliation rather than just seeking visibility and allyship metrics.

• A good RAP Leader should be consistently visible, passionate, insightful, and capable of critical self-reflection.

• First Nations representation in RAP leadership is crucial for ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and avoiding mistakes.

• Potential RAP Leaders can be identified by their facilitation of effective conversations, sharing of information, and commitment to anti-racism and social justice.

• Creating a leadership collective for the rap allows for diverse perspectives, shared responsibility, and better problem-solving.

• Engaging leadership at all levels of the organisation is important for the success of the RAP, and ongoing learning and communication are key to maintaining commitment and effectiveness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Passion for Finding the Right RAP Leader

00:28 Problem of Leaders Prioritising Visibility over Work

02:17 Qualities of a Good RAP Leader: Consistency and Commitment

03:05 One Percenters: Meaningful Acknowledgement of Country

04:30 Importance of Consistent Engagement Beyond Special Occasions

07:25 Avoiding Red Flags: Notions of Allyship and Past Experience

09:46 First Nations Representation in RAP Leadership

10:43 Spotting Potential RAP Champions: Effective Conversations and Information Sharing

14:52 Being a RAP Leader: Demonstrated Actions and Commitment

15:47 The Role of Young People in RAP Leadership

18:03 Creating a Leadership Collective for the RAP

19:29 Engaging Leadership at All Levels: Learning and Communication

21:25 Maintaining Commitment and Effectiveness of the RAP Leader

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