Develop your RAP
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program was launched by Reconciliation Australia in July 2006.
As the national organisation facilitating and coordinating the program, Reconciliation Australia invites all organisations interested in developing a RAP to work collaboratively with us to ensure their RAP meets specific criteria for registration on the Reconciliation Australia website. RAPs registered on our website will be promoted and celebrated in various ways including publications and events to recognise effort and due process, and to share learning across the Australian community.
How do you do it?
Working collaboratively with the RAP Team to develop, register, celebrate and implement a trademarked RAP involves following key steps and the use of several key documents and templates - remember we are here to help at anytime.
Ten hot tips for success in developing a RAP
- Read the RAP Toolkit – this is a step by step guide to the RAP Process.
- Contact the RAP Team – you don't need to go it alone.
- Make a Statement of Commitment – this is your opportunity to formally commit to the RAP program.
- Use our RAP Templates – easy to use templates for every stage of the RAP Journey.
- Ensure shared Ownership – great RAPs achieve a sense of shared ownership across all levels of your organisation and involve as many people as possible in the process.
- Indigenous Collaboration – Listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an essential part of the process.
- Explore your organisation’s strengths and be creative – every organisation has something special to offer. A great RAP includes actions that are unique to your business or service. Look at your strengths, your location, and your sphere of influence and explore new possibilities.
- Be realistic in your initial targets, actions and timelines – A good RAP is about quality not quantity. Be realistic, keep it simple and use plain language. Use the RAP template to ensure you include specific actions in the areas of respect, relationship and opportunities.
- All good things take time – a first RAP can take several months to be developed and approved within an organisation. A quick turnaround is not necessarily a good thing.
- Annual RAP Report and Refresh – RAPs are living documents to be reviewed and updated annually.
To view the 7 elements of a RAP click here
