Why Aurum exists
People are excluded not because of who they are, but because the systems around them were never designed with them in mind. Aurum Foundation exists to change that, by building the infrastructure of belonging: the knowledge, dialogue, evidence and opportunity that allow people outside traditional structures to be safe, to connect and to participate fully in Australian life.
The structures change. The mission does not.
A just world. Access to opportunity for all.
To advance social and public welfare by building the infrastructure of belonging: the knowledge, dialogue, evidence and opportunity that allow people outside traditional structures to be safe, to connect and to participate fully in Australian life.
How change happens
Exclusion and harm are produced by the everyday behaviour of people, organisations and institutions. Behaviour changes when harm is named, alternatives are taught, and change is made public and shared.
So we build four kinds of infrastructure. Knowledge builds capability. Dialogue builds understanding. Evidence makes change repeatable. Opportunity makes belonging real. Commercial partnership funds free access, so our independence and our reach grow together.
Intersectionality is our framework, not a program. People's identities are shaped by race, gender, class, sexuality, disability and more, and the harm and exclusion people experience compounds where those identities meet. We design for that reality in everything we build: our published framework names the intersections throughout, and our programs are designed for people who face more than one form of disadvantage at once.
Why programs evolve
Our current flagship harm prevention initiative is Autistic Pride Day, because that is where our programs, evidence base and practical resources are most developed. Programs are how a mission gets delivered in a given decade; they are not the mission.
Values
We are uncompromising about people. We look after each other and we embrace diversity.
We think big and take intelligent risks. We are bold, creative and innovative.
We are open, honest and constructive. Integrity is at the core of our system.
We are generous and impact focused.