Our Commitment

To build solid long-term relationships with all our supporters and partners we like to be clear to everyone about what we can and can’t deliver. In your relationship with us you should know what to expect from us. Mutual understanding in our relationship builds confidence and trust. Our aim is to consistently deliver the following important commitments either on your behalf for children, or in our contact directly with you.

Our relationship with children

1. In the best interests of children

We fundraise in Australia principally to help children overseas have a better future. In our programs overseas our commitment is to act in the best interests of these children. This means designing the projects so that they bring maximum benefit for children and including a development process that enhances children’s capacities. Where we are forced to make complex choices we are committed to erring on the side of the best interests of children.

2. With children not just for them

We are committed to working with children not just for them. We don’t just regard children as beneficiaries but young people who can contribute in their own right to development. We include children in the development process. We listen to their views and ensure they can play a part in how the community develops. Learn more about our child centred approach to working with children.

3. Including the whole community

Our work is always designed to help the whole community. We are committed to strengthening unity in communities through ensuring all are included. Our projects are designed to help all children not just sponsored children. Our projects also include the children’s parents, adults in general and community leaders. Men and women are equally encouraged to take leadership and act as role models for the children.

4. Free of political or religious agendas

Plan is an independent humanitarian organisation and is therefore committed to implementing its programs free of any political or religious agendas. While many people of different faiths support Plan, or are involved as staff, we are committed to acting for children through Plan in an independent and neutral way.

5. Using long-term sustainable development

We are committed to comprehensive and sustainable changes for children. In view of this we implement long-term sustainable development programs that tackle both the key needs and the root causes of poverty. While we may, from time to time, need to respond with emergency relief when a community’s capacity is overwhelmed, we quickly return to development once the disaster recovery phase is over.

6. Allowing children a voice

We believe that children can only achieve their potential in society when there is respect for their rights and dignity. Our commitment to the rights and dignity of children will mean that we speak up where children are abused, oppressed, or disrespected. We also stand with children when they seek to have their voices heard on issues of concern to them.

Our relationship with you

7. Friendly, courteous, and helpful

We are committed to friendly, courteous and helpful service. We understand that you have chosen Plan as a partner in order to help children and communities overseas. Consequently we aim to make your contact with us as efficient and effective as possible.

8. Informative

We commit to keeping you informed about the work that your contributions have made possible. We will provide updates on your sponsored child or make available information concerning projects you have donated to. If at any time you wish to change the communication arrangements, please contact Plan and we will honour your instructions.

9. Accountable

We take our role as stewards of your donations very seriously. We are committed to applying your donation for the purpose for which it was given. We have our accounts audited annually and publish a detailed annual report and financial statement. We are signatories to the ACFID code of conduct that includes standards on the disclosure of accounts. We are bound internationally to ensure that 80% of all the resources Plan receives globally are used in programs that benefit children. Learn more about  our accountability in money matters.

10. Providing clear choices

We understand that every supporter has different needs. We are committed to providing clear options for our supporters to choose from. We follow through in regard to your choices in order to provide you with customised service.

11. Protective of your privacy and security

We understand that in order for us to provide you with customer service you have provided us with confidential identity and payment details. We are extremely protective of your privacy and security. We are committed to compliance with Australian privacy laws and high standards of data security. Please view our Privacy Statement.
 

Your relationship with children and communities

12. Relationships are important

We believe that relationships are important. Making the world a better place for children is more than just resource flows from developed countries to developing countries. It is about building relationships between people from across the globe. These relationships foster mutual understanding, tolerance and respect.

13. Facilitating these relationships

We are committed to fostering relationships between a sponsored child and their sponsor. We are committed to building relationships between groups here in Australia and community groups overseas. Relationships through Plan though are facilitated not forced. Each of us is of course different and you retain the choice as to what level of relationship you wish to build with someone overseas. A number of our sponsors choose not to write letters while others do.

14. Providing important safeguards

Plan makes relationships possible between people from separate parts of the world. At the same time we provide important safeguards in this process. We have built into the organisation important policies and procedures that protect the children in our programs. We also protect our sponsors and donors from unwanted contact from overseas. You should expect that there are safeguards in the way relationships happen at Plan.