Results advocates are amazing! They are the heart of our grassroots activities, taking action to advocate for a world without poverty.
Welcome to our grassroots highlight series, where each month we will be shining a light on one of our amazing advocates by asking a set of questions.
First up, we have Julia Ferguson, a relatively new advocate to Results, but no less passionate.
1. Tell us briefly about who you are?
I’m Julia, a lifelong local of South Western Sydney and a member of the Western Sydney Results group as of 2021! I majored in economics and development studies at UNSW and became interested in volunteering after getting involved in the student organization on campus. One of my big passions is travel, and I’ve been lucky to take several solo backpacking trips through Europe and South-East Asia.
2. Why are you passionate about ending global poverty?
In my third year of university, I picked a development economics elective, which I found engaging enough to extend my degree by a year, so I could pick up a major in Development Studies and learn more about the challenges of global inequality and poverty.
However, my interest in global poverty was also shaped by the stories I grew up hearing from my mother about her experiences being born and raised in Peru. Travelling to her birth country, and seeing the direct impacts of poverty, inspired me to reflect on my responsibilities as a global citizen.
3. Why did you join Results?
With a move to live in London derailed by the global pandemic, I wanted to use my time in Sydney meaningfully. I was signed up for the Results newsletter and have seen some of the great outcomes Results has achieved. After seeing evidence of the success of the Results grassroots approach, the idea that I could also take action and have an impact on poverty reduction led me to apply when I saw the call for new volunteers.
4. What does Advocacy mean to you?
To me, advocacy means utilising my personal agency to try and make positive changes in the global community of which I’m a part of. Advocacy in our Western Sydney Results group is about bringing together our skills and strengths as individuals in order to leverage greater outcomes in poverty reduction.
5. What do you hope to achieve with Results in 2021?
As a tangible goal, I’d love to see our efforts in raising awareness about global poverty contribute to an increased commitment to foreign aid and global health funding in the 2021-22 budget!
In terms of personal achievements, I hope that I gain more new experiences with Results and develop confidence in my advocacy skills. Also that I can be proud of my efforts as a global citizen in 2021.