Established in 1995 as Speak Out limited (SpeakOut), the organisation’s intent was to address issues of self-worth, poverty, homelessness and unemployment among young people. The business, cultural and social model involved encouraging young people to participate in and organise their own socially responsible creative enterprises, initially with a focus on fashion design and production.
With the implementation of GST, changes to import and excise taxes and significant staff changes, it became cost prohibitive for SpeakOut to operate an on-shore clothing production label. Over the next 2 years, from 2000 to 2002, SpeakOut went through a process of reinventing itself, relocating to Brisbane and shifting its enterprise focus to the creative industries.
By 2008, SpeakOut is working in more than 30 communities with more than 3,000 people. In the same calendar year, staff and participants collectively travel more than 480,000 km to participate and engage in SpeakOut projects and programs (that’s the equivalent of travelling around the world 12 times!). These programs include Stylin’ UP Regional and Creative Pathways in the Central West.
In 2009, SpeakOut discontinues one of its flagship programs, the Cultural Creators Traineeship, due to an unsustainable funding and program model. This discontinuation coincides with a broader strategic and organisational process that results in a restructure, rebrand and name change to Human Ventures (Human).
The name change was sparked by the writing of the ‘we are Human’ manifesto in November 2008. The manifesto acknowledges that:
- Each person’s story is a powerful tool for inspiration and change.
- Creativity and creative enterprise can activate change, not just encourage people to buy more stuff.
- Too many talented people and important organisations work in isolation.
- Humanity faces significant social, political, economic, ecological and personal challenges.
- We have the access and opportunity to make a significant difference in the world and we can involve many people in the journey.
- We need to be reminded what it means to be human and that only when we value everyone – the last, the least, the littlest – will humanity be truly enriched.
Hence is was determined that Human Ventures, or Human, was the most appropriate name for an organisation that exists to champion solutions that enrich humanity and equip the most vulnerable members of society.
Human story / time-line
(a work in progress)
2009
A detailed strategic and organisational process results in a restructure, rebrand and name change to Human Ventures (Human).
One of the organisation’s flagship programs, the Cultural Creators Traineeship, is discontinued due to an unsustainable funding and program model. Upon completion, the program has successfully assisted more than 150 young people.
2008
SpeakOut is forced to vacate its Logan office and relocates the respective Traineeship program to Brisbane. Work continues in Logan through Stylin UP Regional.
SpeakOut is working in more than 30 communities with more than 3,000 people. Staff and participants collectively travel more than 480,000 km to participate and engage in SpeakOut projects and programs. (That’s the equivalent of travelling around the world 12 times!)
2007
Building on work and partnerships established in 2005, SpeakOut commences a series of cultural and economic development initiatives titled Creative Pathways in the Central West.
2006
After 12 months of community engagement and negotiation with various funders, SpeakOut commences delivery of the Stylin’ UP Regional program in the communities of Logan, Cherbourg and Woorabinda.
SpeakOut wins the Minister’s Award for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices.
2005
SpeakOut identifies and launches 3 profit-for-purpose enterprises – SpeakOut Connect, SpeakOut Creative and SpeakOut Digital.
2004
The ongoing success of SpeakOut’s Orbit and Traineeship programs results in a 3 year funding partnership (2004 – 2007) with the Department of Employment and Training to assist a total of 120 young people.
SpeakOut opens an office in Logan (30 kilometers south of Brisbane), a region in which almost half the population is under 25 years of age, and more than 160 different cultures are represented.
SpeakOut doubles its annual commitment to the support of young people, increasing the intake for Orbit to 40 individuals and the Traineeship to 20.
2003
In November 2003, SpeakOut stages the official launch of its national headquarters in Brisbane. This launch coincides with the graduation of the first intake of Trainees, all of whom successfully obtain placements in either full-time employment and/or further education at University or TAFE.
2002
SpeakOut re-opens it’s doors, with the support of The Body Shop Australia, the Foundation for Young Australians, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government.
SpeakOut develops and delivers a creative industries focussed employment and training program (Orbit) for 23 young people experiencing disadvantage. 11 young people are then selected to participate in a 12 month full-time Traineeship.
2000
With the implementation of GST, changes to import and excise taxes and significant staff changes, it becomes cost prohibitive for SpeakOut to operate an on-shore clothing production label. Over the next 2 years, SpeakOut goes through a process of reinventing itself, relocating to Brisbane and shifting its enterprise focus to the creative industries.
1998
SpeakOut establishes a program that assists young people to learn how to establish and conduct a successful business. In addition to support from the Commonwealth Government, SpeakOut provides ongoing program funding through the sales of clothing to retailers, including Levi Strauss and General Pants Co.
1996
SpeakOut commences operations in Marrickville (Sydney), as a youth-focussed social enterprise with a focus on t-shirt design and production by young people, for young people.
1995
SpeakOut is formed to address issues of self-worth, poverty, homelessness and unemployment among young people. The proposed business and social model involves encouraging young people to participate in and organise their own socially responsible creative enterprises.
