For Under Resourced

While the majority enjoys a comfortable sense of security based on all that consumerism has to offer – the house, two cars, cable television and, of course, the large screen TV – there is a too-readily overlooked face of Australia that does not enjoy such privilege.

- homelessness, particularly in our youth population, has been steadily increasing since the 1990s;
- since deinstitutionalization and the lack of funding into mental illness, social isolation, poverty, crime and suicides are at an all time high;
- due to the ‘destablisation of the family’ many struggle on single-parent incomes and thousands of women and children across Australia wait for spots to become available in shelters and government housing, meanwhile many men suffer as courts permit their children to be taken from them in a whole new paradigm of a ‘stolen’ generation based on the disadvantages of rigid gender roles; and
- the stresses that came with the technology boom in our information age have turned us into a ‘square-eyed’ population where ‘lifestyle diseases’ and substance abuse are the new epidemic.

Meanwhile problems on a larger, more complex scale still exist. We're faced with the sustainability of our environment and how to balance the needs and expectations of individuals in our advancing society, while ensuring a sound future for the next generations...

In contemporary Australia, the answer to conflict is litigation, depression and revenge, rather than mediated dialogue, compromise and empathy. Those with resources and power are those who tend to win the battles.

Coaching practices are sprouting up all over Australia to quench the thirst affluent individuals and companies have to survive and thrive in today’s competitive economic environment. However, those who need the assistance of coaches the most – those who are experiencing the darker side of the deepening economic divide – cannot afford to pay the professional fees most coach’s charge.

Coaching is recognized as a highly effective way to move individuals and organizations towards their objectives. Large corporations have the economic resources to afford Executive Coaches who work with their teams to build higher levels of success and prosperity. However, for many altruistic groups and organizations, whose primary objective is to help those in need and ensure survival and prosperity for future generations, coaching is a luxury that is beyond their budgets.

Change is happening as a new generation with broader vision and values, is coming into power. This is a generation that enjoys the affluence that has resulted from their opportunities for education and access to resources, but also recognizes that their privilege is not shared by all.

The trend in global politics is that when governments cut back on social funding, companies and individuals become more altruistic and take responsibility for the social equity of their society.

People are showing they care about their environment, social equity and righting the wrongs of generations past. Many companies are setting up foundations to contribute positively to the community and individuals are experiencing the intrinsic rewards that come from giving freely of themselves in service of those who are less fortunate.

The Australian Life Coaching Society was set up as one such venture to make a positive difference in the world. Our members are passionate about helping our clients …

ALCS started as a dream of one man who cared about the social issues surrounding contemporary Australians, he soon came to find that he was not alone in his vision. Coaches across Australia are showing they too care about the issues through joining the mission and rolling their sleeves up to create a difference.

The issues remain, but the ALCS band of coaches are ready to be part of the solution, armed with our specific set of professional skills and a commitment to our shared vision based on compassion and social responsibility.