Social Impact for Events featuring Sisterworks
Social impact is not something event managers and organisers commonly think about. Although addressing environmental issues has become the norm and we always think about our target audience or event attendees, how our events (and other business activities) affect the local and broader community is not something that’s often considered in our industry.
As a values-led event business, committed to “creating a more social, sustainable and inclusive world, one event at a time” JTPM aims to lead the way in socially responsible events by deliberately choosing to work with organisations who deliver unique products and services while also giving back to the community.
One of these organisations is SisterWorks, who we’ve partnered with on many occasions, using their catering services and sourcing customised products and gifts. Below is more information about SisterWorks, but first let’s explore the idea of social impact for events.
What does ‘social impact’ mean?
The term ‘social impact’ has been around since the late 60’s and refers to the socio-economic, health, cultural and environmental effects that an action, activity or event can have on individuals, groups and communities. These effects can be positive or negative, direct or indirect, and intentional or unintentional.
Government departments often undertake ‘social impact assessments’ when planning big projects, developments and policies. This involves researching, anticipating and planning for potential impacts in order to minimise, address or (if possible) avoid any negative outcomes.
Think of it like expanded risk assessment, that looks beyond the traditional occupational health and safety issues we usually focus on. The goal is to think beyond financial or business outcomes and to become a more responsible citizen, with an understanding that there is always a flow-on effect or consequence to every choice and action.
The Social impact opportunity for events!
Avoiding negative outcomes or feedback for your event is important and one clear benefit of managing your social impact, but we prefer to look at it from the other side of the coin and see it as more of an opportunity for running a business that does good, not just good business!
Rather than simply identifying potential issues and then trying to mitigate them, we take a more proactive approach to ensure our events are delivering as many positive outcomes as possible. From protecting the environment to providing employment and training opportunities, there are many ways we as event producers can contribute to creating a better future and world through our work.
At JTPM we have developed an ‘Event Impact Checklist’ of more than 50 things to make sure every event is equitable, accessible, sustainable and delivers positive impacts to the greatest number of people possible.
From our staff and clients, to our venue and suppliers, we choose to work with people who share our values and want to work in partnership to achieve social and environmental goals, not only reach business or marketing objectives – and one such organisation is SisterWorks!
JTPM Founders Victor and Julia with SisterWorks CEO, Ifrin and Head of Social Enterprise, Valerie.
Partner Spotlight: About Sisterworks
SisterWorks is a Melbourne based non-profit social enterprise supporting refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking women on their journey to economic independence. First founded in 2013 SisterWorks has grown and evolved over the years and has helped more than 3,500 women from over 105 countries.
Offering a range of training programs, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, Sisterworks helps women develop skills, confidence, and connections across hospitality, customer service, warehousing, small business management and more.
SisterWorks Services for Events!
While directly supporting individuals, Sisterworks also works with organisations and event organisers like us on a range of mutually beneficial initiatives and social enterprises, including:
- CircularWorks – transforming waste into sustainable products.By upcycling and repurposing materials like textiles and banners and turning them into customised and hand-crafted sustainable products, this program provides social and environmental benefits – delivering jobs and a creative outlet for women, while also reducing waste.Great for goody bags, promotional merchandise or corporate gifts!
- Crafted Culture Catering – food that tastes good and does good.Crafted Culture by SisterWorks is a social enterprise café and catering service, creating vibrant, flavour-packed menus inspired by the cultures of migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker women.Every meal tells a story of heritage, resilience, and empowerment, and supports women to gain skills, employment pathways, and brighter futures.Food and culinary experiences have always been the centrepiece of the events industry, helping to bring people together. Using diverse, cultural and indigenous catering adds a rich layer of storytelling and education that makes it even more memorable and impactful!
- SisterWorks Shop & Markets – shop ethical, handmade goods.Discover a range of thoughtfully curated artisan products that showcase the creativity and culture of their maker. Available in person at the Carlton North store and online, you’ll find textiles, jewellery, homewares, toys, preserves, hampers and much more.Tailored pop-up market stalls can also be booked for festivals, corporate and private events, with many products made from recycled materials, so they’re environmentally friendly too.
- SisterWorks Connect – share unique and powerful storiesBook inspiring speakers and immersive cultural workshops led by migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker women to hear stories of resilience, overcoming adversity and cultural richness, and build greater empathy and understanding.From arts and crafts to cooking and music, SisterWorks workshops are great for team-building and fostering greater engagement at your next event.
Want to know more? Explore all the SisterWorks programs, products and services and get in touch via their website – let them know JTPM sent you: sisterworks.org.au
Want to produce more impactful events that leave the world a better place? Get in touch to partner with us: jtproductionmanagement.com
