Late last month, our Membership & Engagement Coordinator James had the opportunity to speak with the newest cohort of Sydney Alliance Assistant Organisers. This 2-hour Solidarity Seminar was a chance to go through the basics of the NSW housing system with all 50 social work students who are currently completing their professional placement with the Alliance. 
 
The session covered everything from renters’ rights to planning regulation, with a focus on how communities, activists, and advocacy organisations like ours can make a difference to systemic issues. The Assistant Organisers will be spending part of their placement helping local communities’ campaign for stronger Affordable Housing commitments from elected officials, so hopefully this session was able to set them up well! 

Considering the students are working these hours without pay, we also discussed the ongoing campaign to expand financial support for placement students. The group were excited to support efforts from groups like Students Against Placement Poverty who are seeking to have all placements included in any support payments, as the recent federal government announcement excludes international students and many relevant degrees from eligibility.