Seedbeds

Equip community leaders to grow their ideas for change in Australia and Myanmar.

We are continuing our relationship with the UK not-for-profit 'Seedbed's, which Rev Dr Ash Barker founded and leads. Seedbeds aims to grow the capacities of local leaders and their communities, wherever they live, for social change. The focus is on developing each emerging leader's capacity in the critical qualities of compassion, innovation and resilience and building life-long connections, self-awareness and skills for change.

This project is initially for 13 months from November 2023 and has two components:

1. Pilot Local Change Makers in Australia
2. Seedbeds Change Incubators Programme in Myanmar

The intention is to extend the project depending on the learnings of the pilot.  

Component 1: Pilot of Local Change Makers in Australia
This is piloting the Seedbeds Change Makers community leaders programme in Australia under the name 'Local Change Makers'. The plan is to work from bases for training in Victoria and Queensland.

Component 2:  Seedbeds Change Incubators Programme in Myanmar
Working with the Myanmar National Unity Government, Seedbeds runs the Change Incubator program for those workers involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement who cannot work in their regular jobs because of the military dictatorship. Based on Seedbeds' Change Makers community leaders programmes, the 'Change Incubator' programme provides the opportunity for some community leaders to grow their hopes for change into reality with online training and coaching that culminates in a pitch for change to a resource panel.

Background on the organisation Seedbeds UK
Seedbeds aims to develop local leaders for social change and is founded and led by Australian Churches of Christ Minister, Rev Dr Ash Barker. For over 30 years, Ash has lived intentionally on the front line of urban poverty and seen the unique potential of local people and places around the world. Since 2014, the Barkers have been planted in Winson Green, inner-city Birmingham, UK and have been building a new team with a fresh vision to grow the capacities of urban leaders and their communities wherever they live, including internationally in Ukraine and Myanmar. Seedbeds believe that every local community can flourish, but few local neighbourhoods realise their unique potential. Through responsive, practical and innovative programmes, Seedbeds grows local leaders and communities into fullness of life.

Donations of more than $2 are tax-deductible

Make a donation to Seedbeds today.

You can also give to the appeal by:

1. Bank transfer to
   Account Name: Global Mission Partners Extend Ltd
   BSB: 063 130   Account No: 1047 0548
   Customer reference line: ‘[Donor name] Seedbeds’
   Please email extend@gmp.org.au with the reference of “Seedbeds” with [your name], [amount given] and [date paid],
2. Completing the donation form that can be downloaded at here.
3. Calling the GMP office on 1800 467 222 and using the GMP Extend Credit Card facility.

Dowload a printable giving form