In the National Office - John Pilgrim
Let's find out who's who ...
A conversation with John Pilgrim
John Pilgrim is a cornerstone of the HIPPY Australia team, having dedicated 13 years to the program, including nine years as a Communications Officer. His role is vital to the National Office, involving everything from Compliance Bulletins to the ACCO transitions project.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to make information accessible, John ensures that everyone has the "right to understanding," stripping away the jargon that often acts as a barrier to those sitting outside the HIPPY Australia National Office.
At the core of his work values sits a firm belief that it is the links between families and their broader communities that ensures HIPPY’s impact remains transformative.
John, what’s your role at HIPPY, and what does your day-to-day work involve?
I’ve been a Communications Officer here at HIPPY for close to nine years now, and part of the team for 13 years, so I’m pretty much part of the furniture! My role is varied; recently, I’ve worked on Compliance Bulletins, supporting communications for the Transitions to ACCOs project, and organising curriculum printing.
My big passion is making information accessible. I fundamentally believe everyone has a right to understanding so they can make informed decisions.
Words can sometimes feel like a smokescreen that keeps people on the outside.
I think the Communications members within the Network Engagement Team generally like to stay behind the scenes, but we do a lot of work supporting in HIPPY Australia National Office internally as well as having input into the resources, materials and documents that make it out to sites.
We also love supporting HIPPY sites in their own communications and promotions plans, particularly if your organisation might not have a dedicated communications and marketing person.
With HIPPY's four outcome areas. Which one speaks to you the most, and why?
For me, it’s always been HIPPY Families.
I love HIPPY’s potential to empower parents and carers to understand their importance as their child’s first teachers. It can be radical and transformative. I’d also make a special mention of communities; we can't underestimate the strength and cultural richness that community provides.
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