- Block’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), designed to
empower, create transparency, and foster connections with
indigenous communities
- More than $3 million AUD of Social Impact Fund committed to
date in delivering programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
organisations across Australia.
Block Inc. [NYSE: SQ], today launches its inaugural
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Australia, solidifying its
commitment to fostering impactful Indigenous partnerships and
implementing programs that drive positive social change. The plan,
the latest in its long standing commitment to supporting indigenous
communities, brings together the full ecosystem of Block businesses
(including Square, Afterpay, and CashApp), as well as Foundational
teams together in a shared mission to increase access for all to
financial tools, investing in entrepreneurship and inclusive
systems, and innovating the global payments system, so that people
can empower themselves in the economy.
“At Block, we recognise the profound importance of our
commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
communities and its cultures. We understand that our existence goes
beyond providing financial services and profit; it's about
embodying fundamental principles that resonate with the fabric of
society. Technology, for us, isn't merely an industry but a
powerful tool to empower, create transparency, and foster
connections,” said Ant Eisen, Afterpay Co-Founder and Block’s RAP
Champion.
“Taking steps to achieve, and advocating for real, nuanced
action, as outlined in our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
is not just important; it's vital across every facet of personal
and commercial life. It's about taking responsibility for what's
right,” Eisen continued.
Block’s Reflect Plan, the first stage of the RAP process,
includes actions to bring its business and foundational teams
together to partake in relevant stakeholder engagement, education
and training programs, establish ongoing community partnerships and
plan and participate in cultural awareness initiatives.
“As we look to the future, we are eager to build upon the
foundations we've established. Our commitment to reconciliation is
about taking tangible steps and embarking on initiatives that add
real value to our society and community. From fostering impactful
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples partnerships to
implementing programs that drive positive social change, our
journey is marked by purposeful action,” Eisen continued.
To capture this mission, Rhonda Sampson, proud Kamilaroi woman,
and artist specialising in contemporary Aboriginal artwork, has
been commissioned to visually tell the Block story. Titled,
“Empowered Futures,” the artwork serves as a visual
representation of Block’s commitment to the journey of
Reconciliation and will act as a guide for the business to fulfil
the commitments made.
“The Block group is passionately devoted to advancing economic
empowerment while amplifying the voices and businesses of
Indigenous communities both within and beyond their business.
“Empowered Futures” acts as a roadmap for them to follow in
applying that passion, educating themselves, and their communities,
to make meaningful change,” Sampson said.
The RAP plan builds on a host of new and existing initiatives,
both independently and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander organisations, with the intention to continue to
build upon these initiatives to create lasting, impactful
change.
In 2020, Block established a USD$100 million social impact
investment fund in support of minority and underserved communities,
driven by the company’s purpose of economic empowerment and its
ongoing commitment to racial equality. USD$10 million has been
allocated as an investment in international funds and lenders
focusing on underserved communities in Block’s markets outside the
U.S.
Initiatives delivered as a part of the fund, and in addition to,
include:
- In November 2023, Block invested AUD$3 million in a new fund
set up by First Australians Capital (FAC), a national
Indigenous-led fund manager dedicated to helping Indigenous
entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
- Block is now into its second year of a partnership with
Indigitek, with The Indigenous New Developer Initiative, a
scholarship program funded by Cash App, consisting of a 3-month
paid General Assembly bootcamp, followed by a 6-month paid
internship at Cash App with the opportunity of full-time
employment. The program has already resulted in full time
employment and several scholarship opportunities.
- Square and Afterpay joined forces with House of Darwin,
a for-profit social enterprise and clothing company reinvesting its
profits into social programs and the 2023 Aboriginal Economic
Development Forum in Darwin. Block provided financial support for
remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to attend
the forum and conducted workshops on utilising Square's
products.
- Children's Ground, is guided by a 25-year approach led
by First Nations leaders and is committed to driving systemic
reform and revitalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
knowledge. Block has provided monetary contributions and will
continue to find meaningful ways to support their endeavours in
2024 and beyond.
- Make it Happen HQ, specialises in supporting First
Nations entrepreneurs by facilitating access to resources and
offering expanded learning opportunities. In addition to financial
contributions, Block donated 512 Square card readers and 510 reader
docks to empower Make it Happen HQ in achieving their mission.
Block also strives to integrate reconciliation and cultural
learning into our workplace culture. Recent activity includes
NAIDOC Week firesides, excursions to the Yuldea performance by
Bangarra Dance Theatre and always on knowledge sharing by our
employee resource group Indigenous@.
In the Reflect RAP, Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer
Reconciliation Australia, said, “Reconciliation Australia welcomes
Block to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program with the
formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP. This Reflect RAP
enables Block to deepen its understanding of the unique
contribution it can make to lead progress across the five
dimensions of reconciliation. Getting these right, puts Block is in
an incredibly unique position increase awareness of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and to take
the next step and provide meaningful impact toward reconciliation
and I look forward to working with them to do so.”
Acknowledgement of Country
Block, Inc. acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on
which we live and work. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters and
communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and
emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples
About Block
Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) (formerly, Square, Inc.) is a global
technology company with a focus on financial services. Made up of
Square, Cash App, TIDAL, and TBD, we build tools to help more
people access the economy. Square makes commerce and financial
services easy and accessible for sellers with its integrated
ecosystem of technology solutions. With Cash App, anyone can easily
send, spend, or invest their money in stocks or bitcoin. Afterpay
brings Square and Cash App together, connecting consumers and
businesses. Artists use TIDAL to help them succeed as entrepreneurs
and connect more deeply with fans. TBD is building an open source
platform and developer infrastructure that enables everyone to
access and participate in the global economy.
Notes:
- Access Block’s Reflect Reconciliation Plan here.
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