What We Do

VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family's learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.

In 2021-22, VIEW members raised more than $1.3 million for The Smith Family's programs.

VIEW members volunteer their time and talents to support The Smith Family in many ways.

Members enjoy directly helping children and young people in need reach their potential through education. Volunteering roles include tutoring at Smith Family after-school Learning Clubs, and mentoring secondary school students to provide career and study advice.

Many VIEW members also assist in local Smith Family offices with administration and office tasks to ensure the smooth running of programs for students and families.

The voice of VIEW is an important aspect of the work and impact of VIEW. Through their networks in local communities, VIEW members raise awareness about disadvantage in Australia and the importance of investing in a child's education to break the cycle of disadvantage.

Clubs connect with local Members of Parliament, build relationships with local media outlets and find ways for women to have their voices heard on issues of importance for the future wellbeing of Australians, and in particular women and the community.

The extensive reach of VIEW in close to 300 communities across Australia also helps to raise awareness of The Smith Family and increase support for their work. VIEW's work in local communities, aligns with, and strengthens the impact of The Smith Family's Learning for Life programs for children and families in need.

Through VIEW's unique Resolutions process, members collectively identify and articulate issues that are considered important for influencing social change in Australia.

VIEW members nationally sponsor more than 1,680+ disadvantaged Australian students, through The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, enabling these children and young people to get the most from their education.

Learning for Life sponsorship assists families in need to afford a child's education essentials such as uniforms, shoes and stationery. Sponsored students are also connected with a Smith Family Learning for Life Program Coordinator who supports them to stay engaged with their learning and links them to educational and mentoring programs that give students the support and tools they need to stay in school and break the cycle of disadvantage.

The emotional, practical and financial support Learning for Life students gain helps to build skills, knowledge, motivation, self-belief and a network of positive relationships. This wrap-around support increases a disadvantaged young person's likelihood of remaining engaged with school, completing Year 12 and developing realistic goals for post-school options.

VIEW is proud to be The Smith Family's single largest community sponsor of Learning for Life students. Many clubs run events and activities to raise money to sponsor one or more students. Members enjoy regular communication with students and Learning for Life Program Coordinators about the progress of their sponsored students.

Visit The Smith Family's website for more about the Learning for Life program and The Smith Family's learning and mentoring programs.