YouTube is a powerful force for positivity, inclusion, diversity, respect and love. However, we know that unfortunately, there are people who use Internet platforms including YouTube as a means to spread negativity and hate.
Our YouTube creators have long known the power of video to express themselves, encourage new perspectives, and inspire solidarity—think about online movements such as the It Gets Better Project, which brought support and global attention to the importance of tolerance.
A few months ago in London, we announced the launch of YouTube Creators for Change, a global initiative to empower creators to act as role models and as forces for positive social change. From combating hate speech, to countering xenophobia and extremism, to simply making the case for greater tolerance and empathy toward others, these creators are helping generate positive social change with their global fan bases.

Didgeridoo player Jeremy Donovan, who also sat on a panel session at the YouTube creators bootcamp.

Today, at the YouTube Pop-up Space Sydney, we launched the Australian chapter of YouTube Creators for Change. Global Creator for Change ambassador Natalie Tran, along with emerging YouTube star Jake Bley and Kosta Lucas from People Against Violent Extremism, participated in a bootcamp for social influencers from across Australia focusing on how to create videos responding to racism, extremism, violence, anti-refugee sentiment, and homophobia.

YouTube stars Natalie Tran and Jake Bley on a panel discussion with YouTube's Kristen Bowen.

We also announced a partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians and Vice to encourage Australians to use digital platforms to promote diversity and inclusivity and address issues relating to hate speech. To support and amplify ambassadors and emerging creators alike, we are committing US$1m globally in equipment and production grants as part of the Creators for Change program. Our efforts don’t stop here — we’ll also continue working with NGOs, schools, and media companies around the world to launch more local programs as part of Creators for Change. We recently introduced a program in France that brought together more than 700 participants who created 140 videos under the theme of fraternité.

In Germany, YouTube creators joined forces under #NichtEgal, a movement dedicated to unite Germans in countering online hate. And you can be a part of this movement right here in Australia with #ShareGood — we look forward to seeing your videos and posts to inspire solidarity and understanding. We hope these new programs and resources will continue making YouTube a place where anyone can have a voice and where anyone can use the power of video to help generate positive social change.
Samantha Yorke, Public Policy and Government Relations Counsel, Australia and New Zealand, recently watched Superwog’s Uber vs Taxi