Racism has recently been recognised in a number of key reports as a threat to public health in Australia.

A range of health problems including high blood pressure and heart disease, depression, anxiety, low birth rate and premature birth can all be caused directly by people's personal experiences of racism.

There is an Indigenous health crisis in Australia, and there is something you can do about it because of all the causes of ill health in Indigenous Australians, everyone can do something about racism.

Start by signing the pledge. Then:

• get the facts,
• speak up against racism, and
• do something positive.

Get the facts

There are many myths that people spread simply because they don't know what the facts are. Make sure you know the REAL facts on areas such as land rights, employment statistics and alcohol, so you're not perpetuating the myths.

• Get the facts
• Racism in Australia
• Racism, and how it relates to health
• The Indigenous health crisis in Australia

Try the quiz to find out how much you already know

Speak up against racism

Speaking up when you hear a racist remark helps to stop racism in Australia. Staying silent may be interpreted as implied approval of discrimination. Make a commitment to speaking up against racism: sign the pledge.

"Joe, I've always thought of you as a fair-minded person, so it shocks me when I hear you say something that sounds so racist."

When you confront racism you are playing an important role in shaping social norms. You have the right, as well as the responsibility, to speak up against racism.

• The basic things to remember
• Speaking up online
• Speaking up at home
• Speaking up at work
• Speaking up among friends
• Speaking up in public
• Speaking up in the media
• Speaking up about governments

Do something positive

There are ways you can do something positive against racism in your home, workplace, school and in your community.

• Do something positive at home
• Do something positive in your workplace
• Do something positive in your school
• Do something positive within your community
• Support Indigenous businesses when you shop

Related commentary

Take a read of Bronwyn Lay's insightful observations on racism in Australia The Mingled Yarn - 21 July 2010

Heath Gilmore's article in the Sydney Morning Herald League actively working to counter racism, says Gallop - 30 June 2010

Nicky Winmar, a legend in his homeland - Paul Toohey - Herald Sun - 27 July 2010