Our Philosophy
Success is about flourishing and thriving in one’s life. Thriving is the psychological state in which people experience a sense of both vitality and learning. Thriving individuals are growing, developing, energized and are healthier, more resilient,and focused.
Our Mission
The Centre for Positive Change is the Australian representative for the international Hope Baromoter survey, researching hope and its connection to positive change.
Our Philosophy
AAt the heart of our endeavors is the Hope Barometer research, a pioneering initiative that serves as a vital instrument for measuring, understanding, and enhancing hope within individuals and communities. This research is integral to our mission, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to nurturing and sustaining hopefulness.
Our Findings
The research recognizes the profound connection between hope, emotional wellbeing, and successful change. Individuals with higher levels of hope tend to set more challenging goals, be more committed the pursuit of their goals, demonstrating greater perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles, and as a result are more likely to achieve their objectives.
If you’d like to participate in this year's survey, get in touch today.
About The Hope Barometer Project.
What originally stared as an idea in 2009, has evolved into an international research program involving over 15 countries. The basic motivation for developing the ‘Hope-Barometer International Research Program' was responding to the impression that in Europe, the attention of the populous and mass media concerning the future was focused mainly on problems, risks, catastrophes, worries and fears rather than opportunity and potential.
Since then, for more than 15 years, swissfuture, together with the University of St. Gallen, has been conducting the international survey in which thousands of people take part every year in November and take place in Australia, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, India, Israel, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Spain and South Africa.
2024
Hope
Barometer
Survey
Results
The results of the Hope Barometer 2024 lead to the following 10 findings:
1.Satisfaction and confidence in one's own life are relatively pronounced and in clear contrast tootodissatisfaction and pessimism regarding social ddevelopments.
2.Young people are more dissatisfied,lesshopeful, believeto a lesser extentin the good, have lowerself-worth, feelto a smaller amountemotionally and socially comfortable and value sustainability not as much than older people.
3.The outlook for thequality of life in 20 years' time has become gloomieryearafter year.The threatof a long-termcrisis scenario hasincreasedin recent years andthebelief in a long-term flourishing scenario has decreased.
4.Despite these negative prospects,personal hope has remained almost constant at a medium-highlevel over the last six years, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland.
5.The most important personal hopes are good health, a happy family, marriage or partnership,harmony in life,personal self-determination, good relationships with other people and a meaningfultask.Money, career and sexare the least important.
6.The most important sources of hope are good experiences innatureand the support of family andfriends, followed by personal strengths andsocial care.
7.elief in people's helpfulness and kindness has increased significantly. At the same time, belief in agood and just world has decreased.Self-worthhas remained constant at a high level
8.Tomanypeople,personal growth, community and security areslightlymore importantthansustainability.Religious or spiritualfaithis only important to a minority.
9.While physical health declines with age, mental health and emotional, psychological and social well-being increase with age.
1.There is a positiverelationshipbetween hope, meaning in life, the desire for personal growth,community, sustainability, self-worth,thebelief in the good andpersonal well-being.
Meet the Team
Co-Founders Olga Varsos and Dr Mark Sinclair
provide a depth of professional practice and research analytic skills.
Professional Practice
Olga Varsos
Olga Varsos is a clinical social workers, accredited career practitioner and emotional intelligence coach, who has over 40 years experience working as a manager counsellor, trainer/coach in the educational, community and private sectors.In 2005 Olga together with Robyn Chellew they developed their signature two stage coaching process, which includes:
1.The POWER Coaching Model and
2.The GOAL Coaching Conversation
which draw on strategies from coaching, positive psychology and hope theory – all of which are proven to build the self-awareness, self-belief and sense of ownership individuals need to create their own inspiring plans and strengthen the emotional skills they need to achieve their goals on an ongoing basis.
Research & Large Language Model Analyst
Dr Mark Sinclair
Dr. Mark Sinclair has extensive corporate advisory experience with AT Kearney and KPMG, and his passion for research-based practice, developed in education, including lecturing in the MBA program at RMIT University.
During his career, Mark has advised senior executives at over 100 businesses in a broad range of industries throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East including strategic assignment with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Department of Human Services, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Department of Education, Telstra and the Reserve Bank of Indonesia.Mark has a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Bachelor of Applied Science.
Mark is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a Certified Education Manger.
Our Values
1
Catalyst for Growth
The Center for Positive Change is committed to serving as a dynamic catalyst for transformative growth and societal well-being. Our overarching aim is to cultivate a nurturing environment where individuals and communities can develop positive habits, bolster resilience, and actively contribute to the betterment of society.Through a multidimensional approach that integrates cutting-edge research, innovative educational initiatives, and meaningful community engagement, the Center for Positive Change aspires to be at the forefront of inspiring and facilitating positive transformations.
2
Fostoring Positve Change
In conjunction with our commitment to personal development, fostering healthy interpersonal relationships, and addressing broader societal challenges, the Center for Positive Change has initiated groundbreaking research known as the Hope Barometer. This research program aims to measure and understand the dynamics of hope within individuals and communities. By exploring the factors that contribute to hope and resilience, the Hope Barometer research provides valuable insights that inform our strategies for fostering positive change.
3
Beacon for Hope
Our vision is to create a world where the principles of positivity and resilience are not only embraced but also woven into the very fabric of our global community. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the Center for Positive Change seeks to establish itself as a beacon of hope and a hub for constructive change.
The integration of the Hope Barometer research enhances our ability to tailor interventions and initiatives that align with the unique needs of diverse populations.
4
Making Lasting Impact
Ultimately, the Center for Positive Change aims to make a lasting impact on individuals and societies, fostering a legacy of positive change that endures and inspires for generations.
Our commitment to excellence, coupled with the insights gained from the Hope Barometer research, positions us as a driving force in promoting a harmonious and thriving world, where hope is not just a concept but a measurable and actionable force for positive transformation.
