It's a day of 10's, our favourite milestone celebration. Today on August 10th, AIME the Imagination Factory that provides mentoring programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids, celebrates the 10 year anniversary of Hoodie Day. The first AIME hoodie was created in 2010 as a symbol of unity, acting as a conversation starter and also to raise money to support AIME's work in education for kids. Now, on this anniversary AIME is launching the 'We Imagine' campaign to collectively reflect on what a fairer world looks like and looking to build common vision for the next 10 years.

"Ten years ago we created our first hoodie to bring the people with power closer to the kids who were being left behind," said Jack Manning Bancroft, founder and CEO of AIME. "Today, the hoodie continues to be our connector for people around the world, it's our form of currency. It lights the stage to build a global social network for good as we continue to fight for a fairer world." The new 10 year anniversary hoodie has been created through up-cycled stock with work from three children in the three continent's the company now works in: Africa, Australia and America. Funding from the hoodie contributes to the resources that AIME teachers, mentors and citizens use to continue to work toward a fairer world. We spoke to Nathan McGuire, AIME ambassador for the 10th Anniversary Hoodie Day and who's own personal journey has been positively impacted by AIME's work.

10 Magazine: Aime's 'We Imagine' campaign is reflecting on what a fairer world looks like. What does a fairer world look like to you?

Nathan McGuire: "A fairer world to me looks like the inclusion, elevation, equality and education of First Nations people in the mainstream system. To give equal representation, voice and self determination for First Nations people. On a global scale it would be that there is a more conscious effort and real action with our environment and building a sustainable future for all of us."

10: Why is AIME's work important to you personally?

NM: "AIME's work is important to me personally as I have been invited to speak at AIME sessions in the past to talk about my own study and work journey. Meeting the kids involved was really special. I have had young family members like my cousins go through AIME's mentoring and it's had positive impacts on their lives. I have very good non-Indigenous friends who are a part of their mentor programs and use their times to help the students in the program, so it's been a great way to bridge the gap between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people on a cultural level."

10: How are you feeling at the moment with everything going on in the world? What has been your biggest challenge? What has raised your spirits?

NM: "At the moment I have been feeling uneasy. The cracks are showing with the inequality and injustices we have going on in the world. The way things are with the suppression of minority groups and the disadvantaged combined with access to information through social media and the conscience that social media carries with it means people are able to react and address these injustices and create change for the world and ignite conversations. My biggest challenge has been not being able to see my family back home in Perth whilst I'm in NSW. The things that raise my spirits are my partner, friends, music and connection to the community and the conversations we have been having surrounding Indigenous issues."

10: What do you hope people take away from the #IndigenousLivesMatter movement?

NM: "I think what I would like people to take away is the opportunity to unlearn what they think they know and relearn the truths and realities of Indigenous people by engaging with the Indigenous community and voices. I hope people listen and start their own journey to break down racial biases and privileges afforded to them from a racist system and historically biased narrative. This conversation isn't new for Indigenous or First Nations People, however the conversation has never been louder and more impactful. It's a great time for non-Indigenous people to become allies and use their privileges to change their behaviours and educate themselves on Australian history and the impacts on the Indigneous community that it has on all levels. This takes time and not all the learning can not be done on social media. It takes commitment everyday to have the difficult conversations, to read a book or watch a documentary to further your understanding of the movement."

10: How have you seen AIME's work impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids?

NM: "AIME's environment is a safe place to engage and learn. The impact speaks for itself with the global reach that the program has. It provides avenues for young people to be able to express their culture openly and proudly whilst gaining the knowledge and mentorship they need to succeed in the modern world."

10: What does AIME's hoodie represent to you when you put it on?

NM: "The hoodie to me represents hope and strength, It means our kids are being given support and opportunities to succeed in this world. It's important our future generations are uplifted as they are our future."

by Roxy Lola

The 10 year anniversary hoodie is available now at aimementoring.com with 100% of profits going toward AIME.