Across the Northern Territory, where connection means everything, the One Percent Program is proving that small and consistent acts of generosity can create powerful change.

Founded by proud Territorians Jahdai Vigona and Dante Rodrigues, the program is built on a simple but transformative idea. If every business gave just one percent of their profits, time, or resources back into community, imagine the difference we could make together.

"The One Percent Program was inspired by lived experience; seeing the challenges our young people face every day and wanting to do something about it," Jahdai explains.

"For a lot of us, we didn't grow up talking about mental health or healing, and we wanted to change that story for the next generation."

It began as a small community project.

"We were asked to create a local initiative to support men, fathers, and families living in our suburbs," Jahdai says.

"What began as a few mates hitting the boxing pads, doing team-building activities, meditating, and having a barbecue to start the day off right has now grown into something much bigger."

That beginning has evolved into a movement.

"We're delivering mental health literacy, respectful relationships, and healthy masculinities programs in schools, running sessions in the youth detention centre, working alongside YMCA drop-in spaces, and supporting young people in out-of-care programs," Jahdai says.

"What started with connection has become a movement for change — helping the Top End get one percent better every day."

This year's World Mental Health Day theme, Connect with your community, captures the essence of what the One Percent Program stands for.

"Everything we do comes back to connection," Jahdai says.

"We use movement, culture, and conversation to open people up, to help them feel safe, seen, and part of something bigger. When people feel connected, their mental health improves."

"We don't just work with individuals; we work with families, schools, and whole communities. The aim is to create spaces where people can talk about what they're going through without shame. It's about showing that looking after your mental health is a strength, not a weakness, and that healing happens together."

As Indigenous Business Month celebrates Strength through Collaboration, the One Percent Program stands as a living example of that theme in action.

"Collaboration is everything for us," Jahdai says.

"We know we can't do this work alone. We've built strong relationships with schools, health services, local councils, Aboriginal organisations, and businesses right across the NT, all bringing their own piece of the puzzle."

"When we come together, we create real, lasting change. Whether it's working with Sunrise Health on community wellbeing programs, CatholicCare in remote men's sheds, or partnering with youth services to reach more young people; it's all about walking together and sharing the load. That's where the real strength comes from."

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, giving back has always been part of culture.

"Our culture has always been about giving back; it's how we live," Jahdai says.

"You take care of your people, your Country, and your community. That's how you stay strong.

"The One Percent Program is just a modern way of carrying those values forward. Every session we run reminds our young people that leadership isn't about being in charge, it's about looking after others."

Looking ahead, the vision remains simple but powerful.

"Our vision is to grow the movement; to reach more schools, detention centres, and remote communities, and to build spaces where people can connect, heal, and grow," Jahdai says.

"We're calling on leaders, businesses, and community groups who want to create change to walk with us."

"For Territory businesses, it's about finding your way to give back. That could be sponsorship, volunteering, mentoring, or helping us create new opportunities for young people. Everyone has a one percent they can give, and when we all do that it adds up to something powerful."

In the spirit of Connect with your community and Strength through Collaboration, the One Percent Program shows that when we give from the heart, one percent can change everything. Follow the One Percent Program's journey and get involved through their website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.