Introduction
’30 years of Creative Resistance’ is a compilation of writing and art celebrating the work of Friends of the Earth Australia over the last thirty years.
With contributions from leading activists in the organisation over that time, it chronicles the contribution which this incredible grassroots organisation has made to the political landscape of Australia, through campaigns against deforestation, climate change, uranium mining, whilst promoting alternative energy, indigenous rights and trade justice.
The optimism, courage and creativity noted by Chain Reaction in 1986 have been features of FoE’s thirty year history. Whilst these are now organisational qualities, they have evolved from the contributions of thousands of individuals across Australia, in widely varied political, social and ecological contexts. This book is a tribute to those people, and a reminder of all that is possible and positive as we seek environmental justice and more sustainable and equitable global social systems.
The book begins with an overview of some of FoE’s core philosophies and approaches, and then highlights some of its main campaigns and achievements in the context of wider political, social and economic issues. Local groups have been the mainstay of FoE’s thirty years, and some of these groups are discussed in some depth. Chain Reaction, FoE’s national magazine, has been published over most of FoE’s lifetime. Some of its rich history is also explored herein. As an organisation, FoE’s structures and processes have evolved greatly over thirty years, and some of these are described in the section ‘FoE Australia structure, decision making and management’. As a national body of an international organisation, FoE has a broader structural context, so the final chapter looks at FoE International, and some of the significant international victories that FoEA is proud to be associated with.
For thirty years, FoE members and groups in Australia have been thinking globally, acting locally and working creatively for environmental and social justice.
Contents
- Part 1: An Overview
- Part 2: Actions in Context: 30 years of Optimism, Courage and Creativity
1970s
1980s
1990s and into a new century - Part 3: FoE Local Groups
- Part 4: FoE Structure
- Part 6: FoE Projects
- FoE Australia Timeline
- Sources – Articles
- Sources – Images
Access Resource
- 30 years of Creative Resistance (PDF)
- The hard copy of the book can be purchased from the FOE shop.
Explore Further