Resources - The Commons Social Change Library

How to Change the Narrative

Guides, manuals and tools to help you get the narrative and framing right no matter what social justice issue you are working on.

image of a computer screen with a potted fern next to it

The Noble Art of Book Reviewing

Video on the Noble Art of Book Reviewing with insights and tips for writing effective and engaging book reviews. This was part of a Commons Library Skills Session.

Vida Goldstein, a woman wearing a hat and a black coat holding pieces of paper. The main one at the front resting on the lower half of her body reads Votes Women. Torture! In order of Home Secretary

Changing The World: The Women’s Political Association

The story of Vida Goldstein & the Women’s Political Association through their own words via a series of excerpts from speeches & publications.

Navigating Turnover in Activist Groups

A Guide developed by the Global Grassroots Support Network with ideas and strategies for activists groups to implement when dealing with turnover, especially with student led groups.

Making your Activism Accessible

This quick guide was created to support activists in making their spaces more accessible, to ensure everyone is welcome and encouraged to join movements in whatever way they can.

a collection of coloured square glass tiles with white background. On four tiles there is writing on seperate squares with writing that reads skills, ability, knowledge and wisdom.

A Framework for Thinking about Training and Behaviour Change

Randall Smith from PowerLabs shares a framework for thinking about training and behaviour change called KSW or KSAW.

A large group of men on strike sitting on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in front of one of the opera house sails. Some are wearing hard hats

How Workers Defeated Anti-Strike Laws in the 1970s

Read an excerpt from the book, Without Bosses: Radical Trade Unionism in the 1970s, about workers retaining the right to strike.

a group of people outside wearing yellow caps talking together at a market. One woman's tshirt reads Climate Action Now.

Door Knocking: A Case Study in Moving People to Take Action

A sample script and tips learnt from having climate conversations whilst door knocking in the lead up to the 2022 Australian election.

an outdoor post plastered with stickers with the writing organize and money is nothing art is real

Organising: Start Here

Organising builds people power for change. Here is a list of resources to get you started including introductions, different approaches, manuals, tactics, videos and more.

an icon of an abstract power button with two hands shaking at the bottom of the circle

It’s All About Power: A Guide to Thinking Differently about Power for Solidarity in Social Change

This guide has resources to help you think about how power is at play and to take action to transform power and build solidarity in social change.

Deep Canvassing Scripts and Examples

Here is a collection of resources about deep canvassing scripts including script examples and ideas, video training and podcasts.

Before Action Reviews (BARs) and After Action Reviews (AARs)

Useful tools to help with planning and reflections in your campaigns – Before Action Reviews (BARs) and After Action Reviews (AARs).

Aboriginal Change Makers: Stories of Aboriginal Self-determination and Empowerment

Stories and event about the role of Aboriginal Change Makers in the fight for equality and a more just society for all of us.

Jail Solidarity and Supporting Prisoners

Introduction In recent times Australia and other countries have seen the introduction and threat of new laws aimed at further criminalizing blockades, lock-ons and other forms of non-violent direct action. The following resources canvas a range of ways in which campaigners and protesters have responded to arrest and imprisonment for political activities. Whilst much of […]