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Stories of Unemployed Activism from Radical Melbourne: 1906-1982

Introduction Four stories about actions – demonstrations, pickets, eviction resistance and occupations – that the unemployed people of Melbourne carried out from 1906 to 1982. These stories come from the Radical Melbourne 1 & 2 books by Jeff and Jill Sparrow, published by Vulgar Press in 2001 and 2004. The books feature dozens of stories […]

Photograph of someone dressed as the Statue of Liberty draped in the US flag.

US Election Resources 

A working document to gather links relevant to the US election for participants in social movements. These materials are mainly gathered for an Australian audience but may be useful to people other places. More information will be available over the next few days, come back for updates. 

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.

pencil drawing of a lightbulb with a question mark inside the bulb

Campaign Research 101

An introduction to the basics of campaign research for social change advocates. Campaign research helps you get the right message, in the right format, delivered by the right messengers, to the right audience through the right channels.

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ChangeMakers Organising School – Season Two

Notes from training sessions hosted by ChangeMakers and Tipping Point April to July 2020. The training aims to equip organisers and campaigners to respond to challenges and continue their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A collage of 6 images that relate to community organising including a photo of Saul Alinksy, and people protesting.

So, what is community organising?

Community organising is a way of building people power that focuses on building the capacity, skills and leadership of the people involved in making change. This article explains community organising and its history.

four people sitting at desk holding pens with hands on chins in a thinking stance

Organising deeply during crisis

Adele Neale, co-director of the Community Organising Fellowship, makes the case for deep listening and learning as part of organising during times of crisis, including the current pandemic.

Chalk drawing on background showing two hands shaking.

Lobbying and Advocacy: Start Here

Welcome to the Lobbying & Advocacy topic in the Commons Social Change Library. This article guides you through a wide range of materials to inform the public in relation to lobbying, advocacy and policy-making. 

Photograph of the front of Australian Parliament House. The front paving shows a pattern that echoes Aboriginal artwork. The building is white with a flag spier and visible Australian flag blowing in the wind.

Australian Parliament 101

Engaging with the 46th Parliament is a key part of working in the policy and advocacy sector of Australian not-for-profit organisations. Here’s some key details you should know.

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