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Looking for articles, books, case studies, tips about social change and activism? You’ve found the right place – The Commons Social Change Library.

Consciousness Raising

Consciousness Raising

Consciousness raising was a key element of the second wave women’s movement enabling women to recognise that the personal is political. This article gives an overview of group consciousness raising processes relevant for any group based on a shared identity or experience of oppression.

Reviewing your Activist Year

Reviewing your Activist Year

Why not take some time out to reflect on the year that was, before jumping in to plans for the next? Different approaches to reflection are explored including journalling, art and ritual. Plus there’s a handy worksheet which you can use (at any time of the year).

Organise Yourself Healthy

Organise Yourself Healthy

Community organisers (and other change agents) have some excellent tools that can maximise the likelihood of making healthy goals a reality. This article will tune up your organising smarts as well as your health and wellbeing.

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit: Book Review

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit: Book Review

Hope in the Dark ­was written by Rebecca Solnit to help activists and campaigners find hope in times of struggle. Here Matt Ross reviews the American author’s arguments for keeping the faith in times of despair.

Our Hearts in Transition: Book Review

Our Hearts in Transition: Book Review

A book review of The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins with emphasis on its insights around the emotional & psychological impact of climate change.

Personal ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout

Personal ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout

This article explores some of the ‘cognitive errors’ or ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout. Read through this list and see if you might need to adjust your perspective, in the interests of your health, wellbeing and effectiveness. 

Surviving the Ups and Downs of Social Movements

Surviving the Ups and Downs of Social Movements

We tend to talk about activist burnout as an individualised experience – but the Movement Action Plan, a framework for understanding social movements, factors in perception of failure, providing insights and hope for navigating the downs in movement life.

Consciousness Raising

Consciousness Raising

Consciousness raising was a key element of the second wave women’s movement enabling women to recognise that the personal is political. This article gives an overview of group consciousness raising processes relevant for any group based on a shared identity or experience of oppression.

Reviewing your Activist Year

Reviewing your Activist Year

Why not take some time out to reflect on the year that was, before jumping in to plans for the next? Different approaches to reflection are explored including journalling, art and ritual. Plus there’s a handy worksheet which you can use (at any time of the year).

Organise Yourself Healthy

Organise Yourself Healthy

Community organisers (and other change agents) have some excellent tools that can maximise the likelihood of making healthy goals a reality. This article will tune up your organising smarts as well as your health and wellbeing.

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit: Book Review

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit: Book Review

Hope in the Dark ­was written by Rebecca Solnit to help activists and campaigners find hope in times of struggle. Here Matt Ross reviews the American author’s arguments for keeping the faith in times of despair.

Our Hearts in Transition: Book Review

Our Hearts in Transition: Book Review

A book review of The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins with emphasis on its insights around the emotional & psychological impact of climate change.

Personal ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout

Personal ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout

This article explores some of the ‘cognitive errors’ or ‘traps’ that contribute to activist burnout. Read through this list and see if you might need to adjust your perspective, in the interests of your health, wellbeing and effectiveness. 

Surviving the Ups and Downs of Social Movements

Surviving the Ups and Downs of Social Movements

We tend to talk about activist burnout as an individualised experience – but the Movement Action Plan, a framework for understanding social movements, factors in perception of failure, providing insights and hope for navigating the downs in movement life.