How Artistic Activism can move us Toward a Better Future
A new book called “The Art of Activism” provides a deep dive on the process, principles, history and practice of artistic activism.
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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.
Movements and leaders have seasons – it’s important to know which one you are in
Learning to attune to the cycles of our own leadership can help us know when to do the right thing at the right time.
Should fighting for democracy take priority over building powerful social movements?
Activists throughout history have put social movement work on hold for the electoral arena. Determining whether to do so is a matter of strategy and calling.
Should we disrupt the Democratic Party or try to take it over?
How movements settle the debate on whether to engage with political parties from the inside or outside will have a profound impact on their effectiveness.
A Guide to Power Analysis in Community Organising
A power analysis tool and templates for community organisers by The National Academy of Community Organising (NACO) in the UK.
When Facts Fail: How We Fight Misinformation
Article about organisations fighting misinformation and disinformation from the FWD + Organise Conference 2021 in Australia.
The Advocates: Women within the Australian Environmental Movement
This book features nine never-before-told stories of remarkable women and their courageous pursuits of climate justice in Australia.
Campaign Monitoring and Evaluation: Measuring What Matters
How can we equip ourselves to design effective monitoring and evaluation approaches for campaigns, movement building and organising work?
Women’s Stories of Environmental Activism: Susan
Interviews with women taking action at Camp Binbee against the Carmicheal coal mine development in Queensland, Australia in 2017.
Women’s Stories of Environmental Activism: Olivia
Interviews with women taking action at Camp Binbee against the Carmicheal coal mine development in Queensland, Australia in 2017.
Women’s Stories of Environmental Activism: Nora
Interviews with women taking action at Camp Binbee against the Carmicheal coal mine development in Queensland, Australia in 2017.
Women’s Stories of Environmental Activism: Lisa
Interviews with women taking action at Camp Binbee against the Carmicheal coal mine development in Queensland, Australia in 2017.
Women’s Stories of Environmental Activism: Jenny
Interviews with women taking action at Camp Binbee against the Carmicheal coal mine development in Queensland, Australia in 2017.
A Shelf of Reds: Neglected Radical Historians
Australian radical historians and activists, Rowan Cahill & Terry Irving, share a selection of books about radical Australian history.
The Use of Covid-19 Marshals at Public Demonstrations
Covid 19 marshals can help ensure safety during demonstrations. Insights into what equipment is needed and how to organize teams of marshals.
From Protest to Politics: The Effectiveness of Civil Society in shaping the Nuclear-free Policy in Aotearoa New Zealand
A case study about what made anti-nuclear activism successful in Aotearoa New Zealand between the 1960s – 1980s.
How to Write a Powerful Submission to Government – in as little as 10 minutes!
Contributing to government submission processes can be a valuable way for individuals to have a say on issues they care about. This article outlines some of the steps you can take to make your submissions powerful.
Tending the Soil: Lessons for Organizing
Ricardo Morales an artist and organiser from the United States shares his wisdom and lessons from over five decades of organising through eight lessons explained through videos and a zine featuring his beautiful artworks.
Dealing with Far-Right Interventions in Left-Wing and Progressive Movements
An examination of the growing influence of far-right and conspiracy-driven ideologies, including interventions in left-wing and progressive movements. The article outlines eight ways activists and organisers can respond.
Home Grown: Mapping Australian Organising Models
A new research project to map organising models in Australia, with examples from three organisations: Australian Conservation Foundation, Results Australia, and Amnesty International Australia. Presented at FWD+Organise 2021.