![Stencil of OTPOR sign on wall with logo and writing that reads 'OTNOP'. [It is near the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, 2001]](https://i0.wp.com/commonslibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/OTPOR_Sign_NoviSad_2001.jpg?fit=300%2C208&ssl=1)
Overcoming Despair and Apathy to Win Democracy
Lessons on movement building from one of the founders of the Serbian student movement that brought down dictator Slobodan Milosevic.
Archive
Read
Looking for articles, books, case studies, tips about social change and activism? You’ve found the right place – The Commons Social Change Library.
For Educators Grappling with Student Protests, Here’s how to Play a Supporting Role
From mentoring to monitoring – Ideas and advice how educators and faculty can support students involved in student protests.
In Australia, Fitness Workers Are Organizing
Learn about a union campaign by casual fitness workers who organised in Australia to push for better pay and work conditions.
Conflict is Inevitable: Knowledge Roundup
This Guide provides ideas and strategies for activists groups to implement when dealing with conflict which is inevitable.
Fixing our Democracies and Winning Elections in the Age of Junk Politics: A Guide to Transformational Campaigning
Strategic models and practical advice on how we can return to and innovate towards transformational campaigning in the ‘age of junk politics’
Palestine Solidarity Conference Resources
Recommended resources for the Palestine Solidarity Conference held by APAN in Naarm/Melbourne in May 2024.
Jane McAlevey: Organizer Extraordinaire
A guide to Jane McAlevey’s work including key takeaways and a plethora of links to books, articles, videos, podcasts, workshops and more.
Refugees Welcome: An Organising Case Study
An orientation to organizing and learning about the 5 practices of leadership based on the work of Marshall Ganz. (Includes a Case study on Refugees)
The Dilemma of Growth in the Group: Primary and Secondary Systems
This excerpt from Grassroots and Nonprofit Leadership explores the dilemma of growth in groups and outlines primary and secondary organisation systems.
Scaling Organising: The Incubating and Cascading Approach
George Gabriel introduces the “incubating and cascading” approach to scaling organising through a case study of the UK-based Refugees Welcome movement.
By Us, For Us: Disability Messaging Guide
Disability messaging tips that research has shown to be effective in building public support for progressive change, including disability rights.
How to Archive a Protest: A Field Guide For Southern Memory Workers
This guide about how to archive a protest includes a checklist and tips of what to think about before, during and after a protest.
Changemakers’ Toolkit
Welcome to the Changemakers’ Toolkit – a training resource for campaigners, activists, and changemakers of all kinds.
No More Gendered Violence: Resources to Support Campaigning
Resources to support the upswell of concern about violence against women. Includes tips for strategic campaigns that win results.
The Impact of Climate Activism on Health: Exploring Positive and Negative Effects
Drawing on interviews with climate activists, this article explores the top five negative and positive health impacts of climate activism.
Disability, Mobility and Climate Justice
Eav shares her perspectives and lived experience of being a disabled person within the climate justice movement.
Climate Activism Coping Strategies: 5 tips for mental and physical health
Climate activists share their top five coping strategies to deal with the health impacts of climate activism.
Sharing Research and Reports via the Commons Library
How the Commons Social Change Library can help academics and researchers share their work more effectively with campaigners and improve impact.
Authoritarianism to Democracy: The Story of Mongolia
Learn about the story and the tactics (protests, hunger strikes) that led to Mongolia’s change from authoritarianism to democracy.
How to Create a Campaign
How do you start a campaign for social change? Learn how to create a campaign using tools such as the Spectrum of Allies.