Building intersectional resistance alliances during COVID-19
Despite the global challenges presented by coronavirus, activists can use this moment to strengthen solidarity between movements.
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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.
Aboriginal Memoirs as Social Activism
Activist memoirs can help people understand how people affected change in the past and how people can effect change now.
Reset 3: Revitalising Democracy
Reset Reading Group resources for the Revitalising Democracy theme introduced and curated by Tim Hollo. Includes Libertarian Municipalism and Murray Bookchin’s Legacy.
Reset 2: Disaster Capitalism & A People’s Response
Reset Reading Group resources for discussion curated and introduced by Alex Kelly. Includes Coronavirus Capitalism and the Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein as well as manifestos for climate justice and disaster recovery.
Theories of Change
A theory of change can help guide campaigners, their teams and communities. James Whelan from the Change Agency addresses four common pitfalls and some remedies so your theory of change works for you and your team.
Hopepunk: Strategies for Serious Urban Play
Dr Troy Innocent from RMIT University presented at the Activism @ The Margins 2020 Conference about using urban play as a strategy of change and resistance in public space.
Tactics in a time of physical distancing: Examples from around the world
How can activists take action during the Covid-19 pandemic? This article collects examples of tactics from around the world that work during physical distancing.
Climate Justice and Feminism Resource Collection
A comprehensive list of resources about climate justice (including First Nations, gender, disability and other resources) collated by the Womens Climate Justice Collective (WCJC) and CounterAct.
Reset 1: First Nations Resistance & Climate Justice
Reset Reading Group resources for discussion curated and introduced by Karrina Nolan from Original Power. Includes Indigenous Principles for Just Transition, interviews, videos, podcasts, campaign links and prompts for discussions.
Strikes Resource Guide
Five books, five articles and five videos on strikes by Bright Green Independent Media for Radical, Democratic and Green Movements.Â
Activist Inspiration and Learning in Lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic is keeping many of us at home. Without the usual forums, film nights, and other campaign activities how can we connect to inspiration and continue learning? Here are films, podcasts, webinars and online courses.
Reset Reading Group: Frequently Asked Questions
Information about how to get started with the Reset Reading Group: setting up groups, joining groups, the role of facilitators, the program timeline and more.
Tactics in a time of physical distancing: Examples from Australia’s progressive past
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic the Commons is sharing protests, campaigns and events from the past which highlight ways we can undertake action whilst maintaining safe health practices and physical distance.
Are your Zoom meetings on Middle Class Standard Time?
Andrew Willis-Garces shares tips on how not to get caught out by the influence of professional middle class meeting culture in your online meetings. Consider the wellbeing of the group over trying to crunch in every single agenda item.
Welcome to the Reset Reading Group
The Commons is hosting a fortnightly program of readings and discussion, April – July 2020. Everything is being Reset… be part of the conversation about how to build a just future.
Permanently Organized Communities
Movement Generation share key principles for building resilient organised communities during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. Includes emphasis on local self-governance and networks of mutual care.
Online Picket Line Guide
Do you want to know how to run an online picket line? Here is a guide from the Victorian Trades Hall Council who ran the world’s 1st online picket line in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to launch digital actions for the campaign for #WageSubsidyForAll.
Love, community and campaigning in the time of Covid-19
UK activist trainer Natasha Adams looks at the opportunities for system change during the Coronavirus pandemic, the centrality of care and collectivity, and the implications for campaigners.
The NEON guide to progressive media work
NEON’s Press Officer Handbook, a comprehensive guide to effective media work in social movements. Includes writing press releases, using the phone, preparing spokespeople for broadcast and much more.
How are we Measuring People Power in 2020+, and where do we go from here?
How do you measure gifts of time, expertise and leadership? What indicators can you use to assess grassroots power building, organising and volunteer initiatives?