Commons Librarian

ten dvd covers of movies about social movements struggles and leaders

Films and Documentaries about Social Justice, Movements, Victories and Leaders

Be inspired with this list of movies and documentaries about social movement struggles, victories and leaders – Selma, Milk, Silkwood, Norma Rae, Gandhi and more.

Deep Canvassing Scripts and Examples

Here is a collection of resources about deep canvassing scripts including script examples and ideas, video training and podcasts.

A crowd of protestors at marriage equality rally. There are colourful rainbow flags, banners and in the foreground three people are holding signs that say Vote Yes with a green tick.

What we can Learn from the Marriage Equality Campaign

An array of resources collated about the marriage equality campaign across the world including lessons learned about messaging and framing.

close up of a white snowflake on a blue background

Organising Models Mapping Project: Survey Information

Australian Progress and Commons Library undertake important research about organising models in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

a landscape of the Australian Parliament Federal Building with the Australian flag on top. The building is list up at twilight and the building is reflected in the lake in front of it.

2022 Australian Federal Election Analysis

Trying to make sense of the 2022 Australian federal election and the resulting political landscape? This collection of articles will give you valuable insights.

Graph showing the Movement Action Plan developed by Bill Moyers.

Bill Moyer’s Movement Action Plan and Four Roles of Activism

Learn about and understand the ups and downs of social movements from Bill Moyer’s Movement Action Plan and the Four Roles of Activism.

Campaign Case Study Template

A campaign case study template to get you started in capturing the details of your campaign to capture lessons for others and the future.

Finding the Needle in the Haystack: Internet Research Tips

Quick tips and tools to improve your internet searching skills including using filters, truncation, phrase searching and hyphens.

Text: Wellbeing on the Campaign Trail. Image: A packet of crisps spills out against a navy blue background.

Campaign Wellbeing Bingo

A bingo sheet full of low barrier things folks can do to stay healthier and handle stress better when under pressure.

butterfly on flower at sunset with quote by Gandhi "Be the wish you wish to see in the world"

10 Great Resources on Activist Wellbeing

Are you an activist experiencing stress or burnout? These articles, videos and tips will help you stay healthy and well while working to change the world.

a peace dove in the colours of the Ukranian flag

Perspectives on Ukrainian Civil Resistance

The following articles include opinion pieces on the current situation in Ukraine, the case for nonviolent civil resistance, information about the successful nonviolent Orange Revolution of 2014, and ways to keep up to date on the unfolding war.

hand writing on blackboard with piece of chalk Volunteers welcome

Volunteer with the Commons Library!

Are you passionate about social change? Help make activism smarter and stronger by volunteering with the Commons Social Change Library.

a white circle with a arrow inside with text that reads FWD+Organise 2021 December 1 - 2

FWD + Organise 2021: Conference Resources

Conference Proceedings from the FWD + Organise Conference 2021 held by Australian Progress for community organisers and digital campaigners.

Digital Accessibility: Making Online Spaces Accessible

Tips, notes and presentation slides from a session at the FWD + Organise 2021 Conference about how to make online spaces more accessible.

a large group of people gathered together in a group posing for a photo. The front row is seated on the ground and others are standing behind.

Local Power: Shifting Power at the Local Level – Candidate School

Case study of organising at a local level, Victorian Trades Hall Council’s Candidate School, focused on changing who gets elected to local office.

Deep Canvassing to Shift Hearts, Mind and Votes

Learn about the success of a deep canvassing approach to rights for undocumented migrants and Medicare for All in Michigan.

Digital Transformation in Progressive Organisations

How do we convince our organisations to invest in tech and digital? How do we get new ideas up and running, and build a culture of innovation?

A desk in a brightly lit room, with a laptop, coffee and coffee cup, and a notebook and pen sitting on it.

Writing for The Commons Social Change Library

Do you have an idea, case study, how to or article you would like to write in relation to social change? We would love to hear from you!

Tips for Life in Lockdown

Tips for personal and collective wellbeing and resilience during Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Insights from a survey by Commons Librarians.

Marriage Equality Campaign Timeline and Reflections

A timeline of events related to the Australian campaign for marriage equality along with reflection and analysis related to Australian, Irish and US campaigns.

Author