Activism and the Power of Humour
This paper uses Australian case studies to demonstrate the continued evolution of the use of humour in environmental, peace, and social justice movements.
Format
Case Studies
Be “digital critical” listen first, and other lessons from 350.org’s digital transformation
A conversation with Hanna Thomas who guided 350.org to adopt a product team model for more effective digital campaigning.
Crowdsource your archives: 3 examples of community-based approaches
There has been a shift from institutional to participatory archives – communities rising up and documenting their own histories. Here are 3 examples of how communities are speaking their own truths.
Beyond Vanity Metrics: Toward better measurement of member engagement
Metrics should help you improve how you invest in and plan campaigns. But while “vanity metrics” such as list size or pageviews sound big and impressive, they can be misleading. This report offers new approaches to measuring member engagement.
BUGA-UP – Billboard Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions
Formed in 1979, Billboard Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions (BUGA-UP) made its mark on hoardings around the nation. By revising advertising slogans and disrupting tobacco-sponsored events, the group revealed the true cost of tobacco and alcohol company deception.
Interview with Kevin Buzzacott
Kevin Buzzacott is a key figure in the opposition to the South Australian Olympic Dam mine and the nuclear industry in general. In this interview he outlines a number of the creative actions he has taken part in as part of a series of campaigns addressing the issues of dispossession and Aboriginal sovereignty.
Introduction to ChangeMakers Podcast
The ChangeMakers podcast is short series podcast that tells stories about people who are striving for social change across the world. This post introduces the series and includes the catalogue of episodes.
An in depth look at the Hong Kong democracy movement
A collection of articles and podcasts from Amanda Tattersall and ChangeMakers which provide a behind the scenes exploration of the Hong Kong democracy movement.
Changemakers Podcasts Series 3, 4 and 5
The ChangeMakers podcast is short series podcast that tells stories about people who are striving for social change across the world.
ChangeMakers Podcast Series 2
The ChangeMakers podcast is short series podcast that tells stories about people who are striving for social change across the world.
ChangeMakers Podcast Series 1
The ChangeMakers podcast is short series podcast that tells stories about people who are striving for social change across the world.
Treesits, lock-ons and barricades: Environmental blockading in the 1980s
From 1979 to the 1990s Australia, Canadian and American activists took part in a series of environmental blockades to defend old growth forests, rivers and other biodiverse places. Join Iain McIntyre for a series of conversations with the blockaders who took part in these campaigns.
Always look on the bright side of life: The AIDEX ’91 story
In 1991 over 1000 protesters blockaded the National Exhibition Centre in Canberra with the goal of shutting down the Australia International Defence Exhibition. This book includes a detailed account of the blockade, the context of the growth of the Australian arms industry, and the words of the protesters themselves.
Green Bans
In the 1970s Sydney builders labourers refused to work on projects that were environmentally or socially undesirable. This green bans movement, as it became known, was the first of its type in the world.
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established in 1972 when the Coalition Government failed to recognise the land rights of Indigenous people. From its inception, the Embassy has been interwoven into Canberra’s physical and political landscape, blending black politics, symbolism and theatre that opponents have found difficult to counter.
The Vietnam War
Case study of the Australian campaign against involvement in the Vietnam War. The emergence of popular protest in Australia during the 1960s presented a fundamental challenge to government decisions and the way those decisions are made. By taking to the streets people challenged the policy positions of government and, in some cases, the very legitimacy and authority of the state itself.
The Freedom Ride
The Freedom Ride through western New South Wales towns in February 1965 drew attention to the racism in these towns. Aboriginal student Charles Perkins was, by the end of the journey, a national figure in the fight for Aboriginal rights.
The Mau Movement for Samoan Independence
Case study of the long struggle for Samoan independence which was ultimately successful in 1962. Moved by love, never driven by intimidation.
Victorian Red Gum Forests: A Historic Victory
A comprehensive case study of the successful campaign to protect Victorian Red Gum Forests. Includes the history of the Barmah-Millewa Campaign, its goals and results. Given the historic outcomes of the campaign it is worth examining how such an effective green-black alliance emerged in south-eastern Australia.
Occupy Reflects: A Collection of Reflections on Occupy Melbourne
A collection of reflections on Occupy Melbourne. Beginning with Occupy Wall Street in New York, the movement triggered an unprecedented wave of uprisings. Melbourne became the largest occupation in the southern hemisphere.