Organising: Start Here
Organising builds people power for change. Here is a list of resources to get you started including introductions, different approaches, manuals, tactics, videos and more.
Format
Topic Overview
Lobbying and Advocacy: Start Here
Welcome to the Lobbying & Advocacy topic in the Commons Social Change Library. This article guides you through a wide range of materials to inform the public in relation to lobbying, advocacy and policy-making.
Resources About Australian Housing Justice and Unwaged Rights Campaigns
Resources focused on case studies and stories of how communities have organised to secure housing, financial and other support for the unwaged and those on low incomes.
Guide to publicly available data sources
Through research you can get to know your issues in depth, find out where people stand on those issues, and make a strong evidence-based case for change. Use these Australian publicly available data sources to strengthen and inform your research.
Fundraising: Start Here
Need some fundraising help? The Commons Library has collated a list of fundraising resources for not for profits and crowdfunders.
Resources About Police Violence and Racial Justice
The murder of George Floyd by police in the US has sparked a powerful response from the Black Lives Matter movement and communities of colour. The following resources give context to the US situation as well as related struggles in Australia.
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.
Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA): Start Here
Suggestions from the Commons Librarians about resources to explore in the Nonviolent Direct Action topic area, including NVDA theory, practical guides and case studies.
Creative Activism: Start Here
Suggestions from the Commons Librarians about resources to explore in the Arts & Creativity topic area – to help you bring more art and heart to your social change activities.
Digital Campaigning: Start Here
Digital campaigning leverages technology to create change through emails, petitions, WhatsApp and Instagram. Here is a list of resources to get you started.
Activist Archiving: Start Here
A list of articles and ideas from the Commons Librarians about resources to explore in archiving your work in social change.
Social Change Radio Directory
Community broadcasters are an important part of social movements. The Commons Social Change Radio Directory includes details of almost 100 radio shows from 5 Australian states.
Online Meeting Guides to Get Through COVID-19
Get the most out of your online meetings with these facilitation tips, how-to guides, help with tools, and tips for working from home.
Progressive Framing of the Coronavirus Pandemic
A collection of resources which include suggested progressive framing and messaging of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 global pandemic and its various impacts.
Coronavirus and Community Care
Want to help your community during the Covid-19 pandemic? A collection of resources about stopping the spread of Coronavirus and setting up mutual aid.
How to Frame Issues for Social Change Impact
Looking for research on how to frame an issue on a certain topic area? This collection of reports, articles, videos and podcasts on issues including climate, crime, equality, nature, poverty and health will help you develop powerful messages and narratives.
Resources to Cope With Climate Anxiety and Grief
In the face of the climate crisis it’s a natural response to experience anxiety, grief and many other feelings. This collection of resources focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of climate change and coping strategies.
Resources for Disaster Relief and Recovery
A collection of resources to support community responses to the Australian bushfires and other disasters. Includes resilience and recovery, navigating trauma, conversation guides and taking action.
11 websites about the Australian Federal Government and MPs
A list of handy websites to help you find out more about Australian Members of Parliament, including how to contact them, details about their electorates and what they say and stand for.