News Archive

2022 – 2023 Commons Library Annual Report

The Commons Library is an online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in activism, advocacy and justice. Read their annual report for 2022-2023.

A photograph of activists at a climate march. Some people hold placards and one person holds up a sunflower which is in the centre of the photo. Under the photo is the text 'Movement Monitor: Measuring the Impact of the Australian Climate Movement.'

Movement Monitor: Methodology Overview

An overview of the Movement Monitor research project which will measure the impact of the Australian climate movement.

Highlights from the Commons in 2022/23

Highlights of what the Commons Library achieved from July 2022 to June 2023.

Front covers of books and films about disability rights including Crip Camp, Defiant Lives, Melbourne Fringe Producers Guide to Access

Making Advocacy Accessible

Making Advocacy Accessible is a project of the Commons Library. It will improve access to educational resources, showcase campaigns run by people with disability, and encourage civil society to lower barriers to participation.

hand writing on blackboard with piece of chalk Volunteers welcome

Volunteer with the Commons Library – 2023 Intake

Applications for the 2022 Commons Library volunteer program are now open. Help make activism smarter and stronger while building skills in writing, research, design, social media, website maintenance, information management and more.

Front cover of the Commons Library Annual Report. A crowd of young climate activists have their arms above their heads and they are looking upwards and smiling. They are keeping a large inflatable ball that looks like planet Earth in the air.

2021 – 2022 Commons Library Annual Report

People working for social change are smarter and stronger together – especially with skilled librarians supporting them! Have a look at what The Commons Library has been working on in 2020 – 2021.

Commons Library Skills Sessions - includes a photograph of a laptop computer displaying the Commons Library home page.

Learn with the Commons Library

The Commons Library is running a series of online training sessions to help people create activist resources and learning materials. The sessions are free and open to anyone involved in social change who wants to develop these skills. The training sessions are made possible by funding from the John T Reid Foundation. We especially invite […]

a white envelope with a red circle and a number one in the circle surround by a few lines indicating one new message.

The Commons Library – Newsletters

The Commons Social Change Library newsletter archive. Read past newsletters from 2019 to the present on all things to do with social movements and activism.

Volunteer with the Commons Library – 2022 Intake

Applications for the 2022 Commons Library volunteer program are now open. Help make activism smarter and stronger while building skills in writing, research, design, social media, website maintenance, information management and more.

large crowd protesting. People holding colourful flags and placards. One at the front says People Power

2020 – 2021 Commons Library Annual Report

People working for social change are smarter and stronger together – especially with skilled librarians supporting them! Have a look at what The Commons Library has been working on in 2020 – 2021.

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

Would you like to write an article for The Commons? We are always on the lookout for new contributions on topics related to social change.

Volunteer with the Commons Social Change Library

Applications Open! Are you passionate about social change? Help make activism smarter and stronger by volunteering with the Commons Social Change Library. You’ll help put skills and knowledge in the hands of people working on all sorts of social and environmental issues. As a Commons Library volunteer you will become familiar with hundreds of educational […]

Top 10 Resources of 2020

The top 10 resources of 2020 from The Commons Social Change Library featuring resources on organising, activism, campaigning and more.

Picture of a woman holding a loud hailer and the text 'The Commons exists to make social movements smarter and stronger'

Building The Commons Together

Dear Commons Supporters We’re living in a time of great challenge – the future is in the balance. Only people power can win the changes necessary for social justice and a safer climate. There’s never been a more important time to invest in the power of social movements. People working for a just future […]

'The Commons exists to make social movements smarter and stronger' with an illustration of four women marching with flags.

How the Commons can help your organisation be smarter and stronger

Does your organisation need a hand with information management, capacity building or research? The Commons librarians can provide customised services to organisations at accessible rates.

Bookshelf holding books about campaign strategy, tactics, lobbying, etc.

Top 10 resources of 2019

The top 10 resources of 2019 from The Commons Social Change Library featuring resources on organising, activism, campaigning and more.

New resources from FWD+Organise 2019

The Commons is gathering new resources from FWD+Organise 2019. The conference was hosted by Australian Progress in Sydney, 5-6 December, and featured many speakers and skills sessions on a wide range of campaigning topics.

The Commons Social Change Radio Directory

The Commons is gathering information about community radio programs and podcasts relevant to social change. The result will be a comprehensive directory that will help campaigners get the word out on their issues.

A large pile of books has a circular space cleared with a floating open book in the middle.

The Commons opens its (virtual) doors

Welcome to the Commons online social change library. Take some time to browse the library’s virtual shelves. Get acquainted with the topic areas and collections. Visit whenever you find yourself needing a resource to strengthen your social change work, or just some inspiration.

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