Introduction
On 2 March 2026 The Commons Social Change Library and the Global Grassroots Support Network co-presented the Strong Movements Share Knowledge! webinar. The session was presented by Kenzie Harris (GGSN) and Holly Hammond (The Commons) with participants from different movements and parts of the globe.
Do you support the effectiveness of social movements by gathering and sharing key lessons, tools and learning resources? Whether you’re a full time movement librarian, or a campaigner, trainer or researcher who plays this role as well, this session is for you! By combining our collective expertise we can strengthen our practices, with many potential ripples through the movements and communities we serve.
Webinar Summary
The aims of the session were to:
- Share tips for gathering and sharing movement knowledge
- Explore examples from people around the world – including you!
- Foster connections between individuals doing similar work
- Gather further input into the Best Practice Guide on Social Movement Knowledge Gathering and Sharing, of lasting value to current knowledge sharers, and those who come after us
During the webinar we:
- Reviewed the principles on knowledge gathering described by contributors to the guide, before moving into discussion on gathering practices;
- Discussed needs assessment processes and practices, such as exploring search trends, content engagement, engaging activist networks/organizations, door knocking etc; and
- Discussed knowledge sharing practices such as reflective spaces, whats app groups for wide exchange/sharing, digital security concerns, using multiple formats/channels for sharing, creating templates/checklists, sharing through internet blackouts (e.g. creating in-person or phone networks, graffiti etc), zines, podcasting, localizing the knowledge you’re sharing, using songs/dance, including opportunities to socialize in knowledge sharing gatherings, making conference knowledge accessible and writing in plain language.
Access the full transcript.
Resources Shared
The following resources were shared in the chat during the webinar:
- How The Commons Social Change Library tracks needs and sources or develops content.
- Tracking site analytics helped The Commons respond to the needs of activists for Palestine, with many people searching “does protest work?” from October 2023 onwards. This led to responsive curation of Protests: Start here.
- Using search trends for needs assessments: Google Trends
- Rapid response needs assessment on immigrant protection resources needed: Self-protection planning for immigrants resource
- Plain language writing: NZ government guide to plain language and the Hemingway editor for plain language
- Sources of inspiration and analysis: Nonviolence News and Waging Nonviolence
- Managing security risks of platforms like WhatsApp.
- Case studies on resisting authoritarianism and organising under repression.
- Resources about internet shutdowns from Advocacy Assembly.
- Making the most of knowledge sharing at conferences: How to Report on Conferences & Other Events, and examples of resource curation by The Commons from Australian Progress conferences.
- Responding to current challenges with rapid response curation eg Tactics in a Time of Physical Distancing: Examples from Around the World
- Responding to current challenges by looking to the past eg Tactics in a Time of Physical Distancing: Examples from Australia’s Progressive Past
- Creating knowledge sharing networks to combat internet shutdowns; the podmapping activity from Mutual Aid and disability justice can be useful
- Podcasting: Commons Conversations podcast and How to Conduct Interviews
- Using singing to share knowledge and singing as part of creative resistance in Minneapolis
- Simplifying research findings: How to Share Research and Reports on The Commons Library
- Simplifying knowledge sharing: Easy Read guides on The Commons
Best Practice Guide
Explore the Best Practice Guide on Social Movement Knowledge Gathering and Sharing.
Best practice guides are created to pool the institutional and lived experience knowledge of Global Grassroots Support Network (GGSN) members, who are individuals and/or part of organizations that provide support to grassroots groups/activists. The purpose of these guides is to make this shared knowledge more accessible to improve the support provided to grassroots movements.
This guide was developed in collaboration with the Commons Social Change Library. The guide explores, broadly, social movement knowledge gathering and sharing practices for people that support grassroots activists and organizers.