James is co-founder of the Change Agency and director of our Community Organising Fellowship.
Rules for radicals: a practical primer for realistic radicals
“What follows is for those who want to change the world from what it is to what they believe it should be. The Prince was written by Machiavelli for the Haves on how to hold power. Rules for Radicals is written for the Have-Nots on how to take it away. In this book we...
Teaching defiance: stories and strategies for activist educators
The title and Mike’s extensive union and adult education background identifies this as a compulsory ‘gift to self’. And Mike delivers. Like his powerful ‘Defining the enemy’, this text gets straight to the point. Our mission, he says, is...
Globalize liberation
Globalize liberation: how to uproot the system and build a better world “…Globalize Liberation is a manual, encyclopedia, and primary text for the global justice movement… If there were a required 101 class in anti-capitalism, this book would be...
Research methods for community change: a project based approach
Everyone is a member of a community, and every community is continually changing. To successfully manage that change, community members need information. Research Methods for Community Change: A Project-Based Approach is an in-depth review of all of the research...
What makes people tick
What makes people tick: the three hidden worlds of settlers, prospectors and pioneers Chris Rose’ powerful guide to values mapping is a ‘must-read’ for campaigners. If you want to communicate effectively with people – especially if you want to...
How to win campaigns: Communications for change
Written for the new campaigner and the experienced communicator alike, this is a comprehensive and systematic exploration of what works in campaigning, and a practical how-to guide for using principles and strategy in campaigning as a new form of public politics....
Secrets and lies
Secrets and lies: the anatomy of an anti-environmental pr campaign What makes Secrets and Lies so unique and invaluable are the scores of documents upon which it is based – secret internal missives, strategies and tactics that served as the battle plan of the hidden...
Seeds of distrust: the story of a GE cover up
In November, 2000, in the middle of the Royal Commission on genetic engineering, the Government learned that a shipment of GE contaminated sweet corn seeds had been planted in three regions of New Zealand. Imposing strict secrecy, Prime Minister Helen Clark took...
Inside spin: the dark underbelly of the PR industry
Bob Burton is committed to helping community groups striving for social and environmental justice to understand the influence of the public relations industry – by helping to expose industry front groups, spin served up as media, corporate-sponsored think tanks and...
Local heroes: Australian crusades from the environmental frontline
Local Heroes gives voice to activists who have struggled over the last twenty years to change agendas at local, state, national and international levels. The book looks at ten issues, including lead pollution in inner city Sydney, heavy metal contamination in Port...
Power in coalitions: strategies for strong unions and social change
How can communities organise effectively to promote social change in the 21st century? Amanda Tattersall examines successful coalitions between unions and community organisations in three countries – Australia, US and Canada – extracting invaluable lessons...
The Activists’ Handbook
‘The Activists’ Handbook’ is a powerful guide to grassroots activism. A priceless resource for everyone ready to make a difference, environmental activist Aidan Ricketts offers a step-by-step handbook for citizens eager to start or get involved in...
Strategy and Soul [book]
Strategy and soul: a campaigner’s tale of fighting billionaires, corrupt officials, and philadelphia casinos When Daniel Hunter and Jethro Heiko began planning at a kitchen table, they knew that their movement would be outspent by hundreds of millions of...
Social ecology: applying ecological understanding to our lives and our planet
Social ecology addresses the burning question of how to apply ecological understanding to every aspect of our lives. The twenty-seven contributors, all of whom have directly or indirectly contributed to the teaching of social ecology in Australia and beyond, share...
In the tiger’s mouth: an empowerment guide for social action
Katrina Shields guides you through the big issues that show up in activism: how to avoid burn-out, network, create stable groups, as well as how to approach listeners with bad news that they may not want to hear. The guide includes exercises that encourage discovery...
Working in groups
Successful campaigns depend on effective groups that are characterised by cooperation, respectful relationships, clear communication, and effective decision-making processes. Often people in social change groups and organisations are so preoccupied with the change...
theories of change
Our campaigns for a better world take place in a context, and reflect social and political realities and trends. This workshop challenges participants to ask critical ‘big picture’ questions about change, and engages them in reflection and dialogue. The workshop is...
sustaining activism
Activist energy is a precious resource. Activism can be incredibly stressful and emotionally demanding, and many activists keep ‘running on empty’ without taking the time to replenish their reserves. Resulting burn-out harms the individual as well as the campaigns and...