Articles & Papers
PDFs that are articles or papers
Ecofeminist strategies for change
Jarrah’s (1998) study of ecofeminist activism in Western Australia examines the practical strategies of women who embrace ecofeminist philosophies and ideals. Findings from this research are discussed in relation to ecofeminist theory and contextualised w
Make Copenhagen a starting point
How can the popular movements involved in climate change become a social movement for building a sustainable society? Tord Bjork argues there will be no agreement in Copenhagen with substantial content that will bring about changes necessary for stopping
Environmental democracy up for grabs: Crossroads for the Australian environment movement?
James Whelan (2005) A crossroads for the Australian environment movement? Twenty forest activists are being sued by Gunns Ltd, Australia’s biggest logging company. Government grants for conservation groups have been withdrawn and the charity status of outspoken groups...
Making a difference: Factors that influence participation in grassroots environmental activism in Australia
Sam La Rocca’s Honours study (2004) found that the important motivations and catalysts that inspire activism include ecological experiences, a sense of personal responsibility and a desire to make a difference. Barriers to participation include paid work...
A tale of two movements? Environmental non government organisations and community action on climate change
Cassandra Star (2012) argues that the rise and success of community action on climate change opens a space for critical reflection on current ENGO efforts to secure effective public policy outcomes on climate change.
The Toppling of Slobodan Milosevic
Marty Branagan (2004) exploring the role of nonviolent political action in overthrowing the Serbian dictatorship.
Influencing climate policy: The effectiveness of Australian NGO campaigns
Nina Lansbury Hall and Ros Taplin (2006) evaluate the effectiveness of Australian environmental non-government organisations’ (ENGO) campaigns on climate change, and examines their influence on climate-related policies in Australia. This research clarifies the role of...
Community organising for climate action
James Whelan (2012) describes how parts of the environment and climate change movements are adopting the techniques and logic of community organising. This challenges them to learn new habits of political analysis and engagement, and unlearn old ones.
Reformers, Reactionaries and Reinvention
Activist groups have traditionally relied on the mechanisms of liberal democracy to influence decisions. Some are now asking whether this is enough. While the more established groups become professionalised and potentially coopted through their close relationships...
Union coalitions: Stronger together, Amanda Tattersall
Everyone knows the principle behind collective organising is that when people work together they are stronger than those working alone. But this principle also applies to organisations. Coalitions between unions and community organisations are not new.
“One of everything”: Reconciling the individual and the collective in Australian climate activism
Georgina Woods (2012) draws on personal experiences from her collective organising in Rising Tide Newcastle, at Climate Camp 2008 and in the aftermath of the Copenhagen climate talks. Her article points to the reconciliation between the individual and the
International Nonviolent Direct Action: the middle path between war and appeasement
Marty Branagan (2003) argues that it is possible for the international community to end a dictatorship or totalitarian regime nonviolently, given the many but largely unrecognised historical successes of nonviolence. Such a solution would be more fundamental and...
Fun, fast and fit: teenagers who cycle to school
Arthur Orsini and Catherine O’Brien’s (2006) interviews with teenagers reveal their strategies to influence their peers.
Strategies, programs, policies and organisations promoting sustainable transport
Christine Laurence’s (2003) Churchill Fellowship Report: Community action is essential to develop the political will needed for healthy transport and that this will be more successful if it is based on a comprehensive strategy that includes a set of guiding...
Beating a SLAPP suit
Greg Ogle examines recent legal cases against Australian environmentalists – the lawsuit initiated by Tasmanian forestry giant Gunns Ltd, and the litigation proceedings by David Jones against the Australia Institute. How do these suits impact on public de
Advocacy and Lobbying
John Murphy (2003) Workshop paper presented to the Sense of Place conference hosted by the Network of Inner East Community Houses, Victoria.
Are academics irrelevant? Strategies for community university collaboration
James Whelan (2004): A discussion of obstacles to activist scholars and engaged academics, and proposes strategies to bridge this unhelpful divide. This paper was presented by Sam and James during the 2004 ‘Inside Out’ conference.
From Cape York Peninsula to British Columbia
Lyndon Schneiders (2003). Churchill Fellowship Report: an investigation of land use planning in remote areas to apply to the resolution of environmental, native title and development disputes in Northern Australia