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What's on top? If this is your first Change Agency enews, welcome! We just reached 4000 subscribers... 4000 people with an interest in activist education and learning. I began my PhD research into activist education in 1998, motivated by my personal experience of learning to campaign. At the time, organised learning opportunities for environmental activists in Australia were few and far between, just occasional half-day workshops and (rarely) print resources like Bill Moyer's fabulous 'Practical Strategist'. Campaigners were expected to learn their craft solo... to sink or swim. Some prevailed through their sheer resilience, creativity and good fortune, perhaps working on a winnable campaign or by connecting with a supportive mentor. Others struggled to strategise with little guidance and no training, overwhelmed by the urgency of social and environmental justice issues and their 'under-resourced' NGOs. My thesis 'Education and training for effective environmental advocacy' included case studies of workshops, retreats and mentoring experiences, many based on my action research. I was inspired by Steve Chase's doctoral research and his framework that mapped five dimensions of activist learning. I felt enormous optimism for education and training in Australian social movements. Yes, it was true that few movement organisations prioritised education and training for activists and organisers. But, equally, there was a need. Whenever Sam and I organised workshops, they'd be quickly subscribed, well attended then frequently replicated. Things have changed. Social movements in Australia and abroad are so much more committed to education and training now than in the 1990s. The links and events in this enews speak of social movements' innovation and commitment to learning... to a culture of learning. That commitment was powerful amongst the cohort who participated in our Community Organising Fellowship this year. Since February, our 25 fellows have shared their learning with their communities, campaigns and organisations, running 136 workshops with almost 3,000 people to strengthen their organising muscle. We're recruiting now for the 2015 cohort, with applications closing at the end of the month. I hope you enjoy this month's instalment of great online resources. The Manuel Pastor video on transformational movement metrics is a gem. p.s. Many thanks to Tracey, Sarah and Bopar for your kind donations this month. |
Circles of commitment Mike Pulsford's article outlines a model for thinking about the different levels of engagement of people involved in a campaign; what kinds of things people at each level can do, and what support they need to do those things; and how people can move from one level to another, aka a ‘ladder of engagement’. It also has implications for how we …
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Great online resources Enews subscribers regularly share with us the websites and online resources they’re developing, discovering and learning from in their community organising. Enjoy this month’s batch and be sure to drop us a line to suggest links for the next enews. |
"Transactions, Transformations, Translations: The Metrics of Movement Building" with Manuel Pastor Social movements change narratives as well as policies, hearts as well as minds. But ultimately, one needs to demonstrate impact, particularly in a philanthropic world that is increasingly evidence driven. In this talk, Pastor presents the key elements of movement building and discusses how to capture the magic of social and personal transformation, translate that to funders and the broader public, and evaluate groups based on not … Read more. |
Avoid employee burnout by teaching your staff to say no Often people mistakenly think that working in the not-for-profit sector is a great way to get work/life balance. While it’s true that ethical work can be more fulfilling than other sectors, the unique challenges that not-for-profits face can put many staff on a one-way track to burn out! It doesn’t have to be that way. What will you smash with the NO … Read more. |
Manual for group facilitators | Now available for download Taking root in the Quakers’ society and Native American cultures, facilitation aims to optimize group participation all the while promoting values of honesty, responsibility and cooperation. Inspiring much of the literature on facilitation in print today, A Manual for Group Facilitators offers its readers a “blueprint for how to engage the whole person and the whole group.” Truly geared toward real-life applications, this manual … Read more. |
'What leads to' (map and share your theory of change) whatleads.to makes working together to make real change simple. It lets you visualise your aims and how you're going to achieve them really quickly. It's derived from the idea of a Theory of Change, which is a process where you define what your ultimate aim and then work backwards, setting out goals that will lead to it. Read more. |
Relationship conflict and the community of selves Realising that we are a community of selves with different needs, feelings, and perspectives on the situation, helps us to explain the horribly tangled and uncertain emotions that we often feel at such times. This, in itself, can offer a big sense of relief. If we can consider the different selves who are in play then we might gain a sense … Read more. |
Strategy toolkit | New Tactics in Human Rights This Strategy Toolkit is a collection of resources and tools for building strategic thinking and tactical innovation. New Tactics in Human Rights have organised the material using the 5 Steps to Strategic Effectiveness Method. The toolkit has been developed primarily for human rights advocates, their organisations, coalitions, and networks to help better understand the importance and need for strategic thinking and to … Read more. |
Upcoming learning opportunities and events For details of other workshops and learning opportunities, visit our calendar. |
Dynamic groups: the art of creative facilitation and learning | 13-18 October, Maleny, SEQ This training course for teachers, trainers, facilitators and group leaders utilises and models creative facilitation techniques, interactive learning methods, empowerment tools, dynamic group energy and fun. Participants are empowered to develop their confidence, skills, knowledge and a tool box of processes in an exciting, colourful and supportive environment. Robin facilitates these courses all over Australia and internationally by invitation and … Read more. |
Exploring social and sacred ecology | Moora Moora, 23-26 October The workshop aims to nurture and build capacity for becoming a lifelong, wise, loving warrior; a sustaining combatant in the struggle for life in all its richness. The workshop is for committed activists with a track record of engagement through membership of an environmental organisation who are seeking to be committed for life. Full details and registration > Read more. |
Commonground Festival 14-16 November, Seymour (Victoria) Commonground is celebrating its 30th birthday as a social enterprise that supports the social change movement this year. Commonground Festival is a music festival with a difference, set on beautifully regenerated bushland one hour north of Melbourne. It's a celebration of working together to create a just, sustainable and nonviolent world. It’s also a celebration of Commonground; the place, the people and the ideal we … Read more. |
Facilitation training short course | 25-26 November, Melbourne This training includes a comprehensive online follow up program that further develops your skills, and provides a framework for reflection and further learning. Research clearly shows that follow up programs increase the ‘stick-ability’ of the training.Our approach is lively, and brings the Art of Facilitation to life. Using our own Model of Facilitation, our input has two key components. Building actual Emotional Resilience so … Read more. |
Training calendar: Our Community Upcoming training opportunities on grant writing, successful boards, effective meetings, governance, media, online essentials, campaigns that sizzle, and being an effective spokesperson. Our Community has developed a suite of affordable, practical training to help community sector staff, volunteers and supporters keep abreast of their responsibilities and learn how to lift their organisation from ordinary to extraordinary All training is delivered by … Read more. |
Groupwork Institute training calendar 2014 At the Groupwork Institute, we have a passion for collaborative management and group facilitation. When we can be supported to work well together great things can be achieved. It is when people can collaborate - genuinely and effectively - that we can best contribute to help build a just and sustainable world. We have worked in the field of collaborative management … Read more. |
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