During 2007, the Change Agency collaborated with the Queensland Conservation Council to support and energise Brisbane communities around climate change. Eight climate change campaigners keen for first-hand experience in community organising were recruited as The Big Switch campaign team. As well as being a timely project to galvanise pre-Election community action, it was an excellent opportunity to apply and further shape our community organising tools and frameworks.
What are people saying about us?

Chris Rose, Author of ‘How to Win Campaigns’


Dave Muhly, Sierra Club
What began at Pittwater as a collection of skilled campaigners became a cadre of skilled organizers by the final day at Baden Powell. On Sunday evening as we gathered, I overheard one participant chatting with another at a picnic table and heard, "challenge, choice, outcome" as part of her conversation. Another commented at the final circle at how what had seemed like such a large group at Pittwater now seemed like a much smaller group, reflective of how closely this group had bonded as a team despite their vast differences in geography or organizational size or style, but based on a common goal and identity. Concepts like "building teams" and "building relationships" were part of the normal parlance and just a cursory review of the evaluations to date show an increased appreciation for and attention to leadership development and strategic planning. A number of participants reminded me of my off-the-cuff set of definitions about the differences between mobilizing, campaigning and community organising (focusing on local power), and one told me she has it on the wall of her office to inspire her every day. This has been the successful launch of an ambitious and visionary program. Many thanks to James and Kate for their vision, wisdom, and care in developing and nurturing the curriculum and the cohort. Kudos!


Naomi Hodgson, community organiser, NW NSW


Chloe Aldenhoven, Victorian Lock the Gate Coordinator


Jason Lyddieth, Greenpeace


Meghan Halverson, Queensland Koala Crusaders


Anna Rose, ASEN Convenor and NUS National Environment Officer 2005


Toni Walkington, Secretary, Community Public Sector Union, WA


Alycia Gawthorne, GetUp! organiser


Jono La Nauze, FoE Melbourne

In this section
- action research project overview
- action research starts with reflection
- anticipating and avoiding demoblisation (June/July 2009)
- building the climate movement online (mid 2008)
- charting the steps to climate justice (June 2009)
- funding the climate movement (May 2009)
- mapping the movement
- research priorities for climate action (March 2010)
- supporting local climate action groups
- We are all leaders: learning from Climate Camp 2008
People Power Manual
People Power Manual
‘How to’ guides for campaigners, organisers and activist educators.
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Testimonials
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Angela Davis | Organizing is not synonymous with mobilizing
