The Commons Library newsletter keeps you up to date with social change resources posted on commonslibrary.org

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May 2022
Issue 35

Commons News

In Australia we're heading to the polls on 21 May, and with the increase in pre-polling many people have already cast their vote. The state of the debate and the behaviour of many of the players has been pretty demoralising... but thankfully there have also been principled people standing up for what they believe in, trying to use this election as a chance to move things forward.

If you have been busy working on the election we wish you the best for the last push. This newsletter includes a wellbeing reminder for you and your team and tips for preparing for the next phase: debriefing and recovery. Election campaigns are rich times for experimentation and learning for those engaged in social change - make the most of it!

If you are focused on other aspects of social change there's plenty for you here, as well as the whole Commons Library website. If you're not sure where to start see New to Activism, Organising & Campaigning? Start Here.

Illustration of a group of young people holding banners that say People Power and Learn from The Commons. One person is holding a loudspeaker and another one a flag.

Tune up your team with help from the Commons

Want to boost your group's capacity to win social change?
Keen to make sure your people know what they need to know - for a new campaign, in the next term of government, or whatever else is coming up?

Book the Commons Library for a short project that could make a big difference.

Step 1: We survey your team to find out the gaps in skills and knowledge that need to be addressed
Step 2: We gather a collection of resources customised to your group's particular needs
Step 3: We run a clear and accessible training webinar to introduce the resources and help you get started with implementing their lessons

Cost: $5,000 - $10,000 depending on the size of your team and your organisation budget. We'll acknowledge your organisation as Supporters of the Commons Library.
Sound good? Contact Holly Hammond to discuss the details.
Psst! You might like to forward this email to your team lead, manager or HR department to see what they think.

a pile of thin crisps are coming out of a bucket with yellow squiggle lines indicating movement. Text reads wellbeing on the campaign trail

Campaign Wellbeing Bingo

There's less than 10 days until the election... maybe you're working flat out, feeling frazzled and living on pizza. What else can you do?

Here’s a bingo sheet full of low barrier things you can do to stay healthier and handle stress - for team activities or personal reminders.

Four people standing in nature looking at the sun with their arms around each other facing away from the camera. Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash.

Running Effective Campaign Debriefs

Campaigning during elections takes a heap of energy, time and sometimes good will. An effective debrief session can help your group come out of the experience stronger and smarter. This guide has tips for running events that enable evaluation and learning as well as team building and emotional closure. Includes a sample agenda.

A close up of a koala sleeping on a branch. It's arm is wrapped around the branch. Image by David Clode on Unsplash

Tips for Election Recovery

Elections can take a heavy toll campaigners, organisers, and anyone else working and hoping for social and ecological justice.

You might like to keep these recovery tips handy for after the election and share them around to show care.

What Else Is New

The transgender flag - The transgender flag is a light blue, pink and white pentacolour pride flag flying in the wind against the backdrop of a blue sky with white clouds representing the transgender community, organizations, and individuals.

Reminders

New Collection - PowerLabs

PowerLabs helps organizers design and run people-powered campaigns. Based in the US and working internationally, PowerLabs provides training, coaching and strategic planning support to build the capacity of organizations, leaders and networks. This collection includes videos of training sessions with many guest presenters along with articles. Visit the PowerLabs Collection.

Donate to the Commons Library

The Commons pays respects to the traditional owners of the land in which we operate and wherever this site is accessed. We recognise the central importance of struggles for Indigenous self-determination and justice within the broad project of creating a progressive future.

Image credits
Commons Library
Commons Library
Helena Lopes on Unsplash
David Clode on Unsplash
HiveMind
Canva
PowerLabs

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