Movement Monitor Fellowship
Supporting new voices in research about climate action
About the Commons Library
The Commons Library exists to make social movements smarter and stronger. We are an online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in activism, advocacy and justice. We support the power and effectiveness of progressive social change efforts by collecting and sharing resources from Australia and around the world.
About Movement Monitor
The Movement Monitor is a two-year research project run by the Commons Library to develop a comprehensive movement measurement methodology and apply it to the Australian climate movement. The project gathers data from many sources and has produced maps of Australian climate groups and campaigns and a dashboard presenting data on a number of aspects of movement health and impact.
Why?
Climate change is a complex issue which requires sophisticated collective responses. This project will help identify movement wide interventions that have the potential to increase movement capacity, coordination and effectiveness and ensure the movement creates the best impact.
About the Fellowship
The Fellowship will provide support to two Fellows to research and each produce two Commons resources (article, podcast, video or similar) related to the Australian climate movement over a period of 12 weeks. Fellows will be supported by specialist Commons researchers online (remotely) and receive a stipend of $1000 over the 12 week period. The objectives of the program are to:
- Provide Fellows with the opportunity to contribute to scholarship on the climate movement
- Enable Fellows to build relationships and gain work experience in the social change, climate research, and advocacy space
- Promote knowledge and understanding of the climate movement and its impacts
- Raise awareness of the role of the Commons Library’s research and advocacy resources
About You
You are someone who:
- Has some research experience and a record of writing output
- Is a good writer and fast learner with skills in communication
- Has a commitment to progressive social change, activism, advocacy, and justice
- Has capacity to work individually or as a member of a team.
The Movement Monitor Fellowship welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, trans and non-binary people, people with disability and those from regional or rural communities.
Time and Commitment
The fellowship will run for a period of 12 weeks, from 16 September to 6 December 2024. During this period Fellows will be expected to commit at least 5 hours a week to their work, in addition to fortnightly zoom meetings.
Applications
To apply, please fill out the application form. Applications for the Movement Monitor Fellowship close on Wednesday 21 August and applicants will be contacted no later than 30 August.
Information about the Movement Monitor can be found at www.movementmonitor.org. Inquiries can made to [email protected]
Movement Monitor Fellowship FAQs
What does the Fellowship offer?
- Access to the extensive Movement Monitor data about the Australian climate movement.
- Supervision by experienced researchers and a supportive environment for inquiry and creation.
- The opportunity to contribute to scholarship on the Australian climate movement.
- The opportunity to build relationships and gain work experience in the social change, climate movement, advocacy and research space.
- The opportunity to publish research on the The Commons Social Change Library and Movement Monitor websites.
- An orientation and introduction to The Commons Social Change Library and Movement Monitor project.
What are Fellows expected to do?
- Develop a clear plan for their work during the Fellowship, in conjunction with the Fellowship supervisors
- Contribute two (2) resources (article, podcast, video or similar) presenting research findings about the Australian climate movement
- Ensure outcomes of the research undertaken as part of the Fellowship acknowledge The Commons Library and Movement Monitor project
- Provide feedback at completion about the Fellowship experience to inform future initiatives
When can I apply?
Applications for the Movement Monitor Fellowship close on Wednesday 21 August and applicants will be contacted no later than 30 August.
How many positions are there?
Up to two Movement Monitor Fellowships will be awarded in 2024.
I am an international student, can I apply?
Anyone who has a working visa and the right to live and work in Australia and can complete the 12-week program can apply.
Can I work remotely?
Yes. The fellowship will be delivered entirely remotely. Depending on your location there is the potential for some in-person meetings (the Commons team includes people based in WA, VIC and QLD). Fellows will need to have access to their own laptop or digital device to complete their projects, including reliable internet access.
Can I continue to work or study while undertaking the Fellowship?
Yes. The Fellowship requires a commitment of at least 5 hours per week over a 12 week period. Fellows are responsible for ensuring that they can meet this commitment alongside their other responsibilities.
What training and support will be involved?
This Fellowship offers support and mentorship rather than specific ‘on-the-job training’. A regular check in session will be held for 1 hour each fortnight via Zoom that Fellows are required to attend. These sessions will provide support in developing skills in researching and writing reports, meeting with key stakeholders, learning how to plan a project and managing your time. A project plan template will be provided so Fellows can refine their plan and track their progress.
How will the stipend be provided?
Fellows will receive a stipend of $1000 over the course of the Fellowship. This will be provided in two installments: 50% at commencement and 50% at completion (subject to fulfilling the requirements of the fellowship).
How will my Fellowship outputs be used?
Fellows are expected to produce two outputs about the Australian climate movement. Topic and format can be refined in conjunction with Fellowship supervisors. At the conclusion of the Fellowship these will be published on The Commons Social Change Library and Movement Monitor websites and showcased in the Commons newsletter and social media channels.
How to apply?
Complete the application form by COB Wednesday 21 August including:
- Why you are interested in the Movement Monitor Fellowship
- The topics you would be interested in researching as part of the Fellowship (explore the Movement Monitor website for a sense of the work to date and the kind of data available)
- Your experience in researching topics related to social change
- An example of your writing. Links to podcasts, videos, infographics or other formats you have produced are also welcome.
- Your CV