This section houses a range of papers and articles that can be downloaded. Just click on each link to read the paper. We are continually updating this section with new material, so please visit regularly to see what's been added.

Specific Topics

Is 'Doing Your Bit' Enough? (Sept 2007) <Pdf Document - 62KB>
A discussion document questioning whether the strategy commonly used to seek behavioural change on environmental issues - asking people to make a few small changes to their lives - is flawed.

Natural High (Aug 2007) <Pdf Document - 41KB>
An essay exploring the profound pleasures and benefits of getting out into the natural environment.

Freedom Debunked (Dec 2006) <Pdf Document - 52KB>
An article exploring the concept of 'freedom', showing how the concept can be manipulated by people (including interest groups and politicians) and suggesting how to deal with such manipulation.

Self Regulation (Nov 2006) <Pdf Document - 46KB>
A paper that sets out some of the overarching questions that global issues such as climate change are currently forcing us to consider - including whether we are able to regulate our own behaviour as a collective group. It suggests that our ability to self-regulate as a species is dependent not just on our selfishness or otherwise as creatures (as is often claimed) but also on our willingness to reconsider the principles and values we have built our societies around, such as the importance of individual freedom.

Mental Slavery (2006) FULL VERSION <Word Document - 289KB>
Mental Slavery (2006) EDITED VERSION <Word Document - 61KB>
In the modern world, we are appalled by the idea of physical slavery. So why aren't we equally appalled by, and therefore legislating against, mental slavery? This paper describes how such a concept exists, even in the most supposedly 'advanced' societies, and how we might combat it.

The Problem With Religion (2006) <Word Document - 93KB>
In recent years, the debate as to the role of religion in society has increased significantly. But is there a credible philosophical argument that can be made against it?

Active Global Citizenship (Renewal, 2003) - <Word Document - 44KB>
An article exploring how we can turn the much-publicised notion of citizenship into something meaningful in peoples' lives. Plus, an examination of a couple of the unexplored obstacles to making this a reality.

Practical Wisdom (2003) - <Word Document - 27KB>
A brief examination of a quality we need to promote in individuals before we can achieve long-term, sustainable changes in attitude and behaviour within a democratic system.

The Political Consumer (2005) - <Word Document - 26KB>
A response to the somewhat vacuous campaigning of parties in the lead up to the 2005 general election.

Make Disunity History (2005) - <Word Document - 26KB>
A response to both critics and advocates of the 'Make Poverty History' campaign.

Service-Related

The Strategic Imperative (Sept 2007) - <Pdf Document - 46KB>
A paper outlining the vital importance of strategic planning in small and medium-sized not-for-profit organisations.

Getting it Right Online
A series of five articles exploring some simple techniques and approaches that charities and campaigning groups can use to substantially increase the effectiveness of online action - and recruit lots of new supporters.

The Need for Donor Education (Professional Fundraising, Nov 2006) - <Pdf Document 52KB>
This paper argues that fundraisers should be doing more to educate the public. By taking a strategic approach and considering public education as part of their role, fundraisers could help to instil within the public a deeper commitment to supporting their cause (in various ways) in the long term.

Why is it so hard to change the world? (2004) - <Word Document 100KB>
A paper examining why we seem to be failing to convince most people to change their attitudes and behaviour on key global issues. The paper identifies a couple of key obstacles to change that have not yet been addressed by those seeking it, and puts forward some suggestions as to how we might achieve greater success.

Better Thinking (2006) - <Word Document - 82.5KB>
A brief paper setting out CS's views on the need for better thinking in individuals, those seeking change and society generally. Also available elsewhere on this site.

A Different Balance of Communications (2006) - <Word Document - 30KB>
A recommendation that organisations seeking attitudinal and behavioural change in individuals could pursue their aims more effectively if they reconsidered the content and mix of their communications to the public.

Useful Non-ChangeStar Articles
Links to a selection of articles produced by authors outside ChangeStar that provide insights and commentary we think are useful.

If Tesco and Wal-Mart are friends of the earth, are there any enemies left? (George Monbiot, Guardian, 2007)
"The superstores compete to convince us they are greener than their rivals, but they are locked into unsustainable growth".

When it comes to global warming, market rule poses a mortal danger (Jonathan Freedland, Guardian, 2006)
"Governments are limited in what they can do because they no longer control the key economic levers: if they did, they could act swiftly".

Paying For Our Sins (George Monbiot, Guardian, 2006)
The faulty thinking behind carbon offsetting.

It Always Lies Below (Timothy Garton Ash, Guardian, 2005)
"The crust of civilisation on which we tread is always wafer thin. Decivilisation is not as far away as we like to think".

Defend the right to be offended (Salman Rushdie, openDemocracy, 2005)
“The moment you declare a set of ideas to be immune from criticism, satire, derision, or contempt, freedom of thought becomes impossible". Why freedom of speech - and thus the freedom to offend - is critical. See also The struggle to defend free expression is defining our age (Timothy Garton Ash, Guardian, 2006) for another articulation of this important argument.

Human (Wikipedia)
A description of modern human beings - offers a useful and interesting piece of perspecive.

The Last Word on Death (AC Grayling)
How a clear-minded view on death can help us accept the prospect of our own, and deal with that of others, more easily.

Commissions
Should you wish to discuss the possibility of commissioning some work, to arrange presentations or broadcasting or to order papers (copies of most
papers are available upon request) do get in touch with us using the details
on the 'Contact' page.