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Thinking - Papers
This section houses a range of papers
an d 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
A
new approach to supporter development (March 2010) <Pdf - 87KB>
Environmental and other organisations need a new approach
to engaging the public in behaviour change on environmental issues
as they are currently not achieving the levels of change that they
need to, or could, achieve. This article explores how a 'whole person'
approach to communicating these issues could prove considerably
more effective than current methods.
Is
'Doing Your Bit' Enough? (Sept 2007) <Pdf - 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 - 41KB>
An essay exploring the profound pleasures and benefits of
getting out into the natural environment.
Freedom
Debunked (Dec 2006) <Pdf - 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 - 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
Why
should we use an agency? (April 2010) - <Pdf - 63KB>
A paper outlining the benefits
of using an external agency for your fundraising work - written
for fundraisers and non-fundraisers alike.
The
Strategic Imperative (Sept 2007) - <Pdf - 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 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 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.
Socialism
has failed. Now capitalism is bankrupt. So what comes next? (Eric
Hobsbawm, Guardian, 2009)
"Whatever ideological logo we adopt, the shift from free market
to public action needs to be bigger than politicians grasp"
Give
to the rich to help the poor? An idea worthy of Bono (Marina Hyde,
Guardian, 2009)
"Philanthropy begins with paying tax, and given the super-rich's
notorious capacity for weaselling out of it, the very last thing
we should be slinging their way are further tax breaks, let alone
control of aid budgets"
We're
wealthier than in 1987 but no happier (Caroline Gammell, Telegraph,
2008)
"British families are healthier and twice as well off as they
were two decades ago but are no happier"
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.
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