Driving transformational change: how to build public and political support for the change we need.

This interactive training program is designed for leaders and policy advocates dedicated to achieving transformational policy change.

Developed in collaboration between Common Cause Australia and For Purpose, this training explores how to use public engagement and strategic government relations to disrupt politics as usual and create more meaningful long-term change.

The training focuses on the type of leadership and approaches we need at a time when ambitious change is sorely needed but feels out of reach.

By integrating insights on systems, values, public engagement, and government relations, this training equips participants with a holistic strategy to not only articulate bold policy, but to strategically secure its implementation.

The training takes place online over four 3-hour sessions.

• Session 1: Paradigms and Values: What transformation change looks like

• Session 2: Agenda Setting: how we decide our priorities and develop ambitious policy

• Session 3: Community Support: How we build public support for bold change

• Session 4: Political Support: How we move political decision makers

You will leave with a clear roadmap for applying these integrated learnings to your current and future campaigns, ready to drive change that is both ambitious and enduring.

Meet the trainers

Caterina Giorgi, For Purpose

Caterina has worked in purpose driven organisations for almost two decades, including most recently as CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). She is also the Chair of Australian Progress and a Founding Member of Women in Public Health. She is an Ambassador of NOFASD and has also previously served on the Boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda. Caterina has presented at conferences, delivered training and consulted with organisations on strategy, advocacy, government relations and public policy. She has contributed to legislative and policy changes at all levels of government in health and social policy.

Mark Chenery, Common Cause

Mark is a communications expert with a background in advertising, journalism and community engagement within non-profit organisations. Since establishing Common Cause Australia in 2014, Mark has worked with dozens of organisations on values-based messaging and trained over 5,000 people working across social justice, health and environmental causes in Australia and beyond. His research has changed the way many of Australia’s leading mission driven organisations as well as government departments and agencies engage with the public on social justice, health and environmental issues.

Dr Eleanor Glenn, Common Cause

Eleanor co-directs Common Cause alongside Mark, helping social change agents to put values at the heart of their work. Eleanor is a qualitative researcher and communications expert and trainer, with a PhD in climate change communications and engagement. Over the past decade she has supported dozens of organisations and communities to create transformative systems change, including on contentious issues such as safer speeds on local streets (30km/h speed limits) and First Nations Treaty in Victoria. 

NOTE: Our courses are designed to support organisations and advocates working toward social equity, environmental justice and community wellbeing. We take seriously our responsibility to provide a safe space for all participants, and reserve the right to politely decline offering places in our workshops to certain organisations. If you're unsure if your organisation is suitable for the training, please get in touch.

UPCOMING workshops

may/june 2026 - tickets available

Our First Driving transformational change workshop will take place over 4 consecutive Zoom meetings on Thursdays in May/June 2026:

• Session 1: 10.00am-1.00pm AEST, Thursday 21st May 2026

• Session 2: 10.00am-1.00pm AEST, Thursday 28th May 2026

• Session 3: 10.00am-1.00pm AEST, Thursday 4th June 2026

• Session 4: 10.00am-1.00pm AEST, Thursday 11th June 2026