One of the most powerful things you can do for peace is to talk about it. Every conversation, every shared post, every letter to a politician helps shift public opinion and puts pressure on decision-makers. Here is how to do each of these things effectively.
2. Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Regular Updates
IPAN Voice is our regular newsletter keeping members and supporters informed about campaigns, events, media releases, and policy developments. Subscribing ensures you never miss an important update — and it helps us grow our direct communication list.
How to subscribe
- Visit ipan.au/membership and complete the membership form — all members automatically receive IPAN Voice.
- Alternatively, use the newsletter signup form at the bottom of any page on this website.
- Forward IPAN Voice to friends and colleagues who might be interested and encourage them to subscribe directly.
What you will receive
- IPAN Voice — monthly newsletter with campaign updates, event notices, and member news
- Media releases — when IPAN issues a public statement on a breaking issue
- Event invitations — webinars, public meetings, and national conferences
- Daily Peace and Crisis Report — available at ipan.au/today, a daily briefing on global peace and security news
3. Talk to Friends, Family, and Colleagues About IPAN
Personal conversations are the most persuasive form of advocacy. Research consistently shows that people are far more likely to change their views — or take action — when someone they trust raises an issue with them directly.
How to start the conversation
- Start with what you care about — share your own reason for supporting IPAN rather than leading with facts and figures. Personal stories are more engaging.
- Ask questions — "Did you see the news about AUKUS?" or "What do you think about Australia's relationship with the US?" opens a dialogue rather than a lecture.
- Keep it simple — IPAN's core message is straightforward: Australia should have an independent foreign policy based on peace, not military alliances. You do not need to know every policy detail to make this case.
- Share resources — send a link to ipan.au, a specific campaign page, or a recent media release to follow up after a conversation.
- Invite them to an event — bringing someone to a public meeting or webinar is one of the most effective ways to deepen their engagement.
4. Display IPAN Materials at Community Spaces
Physical materials — flyers, posters, and brochures — reach people who are not online and create a visible presence for the peace movement in your local community.
Where to display materials
- Community notice boards at libraries, community centres, and council offices
- University and TAFE campuses — student unions, common rooms, and notice boards
- Cafés, bookshops, and health food stores that support community causes
- Union offices, church halls, and community organisation meeting rooms
- Your own workplace (where appropriate)
How to get materials
- Download and print materials from the Documents section of this website — many of our publications are available as PDFs.
- Contact us at info@ipan.org.au to request printed materials to be sent to you.
- Ask your state IPAN group about locally produced materials relevant to your region.
5. Write Letters to Editors and Politicians
Letters to newspaper editors and elected representatives are among the most direct ways to influence public debate and political decision-making. Politicians pay close attention to constituent correspondence, and published letters to the editor reach thousands of readers.
Writing a letter to the editor
- Be timely — write in response to a recent article, editorial, or news event. Editors prioritise letters that respond to something they have published in the last 48–72 hours.
- Be brief — most newspapers accept letters of 150–250 words. Get to your main point in the first sentence.
- Be specific — reference the article you are responding to by name and date.
- Make one clear argument — do not try to cover everything. One well-made point is more effective than five weak ones.
- Include your full name, suburb, and contact number — newspapers require this for verification even if they do not publish all details.
Where to send letters
- The Australian: letters@theaustralian.com.au
- Sydney Morning Herald / The Age: letters@smh.com.au
- The Guardian Australia: australia.letters@theguardian.com
- Your local newspaper: Check the masthead for the letters email address
Writing to your politician
- Find your representatives — use the AEC website or Parliament of Australia to find your local MP and Senators.
- Write personally — a personal letter carries far more weight than a form letter or petition signature. Staff are trained to identify and discount mass-produced correspondence.
- Be polite and constructive — state your concern clearly, explain why it matters to you as a constituent, and make a specific request (e.g., "I urge you to vote against the AUKUS legislation").
- Follow up — if you receive a response, write back. Sustained correspondence from a constituent is taken seriously.
- Request a meeting — most MPs hold regular constituent meetings. A face-to-face conversation is the most powerful form of political advocacy available to an ordinary citizen.
Ready to take action?
Every voice matters. Start with whichever of these actions feels most natural to you — and build from there.
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1. Follow Us on Social Media and Share Our Posts
Social media is one of the fastest ways to spread IPAN's message to new audiences. When you share our content, you expose our campaigns and analysis to your entire network — many of whom may never have heard of IPAN.
How to do it
#IPAN,#AustralianForeignPolicy,#EndAUKUS, and#PeaceAustraliato help your posts reach people searching those topics.