Description
Book SynopsisThe Life of an Activist is a non-fiction narrative that describes key steps on how to become and evolve into an effective activist and community leader. Ertll describes social movements and provides useful advice on how to successfully manage non-profits to accomplish positive social change that truly improves peopleâs lives.
Trade ReviewThe book offers a glimpse into his experience as an activist and community organizer, especially as a Latino. . . . Ertll writes about well-known activists like Malcolm X, but also about his own experience. He has spent the last 20 years participating in different movements and campaigns spanning environmental, human rights and education issues. He gives advice for budding activists, like how to raise money, write newspaper columns, organize fundraisers and deal with boards of directors and bureaucracies. * Pasadena Star-News *
In an audacious effort to foment a more conscious approach to fighting for a cause, author and activist Randy Jurado Ertll has written a book, perhaps a manual, to demystify the image of the anger-driven protestors identified with social causes. His voice is one of great experience; growing up with a divided reality between his Salvadorian and American identities he understands the lack of education and need for action within disadvantaged communities. * Indiewire *
Ertll provides a concrete roadmap of events, organizations, and people, a map that he has developed over the past twenty years of active involvement in Los Angeles community life. . . . This will be a book to give to your grandchildren when they ask, ‘What was it like back then?’ -- David E. Hayes-Bautista, PhD, professor of medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and director, Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture
Randy Jurado Ertll has spent a lifetime in the activist trenches, and his book shows it. In it, he offers nitty-gritty details and advice for anyone interested in the non-profit world. The reader will be much more knowledgeable and wiser after having read The Life of an Activist. -- Amitabh Pal, managing editor, The Progressive magazine
Randy Jurado Ertll has written about his life as an activist in ways that inspire readers to recalibrate their own lives. . . . Perhaps more than anything else, what Randy gives us is the opportunity to face ourselves in the mirror and ask the hard questions that lurk always at the edge of consciousness. -- Terrence J. Roberts, Ph.D., one of the “Little Rock Nine” who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957
Randy Jurado Ertll’s book on activism, The Life of an Activist: In the Frontlines 24/7, is a gripping story that captivates any reader. It is an insight into what it means to be an activist and how to become one. Ertll intrigues his readers with his wit. It is hard to put his book down; as reader, you want to know what is next. His book reveals his life in the frontlines of activism and serves as a voice for those needing to be heard. His work is a powerful storytelling. I highly recommend it. -- Alma Alfaro, Ph.D., professor of language, literature, and culture at Walla Walla University
Randy Jurado Ertll once again paints a powerful picture of his life as a committed community activist, leader, writer, organizer, and builder of a successful non-profit organization. Ertll provides a thoughtful pragmatic, energizing blueprint for community activism from the national policy-making level as exemplified by President Obama to the street level as exemplified by activists from Malcolm X to Cesar Chavez. They all figure prominently in Ertll’s narrative. Ertll’s book is a must read for anyone who seeks to understand, and better yet, become a positive change maker in their community. -- Earl Ofari Hutchinson, political analyst and author of The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African Americans and Hispanics
Randy Jurado Ertll, whom I met when we worked together trying to improve Pasadena public schools, has written a highly readable and inspiring story about his role as an advocate for social justice. At once idealistic and pragmatic, The Life of An Activist provides an excellent primer for readers interested in getting involved in a cause bigger than themselves. -- Richard D. Kahlenberg, author, All Together Now: Creating Middle-Class Schools through Public School Choice
Table of ContentsForeword I. Evolution of an Activist II. Angry and Bitter Is Not Necessarily the Answer III. Media as Advocacy Tool — Organizing Press Conferences and Writing Columns IV. Raising Money: Foundations, Government Grants, Fundraisers, and Asking the Community You Serve to Give Back V. Three Well-Known and Well-Established Non-Profits VI. How to Organize Fundraisers VII. How to Organize and Mobilize Community Members VIII. How to Deal with Boards of Directors and Bureaucracies IX. Concepts of Community Organizing and Coalition Building X. Other Well-Known Non-Profits and Their Role in Advocacy and Community Organizing XI. How to Keep Going XII. All you need is love — and ganas XIII. The Purpose of Being an Activist — Is This Love? Appendix References Index
