Description
Book SynopsisTools for Radical Democracy is an essential resource for grassroots organizers and leaders, students of activism and advocacy, and anyone trying to increase the civic participation of ordinary people. Authors Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos share stories and tools from their nationally recognized and award-winning work of building a community-led organization, training community leaders, and conducting campaigns that changed public policy and delivered concrete results to tens of thousands of people. This how-to manual includes:
In-depth analysis of how to launch and win a campaign
Tools and guidelines for training people to lead their own campaigns and organizations
Insights for using technology effectively, building more powerful alliances, and engaging in the social justice movement
Trade Review"if you're looking for a practical how-to guide to building community power without a lot of excursions into the ins and outs of fundraising, Tools is just the ticket." (
Philanthropy News Digest, 03/04/08)
" It is well-organized and easy to use." (CharityVillage.com, 10/29/2007)
"…it is refreshing to see a book that focuses downward- at the community level- and outward- at social movements." (Nonprofit Online News, 09/05/2007)
"The authors offer a guide to involving and organizing others -- especially the most marginalized members of society -- in a social-justice movement. Throughout the book are examples of meeting agendas, campaign plans, surveys to determine the key issues that are important to local residents, lists of desired qualities in community-organizing leaders, and other resources that can serve as templates." --Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 10, 2008
Table of ContentsForeword ix
Peter Edelman
Preface: Why We Believe in Organizing and Building Power xiii
The Authors xvii
Introduction: The Power of Participation xix
The Story of Community Voices Heard xxxi
Part One Building Community Power 1
1. Taking It On: Starting to Build Power 3
2. Powering Up 23
Part Two Building a Base for Power 35
3. Recruiting Constituents for Collective Action 37
4. Involving Members in Building Their Own Organization 61
5. Developing Leaders from All Walks of Life 81
6. Uploading Technology 109
Part Three Developing and Running Campaigns 125
7. Identifying the Right Issue 129
8. Researching the Politics of an Issue 155
9. Developing a Winning Strategy 183
10. Planning a Comprehensive Campaign 209
11. Implementing an Effective Campaign 239
12. Running Kick-A** Actions! 261
13. Evaluating a Campaign from Beginning to End 301
Part Four Building a Movement 323
14. Forging Partnerships for Power 325
15. Moving from Self-Interest to Social Change: Movement-Building 345
Conclusion: Putting Your Principles into Practice 361
Resources Supporting the Work of Organizing 373
A. Organizing Lingo 375
B. Raising Money for Organizing 379
C. Power in the Voting Booth: Electoral Organizing 389
D. Training Tips 399
E. Approaches to Addressing Community Problems 407
F. Creating a Legal Community Power-Building Organization 411
G. For More Information 413
H. The Phases and Steps of a Campaign: An Annotated Case Example 415
Index 425
