Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century (Hardcover)

by Randy Shaw (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Bay Area community organizer Shaw (Reclaiming America) examines the enduring influence of the United Farm Workers model of grassroots organization, which he pointedly credits with the majority of labors successes since the 1960s and a wellspring of 21st-century movements for democratic rights. He retells the story of Cesar Chavez and the UFWs unprecedented success in mobilizing a broad coalition as well as winning political clout and material gains for workers through such tactics as boycotts, appeals to spiritual values, fasting and community-centered organizing. Shaw describes a generation of young activists passing through the UFWs crucible of idealism, sacrifice and individual initiative, and into a lifetime of service to social justice causes; indeed, it was the very success of the UFWs campaigns that contributed, ironically, to a gradual power drain on the union in the 1980s. Leading organizers and political strategists like Susan Sachen and Marshall Ganz went on to work for other unions like SEIU or were hired away by mainstream electoral campaigns. Finally, Shaw evaluates the capacities of todays labor movement to build on the UFWs legacy of self-directed, on-the-ground training, political solidarity and far-reaching social idealism. (Jan.)
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Review
"Shaw's book is the product of extensive research, and it's invaluable for anyone interested in the evolution of unionization over the past forty years."--The Washington Monthly

"A useful resource for anyone interested in organizing, activism, or social movements."--Daily Kos

"Examines the enduring influence of the United Farm Workers' model of grassroots organization." Starred Review--Publishers Weekly

"[An] important study."--Z Magazine

"Shaw does a stellar job of writing the history of the UFW and its key figures."--Colorlines: Race Culture Action

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (September 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520251075
• ISBN-13: 978-0520251076
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #70,501 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #7 in	Books > Nonfiction > Politics > Labor Unions
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Obama Supporters Take Note! / A Must Read for Social Justice Activists , October 26, 2008

By	Berkeley Reader (Berkeley, CA) - See all my reviews

Beyond the Fields follows in the tradition of Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States by providing little known history about the UFW, its organizing tactics and its profound legacy on political activism in America over the past four decades. The book provides a historic overview of the UFW, its leaders-- particularly Cesar Chavez--, its achievements and the lasting impact of tactics developed and used by the UFW on political organizing around the country. Many of the stories of post-UFW social justice struggles in the book are riveting, including the Justice for Janitors campaign in Miami and a history of the national movement for immigrant rights. The book is particularly timely now because of the use of UFW organizing strategies in the ground game to elect Barack Obama. Great as it will be to have Obama in the White House, Obama's election isn't a magic solution to the country's many and deep social problems. Shaw's book provides valuable history to guide activists in the battles to come.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Account of Fight for Social Justice, January 5, 2009

By	Capitol Junkie (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For me, its greatest strength lies in the author's ability to describe organizing struggles from the past and make them feel fresh and immediate. The "Yes We Cane" chapter (which documents a labor battle in Florida) in particular was a page turner, something rare and difficult to accomplish with historical subject matter.

I also think the author accomplishes one of his stated goals, which was to canonize the important work of these UFW activists - work I would've never known about had I not read this book. The breadth and depth of information uncovered by the author is unbelievable. An all-around excellent read.