The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways to Change the World [Paperback]

Michael Prokosch (Editor), Laura Raymond (Editor), Naomi Klein (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Nation Books | Publication Date: April 2, 2002

The Global Activists' Manual is a guide to transforming the corporate globalization movement. Two dozen authors look beyond the spectacular shutdowns and protests to introduce the reader to farmers in Iowa, industrial workers in Tennessee, and antisweatshop activists in Maine who connect global injustices to the issues in their own front yards. The authors range from movement "stars" to unsung heroes challenging the world's largest corporations. Since the Seattle protests, the globalization movement has been "localizing" its work. Global and local activists have joined forces to protest the prison-industrial complex, corporate campaign financing, and clear-cut logging. Whether the cause is antiracism, the environment, genetic engineering, human rights, immigration, labor solidarity, or reproductive rights, strategies are outlined to make a difference and change an attitude. "Localizing globalization" in this way presents its own challenges, however, and the book takes them up. After framing articles to set a context, case studies describe how activists across the country are meeting each challenge according to their local realities. Protest photos, cartoons, and outrageous quotes by world economic leaders provide an ironic running commentary to the text.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The 1999 protests of the World Trade Organization in Seattle brought the many-faceted progressive movement back into the public eye. This handbook, compiled by experienced activists Prokosch and Raymond, intends to give individuals wanting to organize for political action inspiration plus practical advice. The bulk of the book presents case studies on successful and unsuccessful protests and political action in areas such as cross-border coalition building, challenging white supremacy and globalization, taking on corporations, and mobilizing consumers. This section's 45 chapters are written by men and women currently active in the protest movement. The remainder of the book provides nuts-and-bolts advice on organizing individuals, publicity, Internet use, and facing opposition. A resource directory and glossary complete the book. This well-organized work would be useful for anyone involved in direct political action and is recommended for all libraries. Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Nation Books (April 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560254017
• ISBN-13: 978-1560254010
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #541,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Zahara Heckscher is the co-author of How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas.

Heckscher teaches writing at the University of Maryland in College Park and The Writer's Center in Bethesda. She is a contributing editor at Transitions Abroad. Her articles have been published at TransitionsAbroad.com, Yes Magazine, and the books:

* Global Backlash: Citizen Initiatives for a Just World Economy.
* Work Abroad (4th Edition) from Transitions Abroad Publishing: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas

Heckscher resides in Washington, D.C., where she completed her M.A. in International Development at American University.

Heckscher offers workshops about international volunteering and other subjects at campuses around the country and she offers consulting services to nonprofit organizations in the Washington, DC area.

To get in touch, you can email her from the contact us form at www.volunteeroverseas.org.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not what you'd expect..., September 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways to Change the World (Paperback)

I salute the efforts of these authors, but the book did not do what the title suggests - provide a blueprint as to how the reader could become an activist.
The book primarily consists of brief stories of activism which, while interesting, do not provide enough detail or direction such that someone who wants to become more of an activist will know how to do it.
There's a section of practical tips that begins on page 242. These seem to be aimed mostly toward causes addressed by a group, and some are helpful (such as the suggestion that one call members who did not attend the previous meeting, so the members do not lapse into complete inactivity).
Some suggestions are perhaps not as useful. As a former newspaper employee, I would disagree with the author's advice that an activist send a press release to the media on the morning of or the day before the event -- the morning of is too late. Also, the authors suggest that an activist put 75% of their energy into writing the headline and first paragraph of a press release. But newspapers almost always write their own headlines, so I would suggest simply writing a clear headline that indicates what the content of the article is. Then move on. There are some useful websites and organizations listed toward the end of the book.
It is not that this book is without merit, since the stories of other campaigns are interesting, if not explored in great detail. They are written in an interesting way. But it isn't really clear how the reader could become an activist.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gathers success stories of organizers and organizations, June 3, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways to Change the World (Paperback)

How can community leaders and activists organize campaigns for social change when protesters have cause to fear for their safety? The Global Activist's Manual gathers success stories of organizers and organizations around the world who have battled against the odds to improve conditions for workers, address social issues, or improve community quality. Most important are step-by-step guides to different strategies for making community connections, connecting movements, and obtaining media coverage and support.

5.0 out of 5 stars A user friendly guide to making a difference, May 17, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways to Change the World (Paperback)

Collaboratively edited by community activists Mike Prokosch and Laura Raymond, The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways To Change The World is an invigorating, practical, "hands on" and user friendly guide to making a difference and fighting back against the worst excesses of corporate globalization. Individual chapters cogently address methods for building local, national, and international coalitions; confronting explicit and implicit white supremacy; informing consumers and organizing boycotts; working with elected officials to effect change; getting media coverage, and a great deal more. The Global Activist's Manual is very highly recommended for anyone, anywhere, who wants to put forth a genuine and effective effort to make the world a better place.