Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Haven't read the book yet but it came earlier than stated and in the condition it was to come in so I am VERY happy with this purchase!

Just an all around amazing book! Buy it, and change the world