The Activist's Handbook: A Primer for the 1990s and Beyond
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The Activist's Handbook is a hard-hitting guide to making social change happen. Shaw, a longtime activist for urban issues, shows how positive change can still be accomplished-- despite an... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0520203178
ISBN13:9780520203174
Release Date:June 1996
Publisher:University of California Press
Length:326 Pages
Weight:0.98 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Highest Recommendation
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Even if you're not an activist and don't want to be, as long as you have any sort of interest in social change, this book will be well worth reading. Packed with examples of how movements have succeeded and failed, this extremely readable handbook will inspire through its analysis of strategies and tactics that can be used to accomplish what many of us desperately want. Most of us understand already that simply arguing for social justice will fail to achieve it, but -- as Shaw demonstrates -- Herculean efforts, if miscalculated, will just as surely fail. In this book, Shaw describes successful strategies for community organizers, effective relationships with elected officials, the use of coalitions, ballot initiatives, the media, lawyers, and direct action strategies. The most persuasive theme tying each of these discussions together is that the best defense is an effective offense, that a failure to aggressively pursue positive change is a strategy for worsening the status quo.
GREAT ideas and examples for Activists
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This book is highly readable and has GREAT examples and tips. The author shows examples where organizations succeeded and where they failed. As a novice activist, I found it to be very helpful. The examples are diverse so I think there is a great deal for more experienced activits to learn as well. The only drawback of this book is that it focuses only on domestic issues. For those whose causes are on the international level as well as the domestic level would find that to be the only draw back. Still, this is a useful book with great examples and ideas that any activist could use and relate to their own campaign.
A must read for activists
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is absolutely essential reading for any activist. The author, who is a successful activist himself, covers everthing you need to know to get your cause "out there" where people (and especially decision-makers) will see the importance of your issue and choose to do something about it.If you are an activist that wants to be both efficennt and effective, I would highly suggest reading this book
Good strategies, but where's the democracy?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Good advice especially re: dealing with the press, lawyers, and applying strategy. Would have liked to see a lot more about getting social change organizations to really involve their members in running the organization- its still "Tales of the Super Organizer" a model activists need to outgrow and are already outgrowing.
Essential reading for serious social-change activists
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book provides concrete examples of how grassroots social change organizations are either successful or unsuccessful in reaching their goals. Case studies of actual campaigns are presented and particular strategies are analyzed in various fields of activism. Legislative strategy, ballot initiatives, direct action and dealing with the media are all presented. Compelling reading and very rewarding, this book is also the activism Bible of the adult adoptee-rights organization Bastard Nation.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
