Roots to Power
A Manual for Grassroots Organizing, 2nd Edition
2nd Edition
Published on 30. December 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
392 pages
978-0-275-96998-1 (ISBN)
Description
When ordinary people band together to gain more control over their life conditions, the first order of business is to organize in pursuit of collective action. This how-to manual presents strategies, tactics, methods, and techniques that community members can use to set their own goals, select issues, campaign for these issues, recruit members, develop leaders, hold effective meetings, conduct research, lobby politicians and legislators, and get the word out to the media.
The author brings more than three decades of experience to the task of explaining root principles for developing and exercising collective power; he moves effortlessly from such broad discussions into providing specific tips for effective organizing methods and techniques. Armed with the information in this book, any community can bring about social change through collective action.
The author brings more than three decades of experience to the task of explaining root principles for developing and exercising collective power; he moves effortlessly from such broad discussions into providing specific tips for effective organizing methods and techniques. Armed with the information in this book, any community can bring about social change through collective action.
Reviews / Votes
"Lee Staples provides a manual for organizers and much more. The greatest strength of the book is the way in which Staples brings together clear tools for organizing while reminding the reader that organizing is a significant tool for social change. . . . Staples' experience, analytic eye, passion for social justice, and his belief in the power of organizing define the book and it is without a question a must read for anyone remotely interested in organizing, or anyone who would like to see a world defined by justice and indeed true democracy." - Journal of Community Practice "This handbook is a primer on grassroots community organizing (GCO) and is a practical handbook for employed community organizers, executive directors of human service and grassroots organizations, lay volunteers, community activists and others who want to make a difference for those who don't have power. . . . Roots to Power: A Manual for Grassroots Organizing is a comprehensive overview of this field of practice. In fact, several times since I received my MSW from the University of Michigan in 1968, I have dreamed about writing such a book - and never did. I'm glad that Lee Staples did, and he has packed it full of information, theories, experience and practical steps to develop tactics and strategies for local groups to take collective action in response to problems, hopes, concerns, visions, and dreams for a better future that arise from everyday situations. I highly recommend that it be read but, more importantly, practiced." - Social Work with GroupsMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Edition type
Revised edition
ISBN-13
978-0-275-96998-1 (9780275969981)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
LEE STAPLES is Clinical Professor at the Boston University School of Social Work. He has been engaged in grassroots community organizing since the late 1960s as an organizer, supervisor, staff director, trainer, educator, consultant, evaluator, and coach. He remains actively involved in a diverse range of organizing efforts.
Content
Acknowledgements: With a Lot of Help from My Friends Preface: From Roots to Tips Introduction by Frances Fox Piven "Power to the People": Basic Organizing Philosophy and Goals "Locate & Relate. Motivate and Integrate. Facilitate & Integrate. ACTIVATE!"--The Role of the Organizer "Can't Ya Hear Me Knockin?"--Organizing Models and Methods "Analyze, Strategize and Catalyze"--Issues and Strategy "Moving into Action"--Making and Carrying Out Action Plans "Keeping It All Together"--Organizational Development and Maintenance "Nuts and Bolts, Some Do's and Don'ts"--A Short Collection Appendix References Afterword: After Words, Take Action Index About the Author and Contributors