Tools for Radical Democracy

Tools for Radical Democracy is an essential resource for grassroots organizers and leaders, students of activism and advocacy, and anyone trying to increase the civic participation of ordinary people. Authors Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos share stories and tools from their nationally recognized and award-winning work of building a community-led organization, training community leaders, and conducting campaigns that changed public policy and delivered concrete results to tens of thousands of people. This how-to manual includes:

· In-depth analysis of how to launch and win a campaign

· Tools and guidelines for training people to lead their own campaigns and organizations

· Insights for using technology effectively, building more powerful alliances, and engaging in the social justice movement

Foreword ix
Peter Edelman

Preface: Why We Believe in Organizing and Building Power xiii

The Authors xvii

Introduction: The Power of Participation xix

The Story of Community Voices Heard xxxi

Part One Building Community Power 1

1. Taking It On: Starting to Build Power 3

2. Powering Up 23

Part Two Building a Base for Power 35

3. Recruiting Constituents for Collective Action 37

4. Involving Members in Building Their Own Organization 61

5. Developing Leaders from All Walks of Life 81

6. Uploading Technology 109

Part Three Developing and Running Campaigns 125

7. Identifying the Right Issue 129

8. Researching the Politics of an Issue 155

9. Developing a Winning Strategy 183

10. Planning a Comprehensive Campaign 209

11. Implementing an Effective Campaign 239

12. Running Kick-A** Actions! 261

13. Evaluating a Campaign from Beginning to End 301

Part Four Building a Movement 323

14. Forging Partnerships for Power 325

15. Moving from Self-Interest to Social Change: Movement-Building 345

Conclusion: Putting Your Principles into Practice 361

Resources Supporting the Work of Organizing 373

A. Organizing Lingo 375

B. Raising Money for Organizing 379

C. Power in the Voting Booth: Electoral Organizing 389

D. Training Tips 399

E. Approaches to Addressing Community Problems 407

F. Creating a Legal Community Power-Building Organization 411

G. For More Information 413

H. The Phases and Steps of a Campaign: An Annotated Case Example 415

Index 425

"if you're looking for a practical how-to guide to building community power without a lot of excursions into the ins and outs of fundraising, Tools is just the ticket." (Philanthropy News Digest, 03/04/08)

" It is well-organized and easy to use." (CharityVillage.com, 10/29/2007)

"…it is refreshing to see a book that focuses downward- at the community level- and outward- at social movements." (Nonprofit Online News, 09/05/2007)

"The authors offer a guide to involving and organizing others -- especially the most marginalized members of society -- in a social-justice movement. Throughout the book are examples of meeting agendas, campaign plans, surveys to determine the key issues that are important to local residents, lists of desired qualities in community-organizing leaders, and other resources that can serve as templates." --Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 10, 2008

Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos are cofounders of Community Voices Heard, a leading social justice organization in New York City and the United States. They are experienced organizers, trainers, university lecturers, and recipients of the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World Award.

Building the Power to Create Change

Tools for Radical Democracy is an essential resource for grassroots organizers and leaders, students of activism and advocacy, and anyone trying to increase the civic participation of ordinary people. Authors Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos share stories and tools from their nationally recognized and award-winning work of building a community-led organization, training community leaders, and conducting campaigns that changed public policy and delivered concrete results to tens of thousands of people. This how-to manual includes:

• In-depth analysis of how to launch and win a campaign

• Tools and guidelines for training people to lead their own campaigns and organizations

• Insights for using technology effectively, building more powerful alliances, and engaging in the social justice movement

Praise for tools for Radical Democracy

"This book provides the nuts and bolts for how people and communities that start on the margins can move to center stage. Tools for Radical Democracy shines the spotlight on what works and will help spark the next generation of social change movements. To be sure, our country is in dire need of such techniques."
—Andy Stern, president, Service Employees International Union, CTW, CLC

"This manual is an organizer's organizer. I hope many people will put this to use."
—Heather Booth, founder and president, Midwest Academy

"This book is 'the secret' for building collective power for long-term social change."
—Nat Chioke Williams, executive director, Hill Snowdon Foundation

"Minieri and Getsos provide real-world examples of how ordinary people can become leaders who effect positive change. This book will be required reading for our staff and recommended reading for all our members."
—Janet S. Keating, codirector, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition

"Students, scholars, and social activists alike will find something to their tastes in this how-to guide for rebuilding democracy from the ground up."
—Joaquin Herranz Jr., assistant professor, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington

This book provides the nuts and bolts for how people and communities that start on the margins can move to center stage. Tools for Radical Democracy shines the spotlight on what works, and will help spark the next generation of social change movements. To be sure, our country is in dire need of such techniques.”—Andy Stern, president, Service Employees International Union, CTW, CLC

“This manual is an organizer’s organizer. I hope many people will put this to use.”—Heather Booth, founder and president, Midwest Academy

“This book is ‘the secret’ for building collective power for long-term social change.”

—Nat Chioke Williams, executive director, Hill Snowdon Foundation

“Minieri and Getsos provide real-world examples of how ordinary people can become leaders who effect positive change. This book will be required reading for our staff and recommended reading for all our members.”—Janet S. Keating, codirector, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition

“Students, scholars, and social activists alike will find something to their tastes in this how-to guide for rebuilding democracy from the ground up.”—Joaquin Herranz Jr., assistant professor, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington

“Tools for Radical Democracy is for all people who feel themselves closed out by the decisions that affect their lives. Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos bring their solid experience in building a cooperative and forceful voice to the story of a community out and acting powerfully.”—Colin Greer, president, The New World Foundation