THE ACTIVIST'S HANDBOOK a Primer - Updated Version with a New Preface

by Randy Shaw

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 increasingly grim political order—if activists employ the strategies set forth in this desperately needed primer. In a new preface, Shaw describes how the power of grassroots activism has won newfound respect. Mass protests against globalization and in favor of stricter gun controls have led once-invulnerable targets like the World Bank and the National Rifle Association to take citizen action more seriously.Inspiring "fear and loathing" in politicians, building diverse coalitions, and harnessing the media, the courts, and the electoral process to one's cause are only some of the key tactics Shaw advocates and explains. Central to all social-change activism, Shaw shows, is being rather than simply reacting to right-wing proposals, activists must develop an agenda and focus their resources on achieving it.The Activist's Handbook details the impact of specific strategies on campaigns across the battles over homelessness, the environment, AIDS policies, neighborhood preservation, and school reform among others. Though activist groups can have widely different aims, similar tactics are shown to produce success.Further, the book offers a sophisticated analysis of the American power structure by someone on the front lines. In showing how people can and must make a difference at both local and national levels, this is an indispensable guide not only for activists, but for everyone interested in the future of progressive politics in America.

Genres: Activism, Politics, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Justice, Political Science, Social

Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[David Agranoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must reading for anyone screaming for change. A group of us read this book before fighting Indiana university on a planned multi-million dollar golf course that was going to destroy one of the last green spaces in bloomington indiana. Using Randy Shaw's book we took on the IU on what were were told was a hopeless fight. in just around four months we had IU on the ropes and that land is now protected forever. for years since I have used what I learned from this book to teach workshops on effective campaigns. Read this book if you are wanting to fight and WIN.

[Clare Therese · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a “handbook” meaning focused on actionable advice and guides on how to organize, how to communicate with representatives most effectively, etc. but instead this is an extremely disorganized history lesson of different activist movements that only offers vague advice sprinkled in. There are some genuinely really good points in here about things like working with people you don’t fully agree with towards common goals and holding supposed “liberal” representatives accountable instead of becoming complacent when they’re in charge but it’s a farcy from what is advertised.

[nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read bits and pieces of this over the course of years of having it in my possession and it's definitely one of the most useful books out there. If you want your activism to be something that actually does something, rather than just publicity, you'll find a lot of benefit in the guidance this book offers.

[Leah McNaughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for those interested though it seems to follow the slow route that I find in many self help books.

[Zara Logue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details Randy Shaw’s own experiences as a progressive activist/Hasting's law student in the Bay Area in the 1980’s. Amid many struggles are small victories and massive defeats. The book is inspirational as a document of a somewhat ‘regular’ person participating in politics in order to enact change.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a history of successful (and not so much) grassroots activism in the U.S. during the late 20th and early 21st century. Well-written and engaging.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well thought out practical book from the left wing activist tradition.
Good (if radical) advice and challenging thinking for anyone working for social justice.