The Work Is the Work: Letters to a Future Activist

by Brian C. Johnson

There are many ways to make a difference in our communities, many causes to organize and volunteer for. But where do we start? And how do we avoid burning out? Whether you're just beginning the work of social justice, or you've been doing it for years but need a reminder of why we're in this fight and how to keep going, this book is for you. Drawing from his nearly twenty-five years of social justice work and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Brian Johnson offers us this set of urgent, essential, justice-seeking letters to his daughter in The Work Is the Work . Johnson explores what compels us to serve and how to respond to the many needs around us, offering insights from well-known figures in justice work such as Claudia Rankine, Greg Boyle, Gandhi, and more. What is personal is also universal--containing the essentials of justice work and advocacy, and revealing why we keep going. For all who care about environmental justice, LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-racism efforts, and community support, The Work Is the Work celebrates the struggles and victories of advocacy work and shares the spirit of justice for our children, the next generation of changemakers. Written for the millions who work for justice, march in the streets, volunteer in service positions for the public sector, and want to inspire the next generation of changemakers, this book reminds us of the essentials and inspires us to keep fighting the good fight.

205 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Zach DuFran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers group, in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but as someone who gets active in many causes, I thought it would be a useful book for me. I found myself underlining many passages throughout this book and scribbling notes in the margins. Brian Johnson has clearly spent a lot of time as an activist and also analyzing how activism is most fruitful. His thoughts are insightful and accessible. I'm already thinking about how to adapt my own activism and to encourage others doing good work. His thoughts about how to frame awards and accolades was a different perspective than I have ever considered and makes a lot of sense. Similarly, his thoughts about vices and virtues and the ties between them was unique. Personally the section about conflicts among allies was hard for me to relate to, but I can see how that might be a common theme among other activists or non-profits. I'll come back to this book for inspiration and help and will also be sharing it with some friends.

[Ian Palmquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Johnson beautifully captures many lessons from a life as an activist and advocate. As a professional advocate for the LGBTQ plus community myself, Bryan’s learnings and stories resonate deeply and offer wisdom I wish my younger self could have tapped into sooner. (Full disclosure: I know Brian through my work in the movement.) He is a gifted storyteller and pulls in wisdom from sources as diverse as the Bhagavad Gita, Martin Luther King, Jr., Brené Brown, and Miley Cyrus. I encourage anyone working for social change, whether professionally or as a volunteer in their community, to read this book.

[Mike Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and superbly written book about doing the good work.

[Madison Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and moving collection of essays! A book you’ll pick up to read, and re-read and re-read again.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains some great information; however, doesn't match the description on the back.

It's a pretty decent addition to the lit on how to become an activist for those starting out. Not too academic; lightweight and accessible. Maybe a little/lot too woo-woo in some places.

The scope of the examples was great. One is the EXACT problem I'm working on right now, so that was amazing and energizing, but not every reader can have that experience with the book.

I don't think I'd like the author if I met him IRL. Given the topic and his background, that makes it weird and I don't like it. Some of it is easy to pinpoint - I don't like assimilationists in general - but other parts are just...ugh, why? Off-putting. Mileage, sure to vary.

Overall, for people with an interest in activism, but not in reading heavy books. Best for those interested in education and LGBTQ work.