Roots for Radicals
Organizing for Power, Action, and Justice
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- $35.99
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- $35.99
Publisher Description
The successor to the legendary activist Saul Alinsky, Edward T. Chambers pioneered a set of principles and practices that have guided community organizations throughout the US and the world. Roots for Radicals remains his definitive reflection on these fundamental principles of community activism: how, as public citizens, we can navigate the gap between the world as it is and as it should be, between self-interest and self-sacrifice and in doing so create lasting change for our communities.
In the face of the increasingly turbulent politics of the 21st-century, Chambers's book has never been more relevant.
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The fight against globalization and the war in Iraq has led to a revival of grassroots activism. But there are many other causes for which communities organize: lack of sewage in poor neighborhoods, the need to support public schools, and affordable housing, to name just a few. Chambers is executive director of the Industrial Areas Foundation; founded by the noted organizer Saul Alinsky, the foundation is dedicated to supporting community organizing. A"radical" for Chambers is"a person who searches for meaning and affirms community." Thus, this is not an easy-to-consult handbook, but a book encouraging reflection about public life and ideals; the gap between the world"as it is" and"as it should be"; self-interest vs. self-sacrifice and other polarities; and how to create actions that not only receive momentary press attention but that are effective. Readers looking for quick tactical tips won't find them here, but readers looking for a solid foundation on which to base political action will find much to think about within these pages.
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