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

Tools for Radical Democracy is an essential resource forgrassroots organizers and leaders, students of activism andadvocacy, and anyone trying to increase the civic participation ofordinary people. Authors Joan Minieri and Paul Getsos share storiesand tools from their nationally recognized and award-winning workof building a community-led organization, training communityleaders, and conducting campaigns that changed public policy anddelivered concrete results to tens of thousands of people. Thishow-to manual includes:· In-depthanalysis of how to launch and win a campaign· Tools andguidelines for training people to lead their own campaigns andorganizations· Insights forusing technology effectively, building more powerful alliances, andengaging in the social justice movement

Foreword ixPeter EdelmanPreface: Why We Believe in Organizing and Building Power xiiiThe Authors xviiIntroduction: The Power of Participation xixThe Story of Community Voices Heard xxxiPart One Building Community Power 11. Taking It On: Starting to Build Power 32. Powering Up 23Part Two Building a Base for Power 353. Recruiting Constituents for Collective Action 374. Involving Members in Building Their Own Organization 615. Developing Leaders from All Walks of Life 816. Uploading Technology 109Part Three Developing and Running Campaigns 1257. Identifying the Right Issue 1298. Researching the Politics of an Issue 1559. Developing a Winning Strategy 18310. Planning a Comprehensive Campaign 20911. Implementing an Effective Campaign 23912. Running Kick-A** Actions! 26113. Evaluating a Campaign from Beginning to End 301Part Four Building a Movement 32314. Forging Partnerships for Power 32515. Moving from Self-Interest to Social Change: Movement-Building 345Conclusion: Putting Your Principles into Practice 361Resources Supporting the Work of Organizing 373A. Organizing Lingo 375B. Raising Money for Organizing 379C. Power in the Voting Booth: Electoral Organizing 389D. Training Tips 399E. Approaches to Addressing Community Problems 407F. Creating a Legal Community Power-Building Organization 411G. For More Information 413H. The Phases and Steps of a Campaign: An Annotated Case Example 415Index 425