Organizing for Power and Empowerment: The Fight for Democracy

Organizing for Power and Empowerment: The Fight for Democracy explores the strategies and experiences of progressive organizations in the United States, highlighting their efforts to win on critical issues such as worker protections, bail reform, immigration, climate change, and affordable housing. The book emphasizes the leadership of Black Americans, other people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people as they lead campaigns to address inequality and provides a detailed analysis of organizational structures and change strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Organizing for Power and Empowerment: The Fight for Democracy is a groundbreaking book that delves into the compelling stories and experiences of over forty organizers who have played pivotal roles in shaping progressive organizations across the United States. Through extensive and innovative interviews, the authors shed light on the strategies employed by these organizations to address critical issues such as worker protections, bail reform, immigration, climate change, and affordable housing.

The book showcases the diverse range of organizations that are at the forefront of this movement, each with its unique approach and focus. The authors highlight how these organizations utilize innovative strategies, such as targeting corporate expansion, operating at statewide levels, building new structures for electoral action, and establishing community-labor coalitions, to achieve their goals.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of activating people around issues that directly impact their daily lives. The organizers discuss campaigns that engage individuals on topics such as work schedules, bail reform, school closures, voting rights, and affordable housing, and connect them to broader issues of racial justice, immigration, climate change, criminal justice, and workers' rights. They share their insights on building community organizations and empowering ordinary citizens to become leaders in their own right.

The book underscores the leadership of Black Americans, other people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals as they spearhead campaigns to address the disproportionate effects of inequality faced by their communities. It provides a detailed analysis of the new and effective organizational structures and change strategies employed by these organizations, offering valuable insights into foundational organizing practices, innovations, and the challenges and opportunities for progressive social action in the present day.

Overall, Organizing for Power and Empowerment: The Fight for Democracy is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social change and the role of organized movements in shaping our world. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of organizers who are working tirelessly to build a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231189453
Edition number: second edition