I thought I’d post a little bit about Organizing for Social Change.

I am posting excerpts from Frederick Douglass, President Obama and The Midwest Academy.

We do not need to feel helpless.  There are things we can do at the local, State and Federal Levels to Preserve and Protect and be anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy.

From Frederick Douglass

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” – Frederick Douglass

The following is a portion of President Obama’s Farewell Address

“It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy. Embrace the joyous task we have been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours because, for all our outward differences, we in fact all share the same proud type, the most important office in a democracy, citizen.

Citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there’s an election, not just when you own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life.

If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing.

If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clip board, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.

Show up, dive in, stay at it. Sometimes you’ll win, sometimes you’ll lose. Presuming a reservoir in goodness, that can be a risk. And there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been part of this one and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America and in Americans will be confirmed. Mine sure has been.” – President Barack Obama

What is Social Change?  How do we even begin to Organize, lace up our shoes and go out into the community? 

ORGANIZING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Midwest Academy Manual for Activists

The Organizing for Social Change 4th Edition is a paperback text and is an excellent resource for getting your feet wet.  Yes, We Can.

Now in its fourth edition, here is the comprehensive manual for grassroots organizers working for social, racial, environmental and economic justice at the local, state and national levels. Since 1973 the Midwest Academy has trained more than 30,000 activists in progressive organizations, unions, and faith-based groups. This Midwest Academy Manual for Activists is central to its training programs and seminars, and it provides an invaluable reference source for organizers throughout their careers. Also included are anecdotes about a wide variety of real organizations working on issues concerning labor, the environment, health care, racism, immigration, peace, religion, energy, public campaign financing and more. Whatever the progressive cause, this is the manual that can help guide organizers and ensure that they continue to reach their goals with efficiency and dignity. USE IT AND ORGANIZE!

This book is available through Amazon and I suspect if you request it your public library can scare up a copy for you.  It is easy to understand and a very good read.  

Social Justice – being jealous guardians of our democracy

Thanks for visiting with me and always remember-

Don’t touch anything sharp!