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But it provides a thorough review of community organizing techniques. I've done a LOT of community organizing and a lot of training. Quite thought-provoking, also. While it doesn't specifically engage social networking technology or digital stuff so much, readers can apply the broader principles and figure out how to work these things in. I think a fair amount of the resources anybody uses in this area came out of this book. It's most interesting if you have a campaign you're working on.
It's also got some nice suggestions about preventing burnout and frustration.At one point, I would have rated this book a 4 or even 5. I'd like to see the Midwest Academy compliment their excellent on-the-ground know-how with some Web 2.0 knowledge. Organizing for Social Change is a good read for anyone organizing around progressive causes. But now, with the Internet and social media revolutionizing grassroots organizing, this book is - although still a good foundational read - frankly less relevant and comprehensive. You just can't talk about grassroots advocacy anymore without exploring the potential of social media as an organizing tactic. This book covers grassroots activism strategy and tactics. My job involves that type of advocacy, and I keep this book on my desk as a reference when I'm planning campaigns.
Get Shel Trapp's old Basics of Organizing instead - much more useful, and free on the internet. As the book got slicker looking the information got worse. This book is disappointing. While it may help a college student or other really new person grasp some of the concepts of organizing it is not useful to practioners.The Midwest Academy used to have a very good training manual covering many issues.
Outstanding reference for novice to experienced organizer.The best purchase you can make and you won't need to buy others. Well written and simple to understand. This manual takes you through waht you need to know about organizing. From strategy development to research to implementation, this book shows you how to do it.
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