Some Personal Notes
During my first decade of organizing I simply reacted against bad things, joining with others to resist war and environmental damage. I became effective at starting campaigns to stop destructive multimillion-dollar projects. Fighting destructive authority is essential, to oppose immediate threats to liberty and land. But gradually I realized that it would be far more powerful, and more fun, to establish programs that would keep Them busy reacting to Us. Local actions appealed to me, since we could take power locally without depending on state and federal action. Through drama and novelty we'd magnify our impact, setting good examples for other regions. But where to begin? Over 30 years ago, by age 30, having confronted powerful institutions, written many articles and read many books, I sought time to consider my new path. Therefore, I walked across the United States, entirely on foot, through forests, fields, over mountains and desert, from Boston to San Diego. For 28 weeks I crossed forests and deserts, exposed to animals and storms. Decent generous Americans offered me food and housing. Throughout rural America I found crowds escaping city crowds, by crowding remote places. This reinforced my commitment to the rebuilding of cities so that people would prefer to live efficiently within them, instead of destroying wild places.
Soon after reaching Los Angeles, I launched the group Citizen Planners, rallying good people to move L.A. greenward. Members were recruited through my essay Los Angeles: A History of the Future. It was the first attempt to systematically describe how an American metropolis could rebuild toward balance with nature. Most utopian visions describe wonderful places floating beyond reach. By contrast, this practical orderly scenario will take decades. Since that hike I’ve started 18 organizations in three cities, to test these proposals. You’ll strongly agree or disagree with some of them. They’re deliberately radical, like the conditions we face. Most disturb comfortable work habits, ancient traditions and sacred hierarchies. They raise community power above corporate power, to expand democracy. And they rely on average people to become leaders. Yet they open new doors. They help us get ready for the next economy, and get there quick. They make life easy. They are fun. Whether rich or poor, graduated or streetwise, you have good ideas, too— bring 'em on. This book explains how you can make good things happen, starting where you live, with whomever you know and whatever you know Thanks to our Constitution and Bill of Rights, you’re authorized to begin.
RIGHT TO THE POINT !!!
Power starts with you.! Personal conviction and commitment by pioneers is the foundation of any social movement. Rather than merely griping about “Them”-- the greedy and violent Others-- we become responsible for confronting and building. !!! Community organizers are motivated to promote the dignity of the nation, the beauty of people and planet.! They don't tolerate injustice.! History depends more on such common folks than on presidents and generals.! Democracy works because of their generosity. !!! Often your ideas and actions will be welcomed by the general public, and occasionally by authorities.!! When done well, you'll be exhilarated as hell, and respected by many who have benefitted by your courage. Frequently, though, social change is resisted by vested interests.! Even so, the greatest obstacle to social change is not greed but public indifference, skepticism, cynicism, fear. !!! Others will welcome your leadership and courage. But regardless, we are Americans, we act on our principles. Is the USA the Land of the Free?! Only if we make it so.! Are we the Home of the Brave?! Only if we are.! Martin Luther King said it this way, "Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?'! Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?'! Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?'! But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?'!! And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."! Changing the world has always been a big challenge.! It's the most fun too.! Success requires willingness to risk personal comfort for the sake of society, for children, for the future.! Decades ago, the organizer Saul Alinsky became effective at enabling industrial workers to get what they needed.! His unorthodox methods showed how the little guys get big by getting together.! His book Reveille for Radicals has been condemned by conservatives, but his tactics can be used by anybody to advance any goal.
TYPES OF ORGANIZERS
!!! Everyone is a community organizer.! You've already organized something: a family meal, a workweek, vacation, church social, maybe even a get-out-the-vote campaign or demonstration.! We're all part of some network and we all help connect people.! All organizing skills are needed, basic or fancy, such as listeners,! artists, web developers, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, writers, speakers, healers, preachers, inventors, investors, entrepreneurs, donors, saints or statesmen.! Everyone has something to contribute. !!! !There are many styles of organizing. Manifestos, press conferences, videos, protests, costumes, theatre, door-to-door, websites, blogs, pickets, takeovers, blockades, committees, congresses, consensus! For my part, whenever I've seen a need I've set the table, and the public brings the feast.
TYPES OF POWER
!!! There are several types of power.! Consider which types you need, to advance your visions. The more of these powers you can combine to serve your plans the likelier you'll take root.! But start with what you have.! It will grow. !!! There's formal power, and there's informal power.! Formal power is governmental (courts, legislatures, elections, military,