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Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activismby Jennife Baumgardner
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:From the authors of Manifesta, an activism handbook that illustrates how to truly make the personal political. Grassroots is an activism handbook for social justice. Aimed at everyone from students to professionals, stay-at-home moms to artists, Grassroots answers the perennial question: What can I do? Whether you are concerned about the environment, human rights violations in Tibet, campus sexual assault policies, sweatshop labor, gay marriage, or the ongoing repercussions from 9-11, Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards believe that we all have something to offer in the fight against injustice. Based on the authors' own experiences, and the stories of both the large number of activists they work with as well as the countless everyday people they have encountered over the years, Grassroots encourages people to move beyond the "generic three" (check writing, calling congresspeople, and volunteering) and make a difference with clear guidelines and models for activism. The authors draw heavily on individual stories as examples, inspiring readers to recognize the tools right in front of them — be it the office copier or the family living room — in order to make change. Activism is accessible to all, and Grassroots shows how anyone, no matter how much or little time they have to offer, can create a world that more clearly reflects their values. Review:"'[L]ike punk rock, feminism is also based on the idea that you, an average schmo, have the power to take matters into your own hands.' In this unquestionably useful, undoubtedly feel-good guide to feminist activism, the authors of Manifesta reveal how women can effect change without being highly experienced (suburban teenagers and investment bankers can do it), morally irreproachable (one can protest Nike's labor practices and still wear its shoes) or dull and unfashionable (Legally Blonde's Elle Woods is an activist — albeit a fictional one). As the Elle Woods reference demonstrates, encouraging activism in the Sex and the City crowd can be straining, but the authors' warm, encouraging tone and examples of everyday people doing good — themselves included — are inspiring. 'You don't have to take the world on your shoulders — you just need to take advantage of the opportunities your life provides for creating social justice,' they insist. Lauren, a 33-year-old writer at Smart Money, decided to join a lawsuit against her insurance provider for refusing to subsidize birth control; Allison started a feminist group to fight stereotypes at her Santa Barbara high school; Nisha makes queer-friendly films about South Asian women. Profiled along with many others, these women each embody Baumgardner and Richard's eloquently argued claim that 'activism should be of you, not outside of you.' Agent, Jill Grinberg. (Jan.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:"Would-be agitators, look no further for the sass, savvy, and skills you'll need to begin. Highly recommended." Library Journal Review:"Less a field guide than an extended advice column, full of encouraging and friendly words." Kirkus Reviews Review:"Have you ever wanted to make a difference but didn't know how? Grassroots is the book you've been waiting for. Using examples drawn from progressive and feminist campaigns all over the country, veteran activists Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards explain how to organize your friends, your community, and most important, yourself." Katha Pollitt Review:"A booster shot of inspiration, Grassroots reaches out to activists of all generations. Jennifer and Amy have not only shared the secrets of their and others' success but just as importantly, they've recorded the mistakes they've all made. I related to so much of it — especially the mistakes — and by showing the fits and starts of real life activism, Grassroots will help readers to both sustain their enthusiasm for social justice work and be more effective as a result." Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes Review:"For anyone who has ever asked, 'What could I possibly do to make a difference?,' Grassroots proves the short answer is, 'a lot!' My thanks to Baumgardner and Richards for helping keep hope and activism alive with this provocative handbook." Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Synopsis:Aimed at everyone from students to professionals, stay-at-home moms to artists, "Grassroots" is an activism handbook for social justice. About the AuthorJennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards are the co-authors of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future (FSG, 2000) as well as co-founders of the progressive speakers' bureau Soapbox.
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