Grassroots A Field Guide for Feminist Activism

From the authors of Manifesta, an activism handbook that illustrates how to truly make the personal political. Grassrootsis an activism handbook for social justice. Aimed at everyone from students to professionals, stay-at-home moms to artists,Grassrootsanswers 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,Grassrootsencourages 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, andGrassrootsshows how anyone, no matter how much or little time they have to offer, can create a world that more clearly reflects their values.

Jennifer 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.