Occupy Yourself!

Last month, on a trip to New York City, I found myself marching from Washington Square to Times Square with thousands of other people chanting “we are the 99 percent…you are the percent.” The themes varied, but all called for social justice.

I listened to the General Assemblies, talked as we walked, and came away with that feeling of new possibilities that I felt during the Seattle demonstrations of the late 1960s. It may not be practical for all of us to “occupy,” but it can be possible for all of us to read about social action, justice and activism. Here are a few books that might inspire action in some small (or big) ways.

The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living
David Wann is also the author of Simple Prosperity, a book on personal sustainable life. Now he turns his attention to how to make a sustainable society, where wealth is measured by a healthy community and ecosystem.

Stick Your Neck Out: A Street-smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond : Service as the Path of a Meaningful Life 
John Graham is president of Giraffe Heroes Project, an organization with locations in Washington state that identifies and publicizes the activities of ordinary people who have done just that. The rules are simple: identify the problem, identify how (and by whom) changes can be made, develop trust among adversaries, find common ground and overall goals and understand when negotiated resolution is possible.

Citizen You: Doing Your Part to Change the World
Jonathan Tisch writes from the point of view of a well to do businessman who is a philanthropist and believes strongly in social justice. He includes 51 ways to move to active citizenship. He also has a website with volunteer opportunities and stories of people who took the step from recognizing an issue to starting to do something about it.

Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
Especially written for teens, this book by author Jane Drake begins with the premise that action begins with you saying “enough.”Leading by example, each chapter includes a story, strategies, skills and a timeline of successes and setbacks.

And for those of us who have the fire to do something and just need the manual:

Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy Manual for Activists
Since 1973 the Midwest Academy has trained more than 30,000 activists in progressive organizations, unions and faith-based groups. The table of contents is an outline of how to organize for action in all forms, both within the group (developing strategies, grassroots funding) and outside (building coalitions, working for the long haul).

                                    ~ Judy, Central Library