Title: We make change : community organizers talk about what they do-- and why /
Authors: Szakos, Kristin Layng.; Boyte, Harry C., 1945-; Szakos, Joe.
Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press,
Year: 2007
Subjects: Community organization.; Social action.; Community organization Case studies.; Social action Case studies
Abstract: Community organizers work at their jobs because they are passionate, because they believe that change is possible, and because they enjoy working with people. Although it's not an occupation that leads to great wealth, community organizers can make a living at it. They get salaries, pensions and health insurance. They raise families. They do well by doing good. This book explores the world of community organizing through the voices of real people working in the field, in small towns and city neighborhoods -- women and men of different races and economic backgrounds, ranging in age from those in their twenties to those in their sixties. Fourteen in-depth profiles tell the life stories of a cross-section of the diverse people who choose the life of an organizer. Other chapters, focused on issues of organizing, are tapestries of experience woven from the 81 interviews the authors conducted.
Contents: What is community organizing? -- Where organizers come from: Childhood memories -- How I started organizing -- Why organize? -- What makes a good organizer? -- Changing lives while making change -- Achievements and victories -- Disappointments are inevitable -- Advice to aspiring organizers -- What organizers read and watch -- Where organizers work.