This book examines how elite consultants are reshaping democracy by helping corporations and powerful advocacy groups to mobilize grassroots participation.

"Grassroots social-change organizations are a critical resource for progressive movement-building in the United States. They provide political education and sites for constituent engagement, and they are beginning to create networks across issues and/or communities; they promote home-grown leadership among groups that have been disadvantaged; they contribute to a shared understanding of the problems of inequality and injustice; and they offer a public space for the dialogue needed to identify common principles."--From the Ground Up From community organizing for affordable housing in neglected neighborhoods to providing antiviolence training for youth or litigating for the rights of sex workers, grassroots organizations are engaged in energetic efforts to increase the power of marginalized groups. Social-change organizations operate in communities all over the United States, but little has been written about the details of their operations. From the Ground Up takes a close look at how social-change organizations address challenges related to leadership, staff development, decision-making, resource needs, and collaborations. Carol Chetkovich and Frances Kunreuther, both experienced nonprofit managers, draw on their in-depth interviews with leaders and staff members from sixteen diverse social-change organizations to provide a detailed analysis of these groups and their activities. They note that even working in isolation, these organizations make important contributions to justice in their communities; together they might form the base of a larger progressive movement for change.

The third edition of the manual for community organizers tells readers how to most effectively implement community action for social change, clearly laying out grassroots organizing principles, methods, and best practices. Written for those who want to improve their own lives or the lives of others, this thoroughly revised how-to manual presents techniques groups can use to organize successfully in pursuit of their dreams. The book combines time-tested, universal principles and methods with cutting-edge material addressing new opportunities and challenges. It covers basic concepts and best practices and offers step-by-step guidelines on things an organizer needs to know, such as how to identify issues, formulate strategies, set goals, recruit participants, and much more. The work focuses on six organizing arenas: turf/geography, failth-based, issue, identity, shared experience, and work-related. It offers new or expanded material addressing community development, use of social media, internal organizational dynamics, electoral organizing, evaluation/assessment, and prevention of burnout for key leaders. There are also nuts-and-bolts articles by experts who address topics such as action research, lobbying, legal tactics, and grassroots fundraising. Numerous case examples, charts, worksheets, and small group exercises enrich the discussion and bring the material to life.

"The Beginner's Guide to Grassroots Politics" is Level One of the Grassroots 101 Training Series. It's the conservative's "how to" manual for having an impact on our political system.The purpose is to break down the complexities of the political system and give a basic understanding of the fundamental techniques that can help you have an impact.The Beginner's Guide provides basic "how to" guidance for activity relating to: * Grassroots Opportunities * Precinct Organization * Church Organization * Online Organization * Being an Effective VolunteerHave an impact on the things you care about!The two things that truly determine how politically effective individuals can be are their knowledge of the system and their willingness to participate. The purpose of the Grassroots Training Series is to equip you with all the knowledge you'll need to have an impact on the things you care about.Remember, you don't have to be a politician in order to make a difference. You just have to be willing to participate and then let your voice be heard. The Grassroots Training Series gives you the tools.The Beginner's Guide is full of great tips and guidelines... * Why organize at the grassroots? * Where to Focus? * Grassroots Activities Menu * How to organize for success? * Why Organize in Churches? * What a Church can and can't do * Tips for Organizing Online * Online campaign tools and activities * Grassroots "Action Planners" * Tips for New Volunteers * "To do" lists for identifying, informing & mobilizing votersGet your copy and start being more effective for the things you care about!