'We need effective citizen-lobbyists - not just likers, followers or even marchers - more than ever. I have no hesitation in lobbying you to read this book.'

Bill Emmott, former editor in chief, the Economist




Many democratic societies are experiencing a crisis of faith. Citizens are making clear their frustration with their supposedly representative governments, which instead seem driven by the interests of big business, powerful individuals and wealthy lobby groups.



What can we do about it? How do we fix democracy and get our voices heard?




The answer, argues Alberto Alemanno, is to become change-makers - citizen lobbyists. By using our skills and talents and mobilizing others, we can bring about social and political change. Whoever you are, you've got power, and this book will show you how to unleash it.



From successfully challenging Facebook's use of private data to abolishing EU mobile phone roaming charges, Alberto highlights the stories of those who have lobbied for change, and shows how you can follow in their footsteps, whether you want to influence immigration policy, put pressure on big business or protect your local community. 

"In these troubling times, we need effective citizen-lobbyists -- not just likers, followers or even marchers -- more than ever. No one has provided a more readable, persuasive and inspiring guide to how to be such a person than Alberto Alemanno. I have no hesitation in lobbying you to read this book." - Former editor in chief, The Economist, and chairman, The Wake Up Foundation

"A fresh and smart take on the challenges posed by the new forms of democratic engagement and participation" - former Italian Prime Minister and Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at SciencesPo Paris

"Lobbying for Change unveils an inconvenient truth: it is not the interests of the few that are overrepresented but those of the many that are underrepresented in the policy process. This book provides a guide for citizens to act as an equalising force in today's polarised society. An inspiring, timely and positive narrative of today's state of democracy and an antidote to the trap of populism." - former Director of the World Trade Organisation and EU Commissioner for Trade

"Reviving civil society is a crucial task for today and tomorrow, and the strength of citizen lobbying is a vital indicator of civil society's health. Alberto Alemanno has given us just what we need to guide us in this task - an intelligent, accessible and comprehensive handbook." - editor of OpenDemocracy’s ‘Transformation’

"Lobbying for Change is the antidote to what ails us: moving would-be change makers beyond "clicktivism" and the occasional march to by a step-by-step guide to get active in shaping the future you want to see." - CEO, Global Witness

"The nexus of citizens and technology can form a "fifth estate", a force for progressive change that will ultimately change politics itself for the better. A must read to understand the future of governance." - author of Connectography: Mapping the Future of Global Civilization

"Many people feel powerless and believe the system is rigged against them. While the likes of Trump, Farage and Le Pen want to tear down the system in the name of "the people", Alberto Alemanno has a much more positive solution. A must-read in these troubled times." - political economist and writer

"An easy read packed with powerful insights from both academic research as well as the author's personal experience, Lobbying for Change will give you all the tools you need to make your voice heard and make a lasting difference." - author of Rebooting Democracy

"Celebrating the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals, Alberto Alemanno's book is an unparalleled guide for true citizen engagement with youth at the focal point." - Founder & CEO, SheSays, UN Young Leader for the SDGs

"Alberto Alemanno delivers a true door opener to a new democratic world, where everybody is in charge and has a duty to act. This is essential reading for today's active citizens across the globe." - co-president of the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

"This book provides much needed hope. A generation after Albert Camus advised us to rebel against the absurdities of life, Alberto Alemanno has provided us with a manual on how to do so. Get it, read it, become a citizen advocate - and help to rebuild progressive politics." - professor of social marketing

"At a time when corporate lobbying dominates decision making in government, Alberto Alemanno has produced a vital counter to this unfettered power: citizen lobbying. Here are the means to regain some power and influence over the decisions affecting our lives. This is a toolbox for change." - consultant, writer, Labour Party moderniser

"This book helps ordinary people get their message out in a world that - despite its hyper-connectivity and active social media - has led to political apathy in large parts of the population, particularly the young. Lobbying for Change shows there is no excuse. Citizen engagement can and should make a difference." - Director, Transparency International

"Lobbying for Change inspires us to take back control of our own lives by challenging received notions of policy-making. In a graceful and easy-to-read style full of practical detail, Alemanno has presented the case to engage and shown all of us just how easy it is." - founder of PILnet: The Global Network for Public Interest Law

"This book does a great service for civil society by identifying the tools that citizens can use to get change." - Centenary Research Professor, University of Southampton and Canberra

"For those inexperience or new to political work, this is a useful self-help book." - Morning Star