Designed to help build powerful community organizations, empower ordinary citizens to become leaders, and bring about major social and economic change, this book offers a coherent practice-based framework for understanding social action, with power and empowerment at the center of analysis. Topics include recruiting members, consensus building, leadership, publicity, and fundraising.

This invaluable text on community organizing is designed to help those who want to build powerful community organizations, empower ordinary citizens to become strong leaders, and bring about change in the major social and economic issues of our day. The book examines specific strategies for building a successful progressive organization that include recruiting members, developing leaders, building consensus, identifying issues, and developing and implementing practices. Rich practice examples are included from neighbourhood, peace, environmental, welfare and homeless, women's and gay and lesbian groups. The authors give detailed advice on everything from planning and implementing strategy, to evaluating and publicizing organizational victories, to structuring and funding social action groups.