We’ve all heard the famous, inspirational quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Makes it sound so simple. But change rarely comes easily. It requires not just commitment, but also creativity and strategy. In this Group Think, successful activists share organizing tactics they’ve found to be effective in recent campaigns.
Contributors
Marshall Ganz | Professor, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
A Story of Self, A Story of Us
"Public narrative is central to movement building, organizing and advocacy. "
Saru Jayaraman | Director of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United
Moving Beyond Alinsky Activism
"Our biggest accomplishment has been to develop the leadership of women and men of all backgrounds – white, black, Latino, Asian, Arab, immigrant and non-immigrant – to lead this movement themselves."
Tim Makris | Executive Director, Sandy Hook Promise
Speaking to the Middle
"Digging in your heels, demonizing the other side and screaming bloody epithets over the high fence won’t get you any closer to victory."
