Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism

Front Cover
Macmillan, Jan 12, 2005 - Biography & Autobiography - 306 pages

From the authors of Manifesta, an activism handbook that illustrates how to truly make the personal political.

Grassroots is an activism handbook for social justice. Aimed at everyone from students to professionals, stay-at-home moms to artists, Grassroots answers the perennial question: What can I do? Whether you are concerned about the environment, human rights violations in Tibet, campus sexual assault policies, sweatshop labor, gay marriage, or the ongoing repercussions from 9-11, Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards believe that we all have something to offer in the fight against injustice. Based on the authors' own experiences, and the stories of both the large number of activists they work with as well as the countless everyday people they have encountered over the years, Grassroots encourages people to move beyond the "generic three" (check writing, calling congresspeople, and volunteering) and make a difference with clear guidelines and models for activism. The authors draw heavily on individual stories as examples, inspiring readers to recognize the tools right in front of them--be it the office copier or the family living room--in order to make change. Activism is accessible to all, and Grassroots shows how anyone, no matter how much or little time they have to offer, can create a world that more clearly reflects their values.

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About the author (2005)

As a cofounder of the Third Wave Foundation and the coauthor of Manifesta (FSG, 2000) and Grassroots (FSG, 2005), Amy Richards is one of the foremost leaders of the Third Wave feminist movement. Her writing and her organizing have made an indelible impact on the lives of young women. She is also the cofounder of the feminist speakers bureau Soapbox and the voice behind "Ask Amy," the online advice column she launched at feminist.com. She lives in New York City with her family.