Practical Radicals
A clear, expert, and inspiring guide to social change, based on case studies of grassroots movements that won, from two leading community and labor experts
“Our movements must seek and win governing power to achieve our visions for a more just society. This book is a vital resource for progressives who want to win.”
—Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus
In the the tradition of Saul Alinsky’s classic Rules for Radicals and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, Deepak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce’s Practical Radicals offers winning strategies, history, and theory for a new generation of activists.
Through hard-hitting case studies, this ground-breaking book describes six sources of power for underdogs, and seven concrete methods that social movements can use to win: base-building, disruption, momentum, narrative shift, electoral work, inside-outside campaigns, and collective care.
Practical Radicals is based on interviews with leading organizers and showcases stories of diverse progressive movements and organizations that have won—from unions winning improvements in working people’s lives, to community organizations on the frontlines of the fight for racial justice, immigrant rights to coalitions winning elections in the states, and major policy wins for climate justice.
A book for activists, organizers, and any citizen hoping to join the fight for a better society, Practical Radicals is a deeply informed resource that is designed to set the stage for the next fifty years of changemaking.
