Rules for Radicals A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals

This book is a real firecracker! Although this was written in 1971, Alinsky has written a book which is still deeply relevant and inspirational in this day and age.

The main thrust of the book is to provide a framework and some basic rules for 'radicals' to achieve social justice within American democratic structures. The aim is to spread wealth and equality more evenly throughout society, Alinsky very much saw himself on the side of the 'have-nots' or the 'have-a-little-want-a-little-mores' in order to ensure that the 'haves' gave them a better deal.

The book is certainly not without its own theories of how to effect real and lasting change, but more importantly provides examples of work that Alinsky was involved in which utilised his methods of community development. Whilst it is true to say that Alinsky perhaps 'talked up' the changes that he achieved, there are still a number of excellent examples of the methods he used to make local government sit up and listen to what local groups were demanding. Alinsky believed very much in the power of humour and laughter as tactical weapons that people could use in order to achieve their ends, as he himself said, "If you have power, then parade it so your enemy can see it, if you have numbers, but no power then make a noise so that your enemy can hear you, if you have no power and no numbers...then make a stink"

Bearing in mind the results of the 2001 election and the fact that 64% of 18-25 year olds decided not to vote there is clearly a need to bring politics ' back home' and make it something that people feel passionate about...This book just might give a few pointers of where to start...