Introduction

TL;DR: This book introduces the concept of organizing as a means to transform desire into power for social change, exploring its role in shaping democracy through community building and resource mobilization.

Abstract: Abstract The author introduces this book by sharing why it was written, why it can be of value to all of us, and why a call to action matters now. The author shares the origin of what would become his “calling” for life: “enabling others to find the courage to lead, to build community, and to enable that community to turn resources it has into the power it needs to get what it wants.” Then the author shares how he learned much of the organizing craft recounted in this book. Organizing can transform the desire to achieve change into the power to create change. Organizing forms the basis of social movements that may either strengthen or undermine democracy. The chapter concludes with what this book intends to teach: “practicing democracy.”