Edited by Nora Gallagher and Lisa Myers; Introduction by Yvon Chouinard
Back in 2019 I picked up this book to understand more about the mindset of environmental activists and some basic, but effective tools used to get their massage across and make a change not matter how big or small it was.
This book provides helpful ideas, tips and case studies for people to learn from and understand that everyone, in some way, can help any environmental movement.
Each chapter begins with a tool/ practical idea with some tips and tricks on how to use them effectively. Some of these tools include marketing, communicating, fundraising, working with businesses, film making, and visualization for data.
They are then followed by a case study that shows how and why that tool is useful for your movement. This was a nice touch to the book since it shows to us, the readers, that these tactics can work in real-world situations.
Another nice touch to this book are the small but inspirational words from people such as Dr. Jane Goodall and other environmental leaders.
This is a book I know I will be referring back to in the future. The toolset given in the book not only applies for environmental activism, it also applies for business in general. It provides great straightforward explanations on these tools and provide an insight into how leading activists use them.
As I learn more about environmentalism, ecology and sustainability, I would say that this book should definitely be on your tbr shelves if you’re interested in that sort of stuff. Even if you aren’t planning on being an activist anytime soon, it’s a great read if you just want to learn!
5/5 Stars
Book Description:
For over twenty years, Patagonia has hosted a Tools for Grassroots Activists Conference, where experts provide practical training to help activists be more effective in their fight. Now Patagonia has captured Tools’ best wisdom and advice in a book, creating a resource for any organization hoping to hone core skills like campaigning and communication strategy, grassroots organizing, lobbying, as well as working with business, fundraising in uncertain times, and using new technologies. Each chapter, written by a respected expert in the field, covers essential principles as well as best practices, and is accompanied by a hands-on case study that demonstrates the principles in action. Sprinkled throughout are inspirational essays from acclaimed activists, such as Jane Goodall, Bill McKibben, Wade Davis, Anne Leonard, and Terry Temptest Williams.
Noemi’s Corner 