The Citizen Solution: How You Can Make a Difference

by Boyte, Harry C.

• ISBN13: 9780873516105
• ISBN10: 0873516109
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-07-15
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Pr

Summary

Nationally known community organizer and activist Harry C. Boyte incites readers to join today's "citizen movement," offering practical tools for how we can change the face of America by focusing on issues close to home. Targeting useful techniques for individuals to raise public consciousness and effectively motivate community-based groups, Boyte grounds his arguments in the country's tradition of "populism," demonstrating how mobilized citizens can be far more powerful than our frequently paralyzed politicians. He then offers practical tips on identifying potential citizen leaders and working through cultural differences without sacrificing identities. Each point is illustrated by inspiring real-life examples of Minnesotans who have promoted change: A cluster of suburban neighborhoods that came together to take back Sundays from overzealous youth-sports organizations. An immigrant community that created a cultural wellness center. An organization of multiracial, multifaith congregations that is tackling tough social problems. For readers doubting their ability to make a significant difference in our world, this how-to book will show the way. Harry C. Boyteis an activist, the author of several books, and a senior fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He cofounded the institute's nonpartisan Center for Democracy and Citizenship.Don Shelby, WCCO-TV, has won the nation's top journalism honors, and two Peabody awards.

Author Biography

Harry C. Boyte is an activist, the author of several books, and a senior fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Don Shelby, WCCO-TV anchor and reporter, has won three Emmy and two Peabody awards

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. xi
Introduction: Beyond Slash-and-Burn Politics	p. 3
Working Together	p. 11
Minnesota's Living Civic Culture	p. 35
Breaking the Silence	p. 47
A History of Adventurous Experiment	p. 61
Cultural Leaders	p. 77
ISAIAH's Worldview	p. 89
Everyday Politics	p. 107
From Isolation to Neighborhood Communities	p. 125
Citizen Professionals	p. 143
Renewing Government of the People	p. 159
Afterword: Culture and Power	p. 175
Notes	p. 189
Index	p. 201
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