New Book: Strategy and Soul

Posted by on April 22, 2013

Announcing a new book written by Daniel Hunter

Strategy & Soul:
a campaigner’s tale of fighting billionaires, corrupt officials, and Philadelphia casinos

How do social movements grow from a handful of people to thousands? How do campaigns for justice escape the dull cycle of marching and create vibrant tactics that use our power? How do organizers keep going in the tough times? How do we win when all odds our against us?

Through the eyes of a local development fight, this book takes on these questions — not in the abstract of an organizing textbook, but in the heat and fire of a lively campaign. This thrilling read is filled with lessons for even the most savvy campaigner.

A treasure trove of creative actions with a thrilling plot for activists of all stripes!
– Andy Bichlbaum, The Yes Men

One of the best campaign books I’ve ever read!
– Tanya Newman, Kotare Trust (New Zealand)

Who knew there could be a book for organizers that’s a page-turner?  It’s a story with a lesson on every page.
– George Lakey, Author of A Direct Action Manual and professor at Swarthmore College

Available as print book and e-book (on kindle and other platforms).

The movement faced down private investigators, thugs, and the supreme court. Even before they started, newspapers concluded the movement had no chance. Yet they made huge wins.

This riveting David versus Goliath story is a rare first-person narrative, giving unparalled access to never-before-written-about moments of the Philly anti-casino campaign: the fervent worrying in late-night meetings when their offices were threatened to be destroyed, yelling matches with allies behind church benches, and negotiating off-the-record brokering with the Governor via labor leaders.

It’s in the heat of these moments that the nuances of strategy come to life — and are taught as lessons for other movements, showing what it takes to overpower billionaires for a cause you believe in.

Written by an experienced and unusually self-reflective direct action organizer, this book might be the most enjoyable way you’ve ever empowered yourself to change the world.

Read more, including an extract of the book, at: http://StrategyAndSoul.org.