Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism

Though this book has ideas and resources that could be helpful to any feminist I believe the accusation that this book is not helpful because it does not include enough information for "seasoned" activists is unfair. Baumgardner and Richards themselves write that they wrote this book for anyone who has ever wondered "how can I get more involved" and in response to constant questions from people who want to participate in a cause but don't know where to start. This book has many helpful tips but for me was most useful in offering examples of often "common folk" who have taken feminist action. I found these stories both inspiring and thought provoking. They really got me thinking about things I can do to promote change within the framework of my life in ways that I hadn't before when I felt somewhat overwhelmed by a problem that seemed too big. I in no way got the impression that being a hypocrite is ok, but I did get the impression that I don't have to wait until I am "perfect" to become aware and act on ways that I can promote change or help both others and myself. Indeed, these actions could be empowering enough to help me then change some of my less progressive behaviors. I also realized I have accompished some feminist acts in my life that I haven't given myself credit for which encourages me to do even more. The authors do aknowledge their privilege which allows them to use it to help further their work. One concern of mine was that this book perhaps discusses working in and with existing systems for change more so than radically over hauling them, but the authors appeared fully aware of this potential controversy and they embrace feminists of all types. I found this book to be both helpful and inspirational.

I agree with a few previous reviewers that if you are already very active in political and social movements, this might be a little watered down for you. However, if you are interested in becoming involved in a movement, or making even the slightest change in your environment, this is a must-read. The authors use real life examples of how young women used their own talents and resources to make a positive change. Sure, some of the examples/stories do focus on unattainable resources for most of us, but others are easily obtained by any student (such as how to start your own feminist high school elective). Either way, the authors SUCCESSFULLY show the reader how to begin thinking of your own personal talents and the resources available to you, or to those you know, in order to make a difference. It is not only informative and inspiring, but it is followed by a comprehensive resource list in the back. The resources alone are worth the price of the book.

I couldn't disagree more with the negative reviews of this book. For full disclosure, I was the 18 year old feminist from alabama who wrote to amy for help on my auction and my story was included in grassroots. At the time the donations she sent (along with unbelievably supportive emails) were a huge boost to my self esteem and to the feminist club I started at my high school. The momentum her help gave us was major - it made us feel like we were doing something worthwhile in a culture where we were very alienated from ANY sort of feminist community. Now, as a more seasoned activist who has lived and worked in MA and NY, I read Grassroots as hugely necessary precisely because it is accessable to people like me - people who had an idea that they wanted to make an impact but weren't sure where to start or even that it was a good idea. And the book is a identicle version of what Amy gave me all those years ago - a boost of confidence, a "you can do it!",and a ton of ideas with proven, real outcomes of success. I know that it would have been a gift for me to have had the book around as a kid, but I keep it on my bookshelf as an adult because of all the amazing resources in the appendices' (I'll admit it - I flipped it open and emailed almsot all the NYC based organizations for jobs when I first got here) and for the dose of encouragement and ideas every once in awhile. As far as I'm concerned, Amy and Jennifer are bona fide activist experts, despite the disparaging, jaded reviews. Not all feminists have to have the same style of activism or writing and what's so great about grassroots is whether you're experienced or not, whether you're up on your bell hooks or judith butler or not, you can use this book.