Working for Peace: A Handbook of Practical Psychology and Other Tools

WORKING FOR PEACE is a collection of essays in five parts that addresses the many issues involved in activist work of all kinds -- not just peace work. Part 1 starts with the workers themselves with an assessment checklist of skills and encouragement to begin, no matter how little knowledge or experience we have. We can speak, write, teach, research, fund-raise, circulate petitions, march, organize, advocate or simply donate or write letters to support the protest work of others from behind the scenes. This valuable section includes essays on dealing with burnout and disillusionment, self-care toward inner peace, stress reduction, and focusing on successes, however small. This section contains so many of the best of self-help psychology that it offers wisdom in areas beyond one's peaceful inclinations. The essay on an activist's toolkit, based in part on the work of Virginia Satir is a gem. The editors were also wise to include an essay on the genuine risks that peace work today may be misconstrued as unpatriotic or traitorous. How fitting that this section includes a chapter on peaceful parenting: peace begins at home. "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." Part 2 covers topics on how to recruit, motivate, inspire, and influence others to consider their social responsibilities for living in the world they want. It emphasizes the power of groups to tackle more difficult tasks, developing skills for facilitating productive meetings and decision making. Many lucid comments on group cohesion! "Cohesive groups stick together, remain united in their objectives, and weather setbacks better than non-cohesive groups. Members like other members and the group itself and are proud of the group's ability to work as a team. Group cohesion may be especially important in groups of volunteers, since a positive group experience can motivate members to stay." (p. 102) Again, this applies to groups of all kinds, not just activist groups. Part 3 tackles the subject of conflict, first by normalizing it and then by using this as a creative force for clarifying goals and combining strengths to make changes in the world. Happily, these essays talk about empathy and the ability to see another's point of view or step into their shoes, essential skills for conflict resolution and mutual respect. Part 4 is on peace work: getting the message out. The essays offer tips for dealing with the media, how to appeal to specific audiences and the importance of the medium as the message -- an old lesson we often forget. How can I deliver what I have to say to be best heard and have the effect I want to achieve? Part 5 is about changing attitudes, with discussions of what makes people change their opinions and how you can facilitate change in behavior as well. It offers "how to," taking small steps, appealing to the other's values about peace, asking for a commitment for a small change, such as a small donation or signing a petition. This book is a valuable reso

This book is truly a little gem. I've read a lot of "how to" for activists books over the years, When I picked up this one, I fully expected a lot of hot air. After all it's written by psychologists. I quickly realized I was in for something refreshingly different when the introduction immediately broke out into bullet points, rapid firing suggestions such as: "If you want to improve your personal effectiveness, take a look at chapters 1) Building Confidence for Social Action, 3) Improving Your Personal Appeal, etc." and "If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a look at chapters 2) Cultivating Inner Peace, 6) Overcoming Burnout, etc." and "If you want your group to have a greater impact, take a look at chapters 12) Effective Group Decision Making, 24) Effective Media Communications, etc." These guys don't mess around, they get right to it. It's packed with short but extremely informative chapters. And to even think to include a chapter on improving your personal appeal--something a lot of folks in the "activist" scene can really use some tips on -- is a brilliant stroke. And the book is full of them. The chapters are loaded with "that is so right on" stuff as well as numerous "I never thought of it that way" insights. A great mix of mind opening (and refreshing) insights and practical ideas.