"This book has big concepts, insightful analysis, tested strategies and tactics, and numerous practical hints that are immediately useful. Most important, it provides stories from those who have learned lessons that you simply cannot afford to ignore. Do yourself and your cause a favor, take advantage of the experience captured here and avoid the pitfalls."--Lawrence Wallack, Professor of Public Health, UC Berkeley; co-author, News For A Change

"Full of practical "how-to" ideas for grassroots organizing to change public policy. An all-too-rare balance of realism and optimistic vision."--Elizabeth Martinez, author, DeColores Means All of Us: Latina Views for a Multi-Colored Century

"A much-needed life jacket for those committed to progressive social change. In a straightforward, full-blast recitation from one who knows, Makani Themba weaves powerful stories of grassroots struggles to shape and construct policy. Her stories of ordinary folks reaching extraordinary heights is indeed inspiring, encouraging and, thankfully, to more than a few, perhaps threatening. This book is a requiem for apathy and inaction."--Clarence Lusane, Assistant Professor, School of International Service, American University; author, Race & the Global Era: African Americans at the Millennium