Sage Publications Consensus Organizing: Building Communities of Mutual Self Interest

The first new form of community organizing since Saul Alinsky, this book connects the poor to the rest of society. Written in a logical, teachable, and pragmatic style, Consensus Organizing: Building Communities of Mutual Self Interest is a model of social change for the 21st century. Through real examples, author Mike Eichler illustrates how anyone can practice consensus organizing and help the poor, forgotten, and disempowered. Review "Eichler′s new book is a very engaging summary of the consensus method of organizing which he pioneered. Not only is the book informative, but it reads like an extended chat over a hot cup of coffee in Mitchell′s diner in the Mon Valley. Eichler′s voice in this text is impassioned, analytical, and humorous all at once. He has mastered the art of conveying complicated ideas through the use of memorable and enthralling stories. Eichler has a story teller′s eye for just the right details to make the reader feel as though one is on a journey through the multi-faceted terrain of organizing, yet he never strays far from the lesson he intends to convey. Eichler also has a passion for social justice, but he does not come off as being preachy or ideological. This has been one of the keys to his success in organizing." -- C. Matthew Hawkins ― Customer Review Published On: 2007-04-12 About the Author Mike Eichler is Professor of Social Work at San Diego State University where he is also Director of the Consensus Organizing Center. He has an extensive background in community organizing and development in numerous cities including Chattanooga, Atlanta, Boston, Fort Worth, Kansas City and San Diego. He is a former President of the Consensus Organizing Institute (COI) a national non-profit that trains local organizers, develops programs and provides strategic assistance to organizations working on a wide range of community agendas using Consensus Organizing techniques.