Do It Yourself: A Handbook For Changing Our World: A Handbook For Changing Our World

by Kim Bryan (Editor), Paul Chatterton (Editor), Alice Cutler (Editor)

Do you really want to change the world? If the answer is YES, then this book shows you how.

Leading a sustainable and truly radical life encompasses a whole variety of things that challenge the mainstream. This book shows how we can make real changes to the way we live. In simple steps, it describes how you can create sustainable and equitable ways of living that can help transform not just your own life, but the society around you.

The book weaves together analysis, stories, experiences, and practical guides, examining nine different areas where people are transforming their lives and society---right here and now.

Accessible and informative, this DIY handbook brings alive the rich potential of grassroots activism and shows how we can work together to create just, equitable, and sustainable societies.

Covering everything from cultural activism to health, autonomous spaces, food, alternative media, popular education, and direct action, it shows you how to:


set up a housing cooperative
do a workshop on climate change
build a passive solar heating system
start an independent media project
set up a social center
make interventions in the urban landscape that are funny and inspiring
and lots more!

Genres: Politics, Education, Activism, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2007

About the author

Kim Bryan has served as co-author, editor, and consultant for multiple books about science, animals, culture, and technology. She is the author of Puppy Care, and has contributed to dozens of titles including Animal Life by Katie Pearson and Earth by Michael Allaby. She served as an editor for the sustainable lifestyle compendium Do It Yourself: A Guide to Changing Our World.

Reviews

[Asa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a profound respect for popular and participatory education. I have similar sentiments of respect for the bravery of the project and for clarifying the things that this collective believes we need to do to change the world.

The clear raising of issues that affect all of us, issues that most others would avoid, give the book top marks. Especially impressive are the sections on education and joy through resistance.

From another point of view, and perhaps the most important thing, is that it does get us participating and thinking about changing the world.

All in all, this is a concise, if very general viewpoint on modern-day activism. Furthere research is encouraged.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen this in many activists' book shelves and rightly so. It's a practical resource to consult and get started.

What I also really like is the emphasis on everyday life because "Trying to persuade people that global capitalism is a bad thing because it is destroying the Amazon rainforest is a waste of time." (248)

[Rasak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although at the time I read the book some links were outdated, it still was very useful introduction to many DIY subjects from how to make a bio-toilet to how to make a workshop and many other subjects. As it is a practical book, it's hard to read it just once. You might want to check it anytime you want to build something at home or garden or have questions on how to organize something.

[Heba]

I'm falling in love with this book! It's mind-stretching & VERY practical. Really transforming I believe..Highly recommended