The Citizen Solution: How You Can Make a Difference

by Harry C. Boyte

Nationally known community organizer and activist Harry C. Boyte incites readers to join today's "citizen movement," offering practical tools for how we can change the face of America by focusing on issues close to home. Targeting useful techniques for individuals to raise public consciousness and effectively motivate community-based groups, Boyte grounds his arguments in the country's tradition of "populism," demonstrating how mobilized citizens can be far more powerful than our frequently paralyzed politicians. He offers practical tips on identifying potential citizen leaders and working through cultural differences without sacrificing identities. Each point is illustrated by inspiring real-life examples of Minnesotans who have prompted change: An immigrant community that created a cultural wellness center. An organization of multiracial, multifaith congregations that is tackling tough social problems. A cluster of suburban neighborhoods that came together to take back Sundays from overzealous youth-sports organizations. For readers doubting their ability to make a significant difference in our world, this how-to book will show the way. Praise for The Citizen Solution "The Citizen Solution should be on every activist's book shelf--consider it the practical progressive's Bible for making things happen."--Daily Kos "The Citizen Solution brings Minnesota's rich civic traditions to life. In this stirring book, Boyte describes how people of diverse backgrounds are once again coming together to address the challenges we face."--Walter Mondale, former vice president of the United States"In a time of great political division, The Citizen Solution offers individuals a path to make change on the issues they care about. Only through civic engagement can we build the power to improve our communities."--David Wellstone, co-founder of Wellstone Action!"The Citizen Solution is a great resource for thoughtful people. Harry Boyte provides hope, principles, and examples to encourage families, peer groups, and neighborhoods to solve problems for the common good."--Al Quie, former governor of Minnesota "Boyte's practical and inspirational book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of American democracy."--Cecilia Marie Orphan, National Coordinator, American Democracy Project "

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2008

About the author

Harry Boyte is founder and co-director of the Institute's Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and founder of Public Achievement, a theory-based practice of citizen organizing to do public work for the common good which is being used in schools, universities and communities across the United States and in more than a dozen countries.

He has worked with a variety of foundations, nonprofit, educational, neighborhood and citizen organizations concerned with community development, citizenship education, and civic renewal. In the 1960s, Boyte worked for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as a field secretary with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the southern civil rights movement.

Reviews

[Ryan Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting something else. This book talks about many Minnesota based groups/foundations/commissions that have accomplished some great things. There are a lot of fancy group names in here and some good examples of local citizens getting fed up and joining together to do something about their gripes. I was expecting to hear more practical solutions compared to the "this group did it with organizing". How did they do it? I was hoping to get more suggestions on how to become the "citizen solution."

[Sally]

reading here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=rgmO...

[Jon]

liked interview with author I heard on Smart City radio show.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that reads like an extended magazine article; but the content, and the philosophy that it posits, are both top notch

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful book for teaching of Civics in the Twin Cities. The examples are accessible and the civics skills referenced in each chapter are great skill sets for a service learning curriculum.

[Michael Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am getting ready to re-read The Citizen Solution: How You Can Make a Difference by Harry C. Boyte. At a time when many of our political leaders seem paralyzed by partisanship, this book gives examples and advice about how individual citizens can find solutions to social problems. It's empowering!