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Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society
Many democratic societies are experiencing a crisis of faith. Citizens are making clear their frustration with their supposedly representative governments, which instead seem driven by the interests of big business, powerful individuals and wealthy lobby groups. What can we do about it? How do we fix democracy and get our voices heard? The answer, argues Alberto Alemanno, is to become change-makers – citizen lobbyists. By using our skills and talents and mobilizing others, we can bring about social and political change. Whoever you are, you’ve got power, and this book will show you how to unleash it. From successfully challenging Facebook's use of private data to abolishing EU mobile phone roaming charges, Alberto highlights the stories of those who have lobbied for change, and shows how you can follow in their footsteps, whether you want to influence immigration policy, put pressure on big business or protect your local community.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
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334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 18, 2017
Lobbying for Change
By Alberto Alemanno
I’d been looking for a ‘How to’ book on public engagement and advocacy for a while (see my earlier review of ‘I’m right and you’re an idiot). However, Lobbying for Change is the best I’ve read yet:
-It’s practical (with case examples and tools provided);
-It’s easy to follow (with step by step guides); and
-It balances detail with brevity (clocking in at 270 pages).
The author, Alberto, is well experienced in advocacy but doesn’t come across as arrogant. His knowledge is useful and his writing very clear.
Having read the book, I can draw links to advocacy work I’ve seen in and outside government. I have no doubt a person, having read this book, could really use it to help in lobbying for a change they see as important.
There are some minor editing issues/spelling errors that I wouldn’t have expected (normally I pick up one or two in a published book but here it was normally one or two a chapter). But that is more a side note for this review. They don’t detract from the messages conveyed.
Trying a few of the links at the end of the book also gave the occassional dead webpage (a side effect of relying on volunteer sites I suppose). I’d treat these tools as starting points.
The best part is that the book comes with step by step exercises so should you come back to it later, you can just practice those exercises to get back up to speed.
4 stars out of 5.
By Alberto Alemanno
I’d been looking for a ‘How to’ book on public engagement and advocacy for a while (see my earlier review of ‘I’m right and you’re an idiot). However, Lobbying for Change is the best I’ve read yet:
-It’s practical (with case examples and tools provided);
-It’s easy to follow (with step by step guides); and
-It balances detail with brevity (clocking in at 270 pages).
The author, Alberto, is well experienced in advocacy but doesn’t come across as arrogant. His knowledge is useful and his writing very clear.
Having read the book, I can draw links to advocacy work I’ve seen in and outside government. I have no doubt a person, having read this book, could really use it to help in lobbying for a change they see as important.
There are some minor editing issues/spelling errors that I wouldn’t have expected (normally I pick up one or two in a published book but here it was normally one or two a chapter). But that is more a side note for this review. They don’t detract from the messages conveyed.
Trying a few of the links at the end of the book also gave the occassional dead webpage (a side effect of relying on volunteer sites I suppose). I’d treat these tools as starting points.
The best part is that the book comes with step by step exercises so should you come back to it later, you can just practice those exercises to get back up to speed.
4 stars out of 5.
June 20, 2018
Excellent book that I highly recommend for anyone who believe in social justice and would like to take action on an issue she/he is deeply concerned about.
The book act both as a source of inspiration AND a sort of manual where you find a roadmap on how to pursue your lobbying path, influence decision-makers and achieve real change!
The roadmap is both detailed and concise and is accompanied by activities as well as an annex with all relevant tools.
I'd recommend also to follow Alberto Alemanno and his organisation "The good lobby" :-)
The book act both as a source of inspiration AND a sort of manual where you find a roadmap on how to pursue your lobbying path, influence decision-makers and achieve real change!
The roadmap is both detailed and concise and is accompanied by activities as well as an annex with all relevant tools.
I'd recommend also to follow Alberto Alemanno and his organisation "The good lobby" :-)
January 25, 2018
A useful and great instrument to the democracy.
A very good text and "how-to-do", methodological, strategical guide step by step book, with cases, models, experiences, "devices", based on excellent references.
This book inspires and coaches us to develop the correct and effective actions and strategies with the adequate tools to promote (or to oppose) public situations, causes, initiatives, enabling all of us to exercise our role to become individuals more civic engaged toward our society. To exercise our true citizenship, individual or collectively.
The title itself is a great motivator. CHANGE is the only constant thing in life. But for more optimistic we can be, we are still facing a fractured world, we are still afraid and disappointed with a lot of injustices, corruptions, frauds, wrongdoings, and historical, political, economic and natural challenges and most of us fell a lack of confidence to do something. And the worst: we are still blaming others and waiting for the same others to create the solutions. But exactly what this book brings is that this status-quo can be changed for BETTER and especially by ourselves, together. We have the power and VOICE to do it. However, first, we have to be convinced of this and understand and learn how to do it. How to use our abilities and our voices for better.
The book is teaching us exactly this: the " what, how, who, to whom, when, where...". Everything is very well described. Once we understand how the things working, identifying and addressing the problems to public concern, and how we are capable to contribute, with the knowledge and the right instruments, we can make the things happen.
And bringing the focused, right and strong pressure, influence, persuading the policymakers with evidence and feasible solutions, we can change, improve any scenery. And this is LOBBYING! Yes, this expression has a kind of not so good reputation while has been associated mostly and for a long time with practices benefiting only profitable business. However, very smartly, the author shows us the Lobby can be used for good, non-profit advocacy too. As he says:"we should stop to keep ourselves merely consumers but become real citizens. We should stop to be only spectators, but become the real actors of our lives in our society."
The book brings the idea, the knowledge and awakes our deep feelings to improve our reality. Everybody can contribute to making the world a better place. As a volunteer or as a professional. Everybody can review his own vision and then rebuild his mission to reshape our society. But to make the real difference now we have to involve ourselves and to transform all the content of this book into action. Gratitude to the author for showing us the way.
A very good text and "how-to-do", methodological, strategical guide step by step book, with cases, models, experiences, "devices", based on excellent references.
This book inspires and coaches us to develop the correct and effective actions and strategies with the adequate tools to promote (or to oppose) public situations, causes, initiatives, enabling all of us to exercise our role to become individuals more civic engaged toward our society. To exercise our true citizenship, individual or collectively.
The title itself is a great motivator. CHANGE is the only constant thing in life. But for more optimistic we can be, we are still facing a fractured world, we are still afraid and disappointed with a lot of injustices, corruptions, frauds, wrongdoings, and historical, political, economic and natural challenges and most of us fell a lack of confidence to do something. And the worst: we are still blaming others and waiting for the same others to create the solutions. But exactly what this book brings is that this status-quo can be changed for BETTER and especially by ourselves, together. We have the power and VOICE to do it. However, first, we have to be convinced of this and understand and learn how to do it. How to use our abilities and our voices for better.
The book is teaching us exactly this: the " what, how, who, to whom, when, where...". Everything is very well described. Once we understand how the things working, identifying and addressing the problems to public concern, and how we are capable to contribute, with the knowledge and the right instruments, we can make the things happen.
And bringing the focused, right and strong pressure, influence, persuading the policymakers with evidence and feasible solutions, we can change, improve any scenery. And this is LOBBYING! Yes, this expression has a kind of not so good reputation while has been associated mostly and for a long time with practices benefiting only profitable business. However, very smartly, the author shows us the Lobby can be used for good, non-profit advocacy too. As he says:"we should stop to keep ourselves merely consumers but become real citizens. We should stop to be only spectators, but become the real actors of our lives in our society."
The book brings the idea, the knowledge and awakes our deep feelings to improve our reality. Everybody can contribute to making the world a better place. As a volunteer or as a professional. Everybody can review his own vision and then rebuild his mission to reshape our society. But to make the real difference now we have to involve ourselves and to transform all the content of this book into action. Gratitude to the author for showing us the way.
January 7, 2020
An interesting read that aims at generating not only hope but practical instruments for a younger generation to participate and mostly, influence the decision-making environment across the western world.
August 6, 2017
A very thorough, step by step guide, on how to make your voice heard in these uncertain political times.
It didn't get too bogged down in political jargon making it easy to read, even for someone who's not overly political.
It didn't get too bogged down in political jargon making it easy to read, even for someone who's not overly political.
December 12, 2017
Alberto Alemanno is an academic and an advocate for citizen lobbying and this book fits in well with both of those narratives. The content is well-researched and comprehensive without losing focus on the main purpose: how to lobby as a citizen.
I admit I was a bit impatient about getting to the lobbying part, which doesn’t get addressed until the 30% mark of the book. The theory is important, however, and since I quickly waned in my interest after finding out what lobbying is and how to do it — with some specific and concise examples and a handy instruction section — I can appreciate the effort that went into the first part of the book.
The instructions on how to lobby are clear and accessible and dispel the notion that only a few well-placed people or corporations in society can take part in this type of activity.
One of the latest lobbying actions Alemanno took part in was trying to get glyphosates banned through the EU. The chemical that has been linked to health concerns was renewed for five years through parliament but it could have been renewed for fifteen years. Citizen lobbying has helped in limiting the renewal to a much smaller space of time.
After years of campaigning by NGOs and citizens about its alleged harmful health effects, demonstrated by the four million signatures collected by the European Citizen Initiative (ECI) ‘Stop Glyphosate’ supported by WeMove and Avaaz, no decision-maker could turn a blind eye to such concerns.
Alemanno writes about lobbying the EU but there are legitimate avenues for citizens to have their voices heard in local arenas too and instructions can be found for those as well. When efforts are harnessed in the right way we can all make change happen to a certain extent. Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society reveals various routes other than through the traditional forms such as voting. This is called citizen-lobbying and through these years of austerity it’s a nice start to be given directions about how to help.
One example in the UK is the Petitions Committee that provides a mechanism for people’s opinions to be heard. If a petition receives 10,000 signatures, Government will provide a response; if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in parliament. So far there have been 44 responses and two debates in parliament.
This book feels like a positive addition to our times, which aims to empower when all around feels like a disempowering exercise to benefit corporations and those already in power. A small read for a greater purpose.
I admit I was a bit impatient about getting to the lobbying part, which doesn’t get addressed until the 30% mark of the book. The theory is important, however, and since I quickly waned in my interest after finding out what lobbying is and how to do it — with some specific and concise examples and a handy instruction section — I can appreciate the effort that went into the first part of the book.
The instructions on how to lobby are clear and accessible and dispel the notion that only a few well-placed people or corporations in society can take part in this type of activity.
One of the latest lobbying actions Alemanno took part in was trying to get glyphosates banned through the EU. The chemical that has been linked to health concerns was renewed for five years through parliament but it could have been renewed for fifteen years. Citizen lobbying has helped in limiting the renewal to a much smaller space of time.
After years of campaigning by NGOs and citizens about its alleged harmful health effects, demonstrated by the four million signatures collected by the European Citizen Initiative (ECI) ‘Stop Glyphosate’ supported by WeMove and Avaaz, no decision-maker could turn a blind eye to such concerns.
Alemanno writes about lobbying the EU but there are legitimate avenues for citizens to have their voices heard in local arenas too and instructions can be found for those as well. When efforts are harnessed in the right way we can all make change happen to a certain extent. Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society reveals various routes other than through the traditional forms such as voting. This is called citizen-lobbying and through these years of austerity it’s a nice start to be given directions about how to help.
One example in the UK is the Petitions Committee that provides a mechanism for people’s opinions to be heard. If a petition receives 10,000 signatures, Government will provide a response; if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in parliament. So far there have been 44 responses and two debates in parliament.
This book feels like a positive addition to our times, which aims to empower when all around feels like a disempowering exercise to benefit corporations and those already in power. A small read for a greater purpose.
December 24, 2017
This was an amazing book - I feel like it would be useful for the budding activist, or the weathered protester - it discusses what we can do as individuals to affect change in policy.
As everyone seems to know, there are two things that we can do to take part in a democracy - first, vote, and second, volunteer for (or donate to) political campaigns.
But that's not true!
And it’s about policy - not politics! What do you need to do to become a citizen lobbyist. It's something else we can do to change policy besides voting. Lobbying is something we, as citizens, need to get back into.
Citizen lobbying is necessary, because:
...the overall picture of a government dominated by special interests is borne out by systemic imbalances that weaken the voices of ordinary citizens.
We don't feel like anyone is speaking for us. As Alberto says, we're not in the club.
And what we need is...
...new, unconventional forms of active citizenship and civic engagement...
And it’s so practical! The research you need to do, which stakeholders you need to find! It’s an excellent resource for anyone wanting to take on any issue.
And there are some great resources in the back. For petitions, advocacy, freedom of information, crowd funding, pro bono legal services, marketing, and even applicable movies and TV.
Definitely worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for a copy in return for an honest review.
As everyone seems to know, there are two things that we can do to take part in a democracy - first, vote, and second, volunteer for (or donate to) political campaigns.
But that's not true!
And it’s about policy - not politics! What do you need to do to become a citizen lobbyist. It's something else we can do to change policy besides voting. Lobbying is something we, as citizens, need to get back into.
Citizen lobbying is necessary, because:
...the overall picture of a government dominated by special interests is borne out by systemic imbalances that weaken the voices of ordinary citizens.
We don't feel like anyone is speaking for us. As Alberto says, we're not in the club.
And what we need is...
...new, unconventional forms of active citizenship and civic engagement...
And it’s so practical! The research you need to do, which stakeholders you need to find! It’s an excellent resource for anyone wanting to take on any issue.
And there are some great resources in the back. For petitions, advocacy, freedom of information, crowd funding, pro bono legal services, marketing, and even applicable movies and TV.
Definitely worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for a copy in return for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
This an engagingly written how-to to get involved in lobbying for change in whatever society you happen to be a part of. Written by an experienced practitioner of outsider campaigns, this is an immensely useful guide.
December 22, 2017
Only the beginning really interested me after that its more of a practical how, which is very dry and dull to read unless you actually want to lobby
January 11, 2019
Inspiring
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews