Rise & Resist: How to Change the World

by Clare Press

Rise & Resist takes a wild trip through the new activism sweeping the world. The political march is back in a big way, as communities rally to build movements for environmental and social justice. But today's context calls for increasingly creative strategies to make our voices heard. Crossing the globe, Clare Press meets passionate change-makers who believe in the power of the positive. From eco warriors and zero wasters to knitting nannas, introvert craftivists to intersectional feminists, they're all up for a revolution of sorts. Are you? Join Press as she tracks the formation of a new counterculture, united by a grand purpose- to rethink how we live today to build a more sustainable tomorrow.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sustainability, Fashion, Politics, Activism

277 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2018

Reviews

[Tessa Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably isn’t a good idea for me to be any more ‘woke’ but here I am, head stuck in Clare Press’s Rise and Resist, spitting coffee out my nose in silent hysterics at her dry and satirical commentary and learning just exactly how to use my voice for the greater good. I cannot put this book down, it’s a must read for men and women of our era who want to see this world change in their lifetime for our own future and for our children’s.

[Nicki Thisismoonlight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivation with a pink cover. This book creates a community of seemingly isolated movements and introduces you to a world activism where everyone is welcome. Clare's exceptional research and wordsmanship makes this book a joy to read. If you are feeling powerless in the world, this is the book for you.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had mixed feelings about this book. To be quite honest, I really had to push myself at the start. Not because of poor writing. Rather, the content is very confronting about the state of the world and our environment, but it’s unfortunately reality. Clare speaks to some real changemakers and isn’t afraid to question their decisions. Ultimately, while change is difficult, Clare provokes some ideas about how people can become changemakers in their everyday lives and how collective action around a common cause can make a difference. I plan to read a second time with a highlighter!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be giving this book in place of all other gifts for the foreseeable future.

Rise & Resist is an empowering piece of storytelling that shares local voices involved in the global struggle for a more sustainable and just world.

Some of the injustices from industry and lobbying detailed in this book – from regular villains like Rio Tinto, Peabody, the NRA, among others – made me want to cry with rage. But standing up to Rio Tinto is Uncle Kevin Taggart and Pat Hansson and so many others. Standing up to Peabody is Bev Smiles and so many others. Standing up to the NRA is Emma González and Naomi Wadler and so many others.

The world is always changing – and if we want it to be broadly for the better, that takes effort and energy and enthusiasm. So advocate. Donate. Organise. Empathise. Divest. Invest. Volunteer. Vote. A little action, every damn day.

[Tereza Berkemeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone fumbling her way through parenthood the biggest wish to see in my children is empathy. Not only for people but for the creatures, land and waterways of our planet. I feel Rise and Resist gave a concise summary of the current issues in our world and how people were leading the charge on clever and diverse activism projects like the Pussyhats started by the Little Knittery in the USA and Craft Cartel here in Australia. Clare Press highlighted movements like ‘Me too’ and the global development of the activist movement Fashion Revolution. This book bought clarity to the climate movement and the local and international groups doing their bit individually to collectively bring change with results that are progressing daily. Clare Press also bought insight to the various issues of mines, the corporate companies and their activities including the rehabilitation of mines by actively meeting the people and the towns affected. With Rise and Resist I was grateful to gain a greater understanding of our place in the greater whole and where we could start with our children….as a family volunteering and investing our time to look after our world. As a family we can help with the war on waste by participating in ‘Take 3 for the Sea’. We can minimise our waste and also canvas our local councils for waste solutions we can also be a part of local clothes swaps, thrift shops and buying less. Rise and Resist has helped us see as a family we can do for the world. We could even help change it. I would strongly recommend anyone especially, parents and families to read this book. Now it’s time to do!

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some excellent chapters, especially the one on Capitalism, Zero-Waste and the Seas. For those who want a quick but well-researched rundown on some of the areas of activism that are experiencing a resurgence. Very worth the read.

[Elizabeth Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspiration. It could be a depressing read but Clare Press is full of hope and gives us so many ideas of how to change the world - love it. Thank you Clare. :)

[Sophie Hinchcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an important read about an important topic, activism in many shapes and forms. Very interesting to understand how bigger movements began. All movements start with one person with a sense of injustice whether its social, political environment etc and this books highlights that, I particularly loved this aspect.

[Katrina Sark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author’s Note

p.xi – Researchers at Columbia University confirm that we are now living through a “period of rising outrage and discontent,” the likes of which we haven’t seen since the late 1960s.

2 – On Craftivism

p.21 – The word craftivism was popularised by Betsy Greer in the early 2000s.

4 – Fashion Revolution

p.45 – “Fashions have done more harm than revolutions.” (Victor Hugo, Notre-Dame de Paris)

6 – We Stand with You

p.64 – “Are you going to stand up?” the driver demanded. Rosa Parks looked straight at him and said: “No.” Flustered and not quite sure what to do, [the bus driver] retorted, “Well, I’m going to have you arrested.” And Parks, still sitting next to the window, replied softly, “You may do that.” (Douglas Brinkley, Rosa Parks: A Life)

[Shona Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I challenge anyone to read this book and not feel compelled to take action immediately. Clare has a beautiful way of weaving together the stories of activists from a broad range of disciplines to demonstrate how truely interconnected we are to each other and to this planet. This book highlights, with a perfect blend of humour and sincerity, how critical it is for every person to engage, to rise & resist in order to help change the world.

[Kathryn Beek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plainspoken, engaging, positive book about how every one of us can make positive change in a multitude of different ways, big and small. Recommended for anyone who is worried about the state of the world.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into inspiring action that people are taking in the face of adversity and destruction. Love the progression form chapter to chapter to new topics. I found it a little hard to get into the first chapter but then became enthralled.

[Peta Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, inspiring read.

[Katiuska Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this incredibly well researched, entertaining and funny book about the many ways we can all change the world. 100% inspiring!

[Katharine Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, beautifully written. Inspired me to take small actions myself.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just got better and better, thought provoking and shocking. So many times I put it down and realised just how much plastic there is everywhere.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anecdotal rather than well-researched.

[Ellie Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been interesting reading this in 2025 after seeing it published in 2018, since so much has changed politically and socially in the world. Well written and enjoyable read though.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise and Resist explores the new activism sweeping the world. Clare Press meets passionate change makers who believe in the power of the positive, united by the desire to rethink how we live today to build a more sustainable tomorrow.