Do It Anyway: The New Generation of Activists

by Courtney E. Martin

If you care about social change but hate feel-good platitudes, Do It Anyway is the book for you. Courtney Martin’s rich profiles of the new generation of activists dig deep, to ask the questions that really How do you create a meaningful life? Can one person even begin to make a difference in our hugely complex, globalized world?

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Feminism, Politics, Activism, Justice

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Courtney is a weekly columnist for On Being, a Peabody Award-winning public radio conversation, podcast, and Webby Award-winning website. Her newest book, The New Better Off: Reinventing the American Dream explores how people are redefining the "good life" in the wake of the Great Recession.

Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, the Christian Science Monitor, and Mother Jones, among other publications. Courtney has given two TED talks, one on the reinvention of feminism and the other (forthcoming in September) on the reinvention of the American Dream. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, The O’Reilly Factor, CNN, and MSNBC, among other major media outlets. She is a widely sought after speaker, who gives several dozen lectures and speeches annually.

Courtney’s first book, Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: How the Quest for Perfection is Harming Young Women was awarded a Books for a Better Life nomination and was called "smart and spirited" by The New York Times. She is also the author of Do It Anyway: The New Generation of Activists , Project Rebirth: Survival and the Strength of the Human Spirit from 9/11 Survivors , released in conjunction with a documentary film, called Rebirth, by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jim Whitaker, CLICK: When We Knew We Were Feminists , co-edited with J. Courtney Sullivan, and The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive , the life story of AIDS activist Marvelyn Brown.

Courtney has surprised herself by co-founding a series of status quo bucking enterprises: the Solutions Journalism Network, popularizing the practice of rigorous, compelling reporting about responses to social problems, FRESH Speakers Bureau, and Valenti Martin Media. Courtney also does ongoing strategy work with TED and the Aspen Institute. She is on the Council of Advisors of the Wellesley Centers for Women, Family Story, and Feministing.com.

Courtney is a recipient of the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics and has held residencies at the Roc

Reviews

[Veronica]

In order to show that GenY isn't just a bunch of me-me-me individuals, but rather full of people creating positive changes in their community, Martin profiles eight people who are doing some amazing things. The shortcoming is is that Martin stuck to the coasts to find her people. Thankfully she acknowledges this right away. As a Midwesterner, I'm obviously miffed at that shortcoming. Sadly Martin even misses her home state of Colorado.

But the people she does profile will engage and suck you in. She opens the book with a profile of Rachel Corrie which is brilliant as Rachel is such a lightening rod for activists. I learned more about Rachel from this profile than my years of reading bits here and there in news pieces. On one hand, Rachel seemed too idealistic. On the other she seemed like a privileged white kid who got in too deep.

Martin's profiles are rich and will require some tissues here and there. Luckily she wrote in a way that keeps you turning the pages at the same time you stop to shake your head at some of the people's lives (Diaz and Guzman).

Her most troubling profile was of Tyrone Boucher, described as a radical philanthropist. A very rich kid rebels against his privilege and upon learning that he will gain access to $400,000 at the age of 21 decides he's going to give it all away. To this working class kid it made my stomach turn. Martin does try to get him to address this contradiction of life. Of a kid with access to the best schools scoffing at his educational opportunities when so many of us would cherish that access. But what really got my goat was that it wasn't clear where Boucher ends up giving his money away to. He is still working out all the issues of having a lot of money, not liking the weight of it and how to do the best one can with that kind of power. Martin does a brilliant job at showing us that struggle.

"Do It Anyway" could have used some stats sprinkled in between the stories or even within to give a larger context of how much good stuff her generation is doing. Because while the stories are moving and awesome, they are still just eight people. That said, this would be a great book for a twenty-something who is struggling with what to do with their lives that will make a difference.

[Jonathan Crowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do It Anyway features eight profiles on young activists working in different fields, from radical trust-fund philanthropists to Bronx middle school teachers to Rosario Dawson. It can drag in moments where it feels too preachy/too emphasizing of the ideas and philosophies that are already evident through the people themselves, but in general the profiles are inspiring and well-done, illuminating motivations, fears, unreachable goals and uncompromising leadership that makes each of these activists successful. Their success and continued struggle is great encouragement to give skeptics the middle finger and let your passions drive you, even if the road is unpaved and people question your ability to cover the distance.

[Jory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard Courtney Martin on the radio recently and was compelled to read this book, based on the premise that our generation has become paralyzed by a "save the world" mentality. She explores powerful, imperfect activism by those working within their communities. I have so much to say about this book, and she's an excellent spokesperson for my life, it seems. However, I also want to take her to town on a few points here, too... Great food for thought and inspiring, too! The title alone feels like a great motto. :)

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not find these mini-biographies about people very inspiring. True, they are people who have followed dreams for the most part and stood for something they believe in, but I found the stories one-dimensional. The book is also lacking ideas or advice for young people who are looking for ways to get involved.

[Ms. Online]

Where do we begin to “save the world”? Anywhere, answers Martin, who profiles eight activists under 35, including a feminist filmmaker, an advocate for sexually abused soldiers and an environmentalist concerned with the racial politics of pollution.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated now, having been published a decade ago, but an interesting read. It somehow seemed 'lazy' of Martin to tell the stories of various young activists and not really tie it all together into anything new on activism.

[Marvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too anecdotal, too feel good, too little strategy = no real guidance.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brilliant book is a must read for anybody who is despairing about the state of our world, looking for real examples of positive changes that are being made, interested in what those under 35 are doing to have a positive impact and finally, anybody who needs a comprehensive listing of organizations and resources that speak to these topics.

A major advantage regarding how Courtney E. Martin has written this book is the fact that she is brutally honest about the realities we are facing and the challenges that confront anybody who endeavors to create positive change. This is no fairy tale about simply needing to envision change and it will happen; this is a hard-hitting book full of concrete examples about what real people are doing about real problems. The author states this focus quite clearly in her introduction, “Activism is a daily, even hourly, experiment in dedication, moral courage, and resilience. This book is an exploration of that effort.”

The author writes about eight individuals and the changes they are trying to make. The stories are quite different regarding the details of each act of activism since she is telling the true stories of a peace activist, prison reentry social worker, veterans’ activist, filmmaker, radical philanthropist and others. Because of the diversity of individuals under thirty-five who are honored, each story is a deep learning experience.

The author’s concluding chapter provides the reader with well thought out ideas about how to move forward with “good failures” broken down into five ways of acting that are practical and relevant. The multiple pages of resources include organizations, readings and films that are comprehensive and diverse in their perspective about the realities of activism.

Courtney E. Martin’s closing statements were well written and thoughtful, including the following challenge, “Our charge is not to ‘save the world,’ after all; it is to live in it, flawed and fierce, loving and humble.” This book energized me to think more deeply about how to do that in these times of compelling and terrifying change.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Feministing and Courtney Martin's writings there; had I not won this book through ER, I would've bought it. I won it, however, and I have found that it would have been worth buying. Martin takes an informal and conversational yet informed take on activism in the 30 and below set. In the introduction, she lets it be known that she allowed her subjects to control their respective portrayals, which made me skeptical of the accounts being a glossing over of the truth. I could not have been further from the truth: the accounts are gritty and seem even-handed yet accurate, and with none of the implicit rancor that often accompanies the muckraking style of most non-fiction these days. The book does not necessarily answer the big questions, but it does present several examples of the different kinds of activism in which young people engage, and the conclusion also brings up a great philosophical discussion of current-day activism. It's as fresh as you'd expect from Feministing, and better than a lot of Jessica Valenti's writings.

[Larry Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book! Courtney Martin has written a very good book that I really connected with.
Just reading the introduction and the conclusion is really moving, plus the stories of ordinary people that she tells who made a difference or attempted to make a difference. We all can.

I think that most of us resonate with Courtney's words, where we all want to 'Save the World', but it is hard to know how to start. It is an invitatation to take a new approach, and not be paralyzed by how not knowing how to start. We must not give up.

I love the Mother Teresa quote that she starts the book with and from where the title of the book comes from. Do it anyway!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at 8 activists and the work they do. Martin is a compelling and honest storyteller. The overarching theme - which is only discussed at the very end - is do what you know. How can we work and effect needed change within our own communities first? It's not (just) about saving 'the poor' if you are wealthy, or helping out underprivileged people of color when you are white and raised in a white middle or upper class environment, but rather what can you do from your societal place to impact the world (and even these groups). Very inspiring and thought provoking.

[Indu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks at the challenges and struggles in social justice activism through the profiles the lives of eight people who are working to bring about change in their own social contexts and areas. The stories of each of these eight people call us to think more deeply about our choices in life and the deep set social systems we are living in. The writer's voice makes the book come together into a very compelling read.
I am glad I got to read this book and meet the ideas and the people whose lives it profiles.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself very torn on this book. There were times I felt inspired and times I felt like I would never be good enough and times I felt that I was already doing the work. It's such a millenial book for millenials about millenials navigating social justice and as such I've had so many of these debates with myself all the time. But it wasn't a big picture about debates or about process, but rather a series of portraits of specific individuals in a much more journalistic manner. A quick read and I learned some things, but I'm not sure on net how I feel about the book.

[Desiree Rico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very inspiring. Reading stories of how so many different people, from different circumstances, became inspired and motivated to start their own grassroots efforts to create change in the world.

[Meepspeeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories of activists are poignant and inspiring to me. There are so many ways to do good without trying to “save the world.” It may prompt readers to volunteer more by finding time to help fellow humans one by one.

[Lydia Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 2013 United Methodist Women's Reading Program book.

[Nanaz]

Boring; writing style was ok. It would be better as blog entries. It doesn’t tell you how to be an activist

[Alison]

CYG Podcast - Where should I send my kid to school

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

More story telling rather than actionable steps

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first pages of this book, we are faced with a charge most of us have heard many times in our lives : "save the world". But what does that mean? Courtney Martin has an answer for this question, as she shows us through the course of the book that "the world will not be saved. It will be changed."

In fact, in the very beginning of the text we are told the book is "dedicated to abandoning" this save the world mentality and rhetoric, that it is a "call to transcend" activism the way we, as society in general, currently understand it for the kind of activism that reflects passion so strong it "keeps you up at night because you believe in it so deeply".

Through the stories of 8 modern day activists, she personalizes the face of activism, showing us that its not about finding a "right way", or about the grandness of an individual, but instead that "activism is a daily, even hourly, experiment in dedication, moral courage, and resilience."

She ends her book addressing again the idea of "saving the world", saying "our charge is not to 'save the world', after all; it is to live in it, flawed and fierce, loving and humble." She speaks of the things that work against us, like bureaucracy and unjust institutions and systems, and reminds us that even though we may find failure (even if it is "good failure")and disappointment :
"We must strive to make the world better anyway. We must struggle to make our friendships, our families, our neighborhoods, our cities, and our nation more dignified, know that it might not work and struggling anyway. We must dedicate ourselves each and every morning to being the most kind, thoughtful, courageous human beings who have ever walked the earth, and know that it still won't be enough. We must do it anyway." (page 190)

Beautiful and poignant, this book is so well written you won't be able to put it down. She invites us to be inspired without sounding preachy or having to resort to some sort of sales pitch. A definite must read for any socially conscious individual. :)

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I immediately "got" many of the points the author makes about the systemic bias and elitism in social activism, and I am very grateful that these issues are given voice. I don't, however, find the overall presentation effective. I think I'm just out of the age and experience range of her intended audience. This book would be a good read for someone very new to activism and who maybe needs a shortcut to informational interviews.

I chose to read this first in my personal "Grad School DIY" project because I thought it would be an energizing start to the project. I'd attended an immensely helpful workshop last year at which the author presented, and I would do so again in a minute. The book is well-written, but I'm a little too impatient for the style. She spends a lot of time setting the scene, richly describing the surroundings of her subjects. I found myself skipping and skimming to the pivotal points in each profile.

In "Altar Boy With A Gun," we read about a social worker who focuses on prison re-entry in his hometown Los Angeles. It's a hard, emotionally draining job, and the person profiled is working doggedly to help individuals in the community get the opportunities they deserve.

I couldn't latch on as a reader, though, in part because I was confused by the prosaic cues. The detailed buildup of a boy who needs shoes leads into a planning meeting about the challenges of getting a grant. More space and time is devoted to the shoe/internet search/funny anecdote than is given to the ins and outs of how they make the project work -- how the activist blends grassroots passion with soul-sucking bureaucracy.

It's exactly that tension (passion tempered with politic) that interests me, and which I'd like to learn from others about balancing. So, for where I am at in my career and interests, this wasn't the right book for me to read right now. I will, however, keep it on hand for reference and to loan out to younger folks who are charting their courses.

[M. Fenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do It Anyway: The New Generation Of Activists by Courtney E. Martin is a book I received through the Early Reviewers program on LibraryThing. Ms. Martin wrote the book because of the desperation she felt in her own activist life. She wanted to look at and write about when and what activism meant for her generation, so she sought out and interviewed eight young men and women to learn about what they do and why they do it. Each profile makes up one chapter of the book.

The book begins on a somber note with the tale of Rachel Corrie, the Washingtonian peace activist who sacrificed herself in Israel to protect Palestinians whose house was to be demolished. Martin uses Corrie's story as a jumping off point, saying that "we must not envy that end, but turn to 'live people' for our inspiration…" Ms. Martin does just that by talking to people like Raul Diaz, a prison reentry social worker in Los Angeles; Nia Martin-Robinson, an environmental justice activist in DC; and Tyrone Boucher, a radical philanthropist in Philadelphia.

I really like Ms. Martin's style of writing and her ability to share these individuals' stories and their struggles. Martin also calls out the problems with bureaucracy and mainstream solutions that each of them have to deal with. I was especially taken by the point she makes that foundations and other nonprofits perpetuate the problems that they're trying to solve by not questioning the system that they're a part of as much as they probably could.

I was also pleased to learn about young people of privilege who are uncomfortable with that and want to do something about it. In this post-Reagan era of greed and selfishness, it was refreshing to read about. In general, I found the book refreshing and inspiring. The mainstream media seems to take great pleasure in looking down on younger generations. It has always done this, and it has always been wrong.

[K8e · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway."

4- "An eye for an eye and the whole world goes blind." Gandhi

6- "I have never known how to find a shell and then stay in it. I tend to wander out of the grotto when the sharks are attacking just to see what all the fuss is about."

8- "Thinking it over, I realized that the most powerful action I can take toward societal improvement will have to start very close to home, arising not from the need to leave a mark on history, but from empathy and sincere understanding of the place in my life where neglect exists."

69- "We are tempted to reduce life to a simple search for happiness. Happiness, however, withers if there is no meaning."

72- "If you don't want it enough to be uncomfortable and ask for the funding, then you shouldn't be making the film."

74- ******** "You're not doing anyone any favors if you don't follow your dreams."******************

-If you want social change, you must have social courage.

87- *********"Be infinitely kind and encouraging when it comes to other people's dreams."***********

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtney Martin walks beside eight activists raised in the 80s and 90s to show that our generation really does care, that we are involved, that we are trying to change the world - instead of saving it.
She gives a voice to those that are fighting hard to make a difference, that our generation is making a difference in one life, while trying to make greater overall change.
Courtney Martin captures the stories, makes you want to get more involved in changing the world, without the typical feeling that you aren't doing enough. She writes with compassion, a critical eye and an ability to tell the story that makes you care, shows you the inside and leaves you feeling. Her writing makes this book a page turner.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I only read the introduction and conclusion while standing in the aisle at Borders, and haven't actually read the individual stories she recounts in this book. However, I love the author for her sentiment.
She points out that the job of "saving the world" has been indoctrinated into the X, Y, and Z generations, which has left us with an immense sense of pressure that we don't know what to do with and many feel overwhelmed striving for. Hmmm, relatable? Yes, indeed. She goes on to highlight the stories of "everyday activists" who are doing the best the can to create change, which in reality is not one momentous event (contrary to high school textbooks and the 10 o'clock news), but many small underrated efforts.

[April Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really inspired by some of the people profiled in this book, but I really didn't like the introduction or conclusion. I felt like they were redundant and cliche.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received "Do It Anyway" as a first reads book, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am very glad to have read it. I found the book incredibly interesting - very real and insightful. It is nice to see activism from our generation, as well as from people of all backgrounds and classes. It also addressed many issues that aren't as obvious when you are thinking about activism. I think it will inspire people to take a closer look at what they are doing in their own lives, and will help them redefine what it means to be an activist.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent a free copy of this book through Good Reads. Do It Anyway was a very interesting book and I really enjoyed reading it. In this book the author interviews several young activists and gives the reader a picture of their stories, backgrounds, motivations, goals and at times setbacks. I appreciated the final chapter which highlighted the author's conclusions after she had been through this project. In all it was a good read! It is nice to hear about what amazing things some individuals are doing for others!

[Melissa Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtney examines the lives of contemporary millennial activists--what fuels them and why they succeed. Gone are the 60's idealized versions of 'changing the world' what emerges is a more pragmatic view how activists are part of today's society. Her writing will make you slow down to savor the words and envision each of her subjects through her lens of connection to one's cause and community. Best of all, she recognizes the 'good failures'--outcomes that move us forward as a society, but maybe not the burning platform that ignited the spirit in the first place.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, not as hype for me as I thought it would be.
Did, however, help me realize I still have a lot of internal work to do on my disdain for wealthy kids in activism. It was difficult to force myself through the chapters on the $400,000 trust fund guy and filmmaker who was *given* an apartment in Brooklyn, while wondering how I'm going to afford groceries the next few weeks as I'm traveling to various strategy meetings and summits for my causes.
Obnoxious moments aside, it was overall encouraging.
The further resources listed in the back are solid, too.