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As activists organize from Chile, to Flagstaff, a timely new book by local community organizer Eric Mann attempts to distill what it is that makes a good organizer. “Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer,” articulates what organizers often don’t have a chance to put on paper; The book has been described as an “Organizing Manifesto” and an “Art of War” for organizers. Mann draws on his decades of experience in a wide range of movements to create a comprehensive theoretical framework for organizing. He skillfully intertwines stories of great organizers like Nelson Mandela with those who have been quietly doing grassroots work in their communities for years. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which breaks down the roles that organizers play, from “The Foot Soldier” to “The Political Educator,” even as the best organizers perform many if not all of the varying roles, Mann highlights Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X as “Evangelist” organizers as they called for personal transformation, a conversion of values, and a commitment to a bigger cause. Eric Mann identifies the actions each role performs and the purpose they fulfill in the functioning of an organization. He also explains how these roles come together to create an effective organization. The second half of the book details the qualities, skills, and attributes of a successful organizer. Eric Mann’s Playbook for Progressives emphasizes “Theory-Driven-Practice” and effectively lays the groundwork to go from “a critic to an activist, from an activist to an organizer, and, finally, from an organizer to a more conscious introspective, and successful leader.”

GUEST: Eric Mann, Director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center, co-founder of the Bus Riders Union, author of six books, including his latest, Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer”

Book Signing Event with Eric Mann: Thursday, September 1st, 2011
Westminster Chapel, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (map)

6pm – 7pm Eric Mann signing session
7pm – 8pm Program and readings from Playbook for Progressives
8pm – 9pm Bonus signing session
9pm – 10pm Q & A session with the author