The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), one of the most active not-for-profits in Brooklyn, which prioritizes low and medium income housing issues, is hosting a book reading by author and former PACC community organizer, Gabriel Thompson.
Thompson, director of organizing at PACC from 2002-2004, will be reading excerpts from his book, “Calling All Radicals: How Grassroots Organizers Can Save Our Democracy,” 6 p.m., October 6 at Flatbush Farm, 76 St. Marks Avenue, and signing copies afterwards.
Forty-seven million Americans without healthcare. Soaring economic inequality. Environmental racism. Slumlords and sweatshop owners. Every year, students leave high school and college eager to tackle the crises facing the United States. But how, exactly, does one go about building social justice movements and strengthening our democracy?
“Calling All Radicals” argues that we can reclaim our democracy in the old fashioned way through grassroots organizing. Beyond campaign sound bites and the occasional election, democracy is about focusing on the development of leaders, taking collective action, and building power among groups usually ignored and abused. In essence, organizers are democracy “scouts” who recruit formerly inactive, sometimes cynical people to play their part in our unfolding democratic experiment.
Using the organizing activities of the author as a backdrop, “Calling All Radicals” examines the practice, philosophy and history or organizing, with interviews from veteran activists and chronicles of successful campaigns like a group of inner-city teens who help push through a groundbreaking anti-lead poisoning law and immigrants who force hospitals to provide life-saving translation services.
With inspiring stories, resources to connect readers with employment and training opportunities, and real-world advice, “Calling All Radicals” is the perfect book for anyone interested in stepping into the world of organizing and activism.
For more information, and to read an excerpt of the book, go to www.callingallradicals.org.
The event is free and light refreshments will be served. Call 718-522-2613 extension 28 to RSVP or email sujatha_snyder@prattarea.org.
