Lessons Learned: Stories from a Lifetime of Organizing

The book was simple to understand and concise. Great foundational ideas and information for persons seeking to get more deeply involved.

An amazing journal which succeeds in convincing nonbelievers that social change in very difficult environments is possible. Should be mandatory reading in all graduate schools of Social Work. Great book!

Arnie Graf is a legend in community organizing circles. This collection of stories lays a humble and inspiring framework for understanding how citizens can strengthen democracy and work for real change.

Great book -- the universals of organizing supported by terrific stories

This book is outside of my regular reading interest and I purchased it based on the recommendation of a friend. It turned out a fascinating read both from the point of my education into organizing and the personal connection the book makes.

Arnie Graf was one of the most prominent organizers of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) starting in the 1970ies until most recently. The book is a well-written reflection of his years in organizing both in the US and abroad (Apartheid South Africa and the UK among other countries). Graf takes the reader on a journey to the places where people needed to come together to speak truth to power and demand change. The book serves both as a primer for organizing principles as well as learning from the successes and set-backs broad-based organizing had in store for Graf. A light read with deep insights.

the phrase ‘speak truth to power’ carries a suggestion that the speaker of truth is without power. carl jung wrote, ’Where love rules, there is no will to power.’ will to power, taken from nietzsche and given a negative connotation.arnie graf’s approach to power when speaking to students is to show them that they have power. starting his career as an activist and organizer in the early 70's, graf, one would not be mistaken in saying, also heard the chant, power to the people. the dynamics of power is a study in itself. for graf, power is functional and, from the applications described in his book, productive and positive. ‘Power’ graf writes, ‘at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.’arnie graf conducted training sessions and worked as an organizer for the industrial area foundation (iaf), the organization started by saul alinsky to help poor and working class communities organize.graf worked several decades with iaf and affiliates throughout the united states. in this book he lists principles of organizing and shares five personal stories showing how the principles were successfully applied. with the exception of working for a british labour party member, his work takes place in different cities within the united states. for more on his work in the uk, there’s an interview by rowenna davis in The Guardian available online.

Book arrived in the post yesterday and I just couldn't put it down (!) I read it cover to cover in two sittings between meals! Perfect lock-down read. Arnie has brilliantly captured the IAF passion, methodology and the depth of his vast organising experience. The book is alive with the bold spirit of the leaders and their moments in action. Arnie’s personal reflections of complete despair or utter joy are moving, powerful and deeply inspiring!I had the pleasure of meetings some of the IAF leaders mentioned in this book - including the magnificent Enrie Cortes, super-human Martin Trimble, Rob, and of course, the fearless and brilliant Jonathan Lange - these, like so many other IAF organisers - are incredible beings on a huge mission to change the world into what it should be. Thank you for writing this book Arnie.