Almost everyone shies away from advocacy as a way to make a difference. We donate to climate change organizations, but we don’t meet with a member of Congress or write a letter to the editor. We donate to groups working to end gun violence, anti-hunger organizations, groups dedicated to racial justice, and many others, but we don’t become advocates on those issues beyond signing an online petition or going to an occasional rally.
Why? Because most of us see advocacy as too hard or too frustrating, too complicated, or too partisan, too dirty or too time-consuming, too ineffective or too costly.
But what if that’s all wrong? What if deep engagement dissolves discouragement and can actually bring joy? What if you can become an advocate for a cause you care about and feel fulfilled, not frustrated? And what if engaging as an advocate is essential to protecting our democracy?
President Jimmy Carter called the first edition of Reclaiming Our Democracy “A road map for global involvement in planning a better future.” In this completely revised and updated 2024 edition, Sam Daley-Harris uses his decades of experience leading and coaching citizens’ advocacy groups to expand that road map and create an indispensable guide to engaged citizenship, an inspiring master class in transformational advocacy.
Reclaiming Our Democracy provides a powerful way to make a difference and heal our democracy in the process. It’s not the only solution needed, but is one essential, missing piece: citizens awakening to their power.
RECLAIMING OUR DEMOCRACY by Sam Daley-Harris
“Overall, [the author’s] analysis of effective action is as persuasive as it is accessible, and his call to democratic participation is inspiring. A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical.”—Kirkus Reviews
“[A] rousing guide to advocacy, movement-building, and enacting change in cynical times.”—Publisher’s Weekly BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
"By documenting not just the promise of action, but its results, Daley-Harris cultivates a "can do" attitude that peppers the ideals with real-world examples of advocacy in action. . . . The book is highly recommended for any reader interested in advocacy specifics and democracy in action.”—Midwest Book Review
“The book makes a strong case for the kind of advocacy that could help good ideas rise on their merits, rather than sinking in a political morass. Certainly, Daley-Harris has the kind of track record that gives his ideas credibility.”—Jay Evensen, Deseret News
“Reclaiming Our Democracy is a powerful, encouraging book. Sam Daley-Harris has done something important and rare: he talks helpfully and concretely, but with challenge; with kindness but not compromisingly—about what it takes to reclaim our seriously wobbly democracy and the best parts of ourselves. I salute him!”—Peter C. Goldmark, Jr., Former CEO, Rockefeller Foundation and International Herald Tribune
"American democracy is at a dangerous crossroads. People are worried and asking what they can do. Reclaiming Our Democracy answers that question powerfully, showing what’s possible and how we can join in."—Thom Hartmann, Author and Host of the Thom Hartmann Program
“We can all be builders of a better world; Reclaiming Our Democracy is part of the blueprint. Read it, study it, and start building.”—Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate