The Barefoot Guide to Exploring the Real Work of Social Change

For activists, civil society leaders, practitioners and students, this is a book of experiences, learnings and questions, all asking “What is the real work of social change?” We have not attempted to provide “best practice models”, but rather something to be learned from, to deepen our questions, and to be more thoughtful in our practice.

This is a book about social change practices from many countries. It contains a variety of stories, analyses, and ideas. It also has many poems and illustrations to illuminate and enhance the text.For activists, civil society leaders, practitioners and students, this is not a book of easy answers, but one of experiences, learnings and questions, all asking “What is the real work of social change?” We have not attempted to provide “best practice models”, but rather something to be learned from, to deepen our questions, and to be more thoughtful in our practice.You are invited to sample whatever catches your eye, whatever speaks to your circumstances and need. We hope that it will provide ideas and inspiration to many people working to bring about or to support processes of social change that can meet the challenges we face.The Barefoot Guides are created by writers’ collectives drawn from the Barefoot Guide Connection -- a global and local community of social change leaders and practitioners, from many countries, sharing diverse practices to deepen and develop approaches and initiatives to contribute to a changing world.