Classic Readings for Organizers & Political Professionals

by Jose N. Arenas

These are a few key readings from my organizing archives, works that have profoundly shaped my orientation and mindset. Over the years, I’ve drawn on them in coaching, professional development, staff meetings, trainings, retreats, and many other settings. Beyond their practical use, they are simply excellent reads for educators, researchers, policymakers, political practitioners, and people centered professionals alike.

I invite you to explore my books page as well here.

La Etica Catolica y El Espirito de la Democracia 

by Enrique Krauze

Strategic Questioning

by Fran Peavey

A Match on Dry Grass Excerpt Ch 1 & 2

by Mark Warren

I’ve Got the Light of Freedom: The Organizing Tradition and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle, Excerpt from Chpt 3. Give Light and The People Will Find a Way

by Charles M. Payne

The Tyranny of Structurelessness

by Jo Freeman

Robert Caro Interview, The Art of Biography No. 5

by James Santel from The Paris Review

Hannah Arendt on the concept of power by Pat Duffy Hutcheon

HARDBALL PRINCIPLES, RULES, AND TACTICS

Gleaned from Hardball by Chris Matthews, First Touchstone Edition, 1999

Two Kinds of Power

by Bernard M. Loomer

Power Coat

by J. Ruth Gendler

Relationship & Power

by Ernesto Cortes Jr.

SCHOOLED: Cory Booker, Chris Christie, and Mark Zuckerberg had a plan to reform Newark’s schools. They got an education.

by Dale Russakoff

Self Interest Properly Understood

by Kendall Baker Clark

The World as It Should Be Faith-Based Community Development in America

by Robert V. Kemper and Julie Adkins