Rules for Revolutionaries

What's Rules for Revolutionaries about?

• Focus on Big Organizing: The book emphasizes "big organizing" as a method to mobilize large numbers of people for social change, contrasting it with "small organizing" that often results in limited engagement.
• Lessons from Bernie Sanders's Campaign: Authors Becky Bond and Zack Exley share strategies from their work on Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign, demonstrating how grassroots movements can challenge the status quo.
• Empowerment through Community: It advocates for empowering individuals within communities to take leadership roles, fostering ownership and collective action in social justice efforts.

Why should I read Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Practical Strategies for Activism: The book offers actionable rules and strategies for creating meaningful change, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced organizers.
• Inspiration from Real Experiences: Readers will find inspiration in the authors' firsthand experiences from the Bernie campaign, showcasing how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results.
• Framework for Future Movements: It provides a framework applicable to various social movements beyond electoral politics, relevant for anyone interested in activism.

What are the key takeaways of Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Ask for Big Change: Emphasizes the need for clear, bold demands that resonate with people's lived experiences, rather than settling for incremental improvements.
• Distributed Work with Centralized Planning: While work should be distributed among volunteers, a centralized plan is necessary to guide efforts and ensure effectiveness.
• Radical Trust: Encourages "radical trust" among organizers and volunteers, suggesting that autonomy and responsibility lead to greater engagement and innovation.

What are the best quotes from Rules for Revolutionaries and what do they mean?

• “You Won’t Get a Revolution If You Don’t Ask for One”: Highlights the necessity of making bold demands for change, rather than settling for incremental improvements.
• “The Revolution Will Not Be Handed to You on a Silver Platter”: Emphasizes that change requires active participation and effort; it won't come easily or without struggle.
• “The Revolution Will Not Be Staffed”: Suggests that movements thrive when driven by volunteers rather than relying solely on paid staff, highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement.

What is "big organizing" as defined in Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Mass Mobilization: Refers to mobilizing large numbers of people to work collectively towards significant social change, contrasting with small organizing.
• Emergence of Volunteer Leaders: Volunteer leaders emerge organically from communities, enhancing the movement's effectiveness and reach with their experiences and insights.
• Integration of Technology: Advocates for using technology to facilitate communication and coordination among volunteers, allowing for scalable and efficient organizing efforts.

How does Rules for Revolutionaries suggest we fund movements?

• Small Donations from the People: Argues for funding movements through small donations from supporters, fostering accountability and independence.
• Building a Supportive Base: Engaging the community and encouraging small contributions creates a sustainable funding model reflecting the people's needs and desires.
• Avoiding the Nonprofit Industrial Complex: Cautions against dependency on large donors, as it can compromise the movement's goals and integrity.

What is the significance of "barnstorming" in Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Mass Meetings for Engagement: Barnstorming involves organizing large, in-person meetings to mobilize supporters and put them to work immediately.
• Creating a Replicable Model: Emphasizes designing barnstorm meetings that can be easily replicated in different locations, ensuring scalability and consistency.
• Direct Action and Accountability: These meetings inspire participants and hold them accountable for taking action, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

How does Rules for Revolutionaries address the issue of racism in organizing?

• Core Message of Inclusion: Stresses that fighting racism must be central to any revolutionary movement, as true justice and solidarity cannot be achieved without addressing structural racism.
• Engagement of Diverse Voices: Advocates for the leadership of people of color and immigrants, emphasizing their crucial experiences and perspectives for effective organizing.
• Building Multiracial Solidarity: Calls for white allies to actively engage in dismantling racism and work towards multiracial solidarity, essential for building a powerful and inclusive movement.

How did the Bernie Sanders campaign utilize technology according to Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Consumer Software Focus: Prioritized using user-friendly consumer software tools like Slack and Google Apps to streamline communication and collaboration among volunteers.
• Custom Coding Solutions: Bridged gaps in existing software with custom coding, allowing for tailored solutions that met the campaign's specific needs.
• Integration of Tools: Effectively integrated various platforms for volunteer engagement and data management, demonstrating how technology can enhance grassroots organizing.

What does Rules for Revolutionaries say about the role of volunteers?

• Empowerment and Responsibility: Emphasizes giving volunteers significant responsibilities and treating them as peers, leading to greater engagement and investment in the movement.
• Diverse Contributions: Volunteers bring a wealth of experience and skills, often surpassing the capabilities of paid staff, and can be some of the most effective leaders.
• Building Community: Stresses the importance of fostering a sense of community among volunteers, vital for sustaining long-term engagement and collaboration.

How can I apply the principles from Rules for Revolutionaries to my own activism?

• Start with Big Goals: Set ambitious goals for your activism, focusing on engaging as many people as possible, aligning with the book's emphasis on scaling efforts.
• Utilize Peer-to-Peer Communication: Implement peer-to-peer strategies in outreach efforts, encouraging personal connections and conversations to increase engagement.
• Be Prepared for Challenges: Anticipate opposition and criticism, and develop strategies to stay focused and resilient, understanding that counterrevolutionary forces may emerge.

What is the significance of the "counterrevolution" discussed in Rules for Revolutionaries?

• Understanding Opposition: Refers to the resistance faced when pursuing radical change, often from those who may seem like allies, crucial for maintaining focus and momentum.
• Identifying True Allies: Helps clarify who genuinely supports the movement versus those who may seek to undermine it, strengthening the resolve of committed activists.
• Staying Committed to Change: Encourages activists to remain steadfast in their goals despite pushback, emphasizing perseverance in the face of adversity.