This invaluable text on community organizing is designed to help those who want to build powerful community organizations, empower ordinary citizens to become strong leaders, and bring about change in the major social and economic issues of our day. The book examines specific strategies for building a successful progressive organization that include recruiting members, developing leaders, building consensus, identifying issues, and developing and implementing practices. Rich practice examples are included from neighbourhood, peace, environmental, welfare and homeless, women's and gay and lesbian groups. The authors give detailed advice on everything from planning and implementing strategy, to evaluating and publicizing organizational victories, to structuring and funding social action groups.