“Life is only about personal success.” “Only the wealthy have power.” “Progressives can never get it together.” Every day, we are bombarded by messages invalidating our capacity to make a difference. But we live in a world that needs radical transformation if our children and grandchildren are to live healthy, peace-filled lives. Where to start?

The answer may lie surprisingly close: at home, with our closest relationships. We tend to focus on the “big” barriers that separate us, but, as Roberto Vargas argues, the most promising path to change is actually both the most accessible and the most universal - the family. In our daily family and friendship circles, we experience countless opportunities to empower, inspire and support positive change in others. What if we could look at those experiences as the seeds of bigger, broader change?

In this new guide for change advocates, Vargas explains how fostering familia - the feeling of connection we have with our relatives or with those we choose to call family - in all our relationships is the first step toward tackling broader problems in our community, our nation and the world. When we start working for change at the “local” level, the relationships we build and the respect and love that we show one another within the boundaries of family, becomes a model for all interactions with all people. By working to generate love and support within our family circles, we develop the necessary skills and generate the requisite surplus energy needed to assist others and improve the world as a whole. It all begins when we become family activists, when we make family “the cause.”

Vargas’ book walks readers through why it is important to focus first on family and it outlines strategies and techniques for creating a solid family unit. Along the way, he presents a roadmap for family activism, helping readers understand how to replicate familia in their communities, whether they be local, national, or global. Drawing on extensive examples from his own work as a trainer, activist and family advocate, Vargas shows how activists who begin by empowering their families develop the vision and skills necessary to become more proficient social change facilitators.