The Democracy Owners' Manual is a unique, hands-on guide for people who want to change public policy at the
local, state, or national level. A combination of policy and advocacy basics, the book offers a clear presentation
of the issues and debates activists are likely to encounter as well as a lucid, example-rich guide to effective
strategies and actions. Newcomers and veteran activists alike will find this book an invaluable treasure chest
of ideas and stimulating stories to help them tackle the issues they care about. The Democracy Owners' Manual also
lends itself for university courses in political science, public administration, social work, public health, environmental
studies, and other disciplines that touch on public policy and political change.
Table of Contents
Pt. 1 Five Key Debates That Democracies Decide
1. What Is Government's Job?
2. The Rules of Politics
3. Taxes and Budgets: Following the Money
4. Making Public Rules for Business and the Marketplace
5. Civil Rights and Criminal Wrongs: Society's Rules for Individuals
Pt. 2 Tools for Democracy's Activists
6. Developing a Strategy: Advocacy's Road Map
7. Research and Analysis: Advocacy by Fact, Not Fiction
8. Organizing: Bringing People Together to Make Social Change
9. Building and Maintaining Advocacy Coalitions
10. Messages and Media: Democracy's Megaphones
11. Lobbying: The Art of Influencing Public Officials
12. Initiatives: The Power of the Ballot
13. The Internet: Democracy's Newest Tool
