Book: Tools for Grassroots Activists

While it might seem that a major corporation has no business writing a manual for grassroots environmental activists, Patagonia has done just that. The brand has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship within the outdoor industry for decades, and for 20 years, they’ve hosted the semi-annual Tools Conference, which pairs activism experts with bourgeoning grassroots organizations. Tools for Grassroots Activists: Best Practices for Success in the Environmental Movement (Patagonia Books, $25) is a synthesis of ideas and conclusions from those conferences, and while the book is targeted at environmentalists, anyone interested in grassroots organizing will benefit from the information mapped out within its pages. A key takeaway from Tools is the necessity of local movements for success within the broader environmental movement. Most people are passionate about things that impact them on a daily basis; for example, whether the Gallatin will remain a healthy fishery, or whether elk habitat will be protected for future generations of hunters. If that sounds like you, pick up a copy—you might be a tree-hugger before you know it.