Organizing to Change a City

Kitty Kelly Epstein has received numerous awards for her unique blend of scholarship and community activism. She has worked as an academic and as a policy advisor, most recently to the mayor of Oakland. Epstein is the author of A Different View of Urban Schools: Civil Rights, Critical Race Theory and Unexplored Realities (revised edition).

«This book is a unique, dynamic and indispensable source for anyone seeking social change and justice by use of ethical and strategic organizing techniques. These techniques enabled organizers in Oakland to elect a progressive mayor, to successfully pursue and adopt public policies opposed by entrenched interests, and to better serve and empower the vast majority of Oakland citizens previously locked out of corridors of power, money, and privilege. More important, the book makes the point that the organizers and their goals must not replace one exploitative group with another. The changes attributable to the organizers must dynamically raise the ethics of inclusiveness and fair and equitable resource distribution, empower citizens to do more good, and reach a better point of harmony with the social and ecological environment.
Epstein is the quintessential example of the scholar-activist. She lives the values and processes articulated in this book. She is herself an open system, listening carefully to others, reaching out to those who may be marginalized, and leading brilliant change strategies. I applaud this book and its author. I will make it a requirement in my undergraduate and graduate courses and use it in my civic and community work!» (Lenneal J. Henderson, Distinguished Professor of Public and International Affairs, The College of Public Affairs, The University of Baltimore)