chrisamaphone reviewed No Shortcuts by Jane McAlevey
"The crisis of the progressive movement in the United States today is so evident that …
Review of 'No Shortcuts' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Lots of incredibly important, foundational ideas in here for anyone interested in collectivist organizing. The central thesis is that leftist social movements and labor organization via unions each miss important aspects of how power is built and maintained without incorporating the approaches of the other. There's some very useful theory (ideas like the distinction between advocacy, mobilizing, and organizing) and some powerful case studies of specific organizations. I have some minor nitpicks with McAlevey's conclusions, especially her criticisms of high-touch participatory democracy, but overall this is a great read for anyone new to unions and collective organizing.
