It is is time to talk strategy. Despite the growth of the climate movement, and unprecedented mass civil disobedience in the Amsterdam harbor, we are still a marginal force and probably nowhere near where we ought to be. So let’s get together and discuss the most important (but usually neglected) question: how do we change the world? How do we grow on numbers and diversity? How do we activate potential allies and politicize people we do not yet know? And what should be our next steps?

We do not have to agree on all the possible answers to these questions. But if we are serious about becoming a movement that’s capable of averting a catastrophic climate breakdown, then it’s time to have some collective strategic discussions and sharpen our analysis. Reading Jonathan Smucker's 'Hegemony How-To' should provoke these essential discussions and help us with new conceptual tools that can aid us on our path.

"Hegemony How-To is a practical guide to political struggle for a generation that is deeply ambivalent about questions of power, leadership, and strategy. Hopeful about the potential of today’s burgeoning movements, long-time grassroots organizer Jonathan Smucker nonetheless pulls no punches when confronting their internal dysfunction. Drawing from personal experience, he provides deep theoretical insight into the all-too-familiar radical tendency toward self-defeating insularity and paralyzing purism. At the same time, he offers tools to bridge the divide between social justice values and political strategies, tools that might just help today’s movements to navigate their obstacles—and change the world."

This is a horizontally organized reading group that is open to all. Especially people that are involved in radical political projects or the climate movement are encouraged to join. We plan to continue with collectively determined readings after this book.

Interested in participating? Please send an email to cja_readinggroup@riseup.net, even if you cannot make it to the first session.

Get or order your copy at the independent bookstore Het Fort Van Sjakoo [www.facebook.com/sjakoo/] – info@sjakoo.nl