Re:Imagining Change

Overview

Providing resources, theory, hands-on tools, and illuminating case studies for the next generation of innovative change-makers, this unique book explores how culture, media, memes, and narrative intertwine with social change strategies. Re:Imagining Change is an inspirational inside look at the trailblazing methodology developed by the Center for Story-based Strategy. This new, expanded second edition includes even more examples from the front lines of social movements and links the reader with an online tool kit to help change the stories they care about most.

Reviews

"All around us the old stories are failing, crumbling in the face of lived experience and scientific reality. But what stories will replace them? That is the subject of this crucial book: helping readers to tell irresistible stories about deep change—why it is needed and what it will look like. The Story-based Strategy team has been doing this critical work for fifteen years, training an entire generation in transformative communication. This updated edition of Re:Imagining Change is a thrilling addition to the activist tool kit." —Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate

"This powerful and useful book is an invitation to harness the transformative power of stories by examining social change strategy through the lens of narrative. Re:Imagining Change is an essential resource to make efforts for fundamental social change more enticing, compelling, and effective. It's a potent how-to book for anyone working to create a better world." —Ilyse Hogue, president, NARAL Pro-Choice America

"Brilliant and invaluable. George Lakoff introduced the progressive movement to the power of framing. Doyle Canning and Patrick Reinsborough take framing to a far more powerful level and provide practical tools essential to the success of every progressive organization that seeks to bring forth a world of peace and justice. It gets my highest recommendation." —David Korten, author of The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community

"We are surrounded and shaped by stories every day, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. But what Doyle Canning and Patrick Reinsborough point out is a beautiful and powerful truth––that we are all storytellers too. Armed with the right narrative tools, activists can not only open the world's eyes to injustice, but feed the desire for a better world. Re:Imagining Change is a powerful weapon for a more democratic, creative and hopeful future." —Raj Patel, author of The Value of Nothing: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy

"As an introduction to story-based strategy, the book offers organizers and advocates a new and necessary way to understand and transform the impact of stories on our public life." —Malkia Cyril, executive director, Center for Media Justice

Author Biography

Doyle Canning is a strategist, facilitator, and coach for social and ecological justice movements. Patrick Reinsborough is a social movement strategist, change agent, and creative provocateur with thirty years of experience. He lives with his family in Oakland, CA. Jonathan Matthew Smucker is Director of Beyond the Choir and has worked for more than two decades as a grassroots political organizer and strategist. He is author of Hegemony How-To: A Roadmap for Radicals.