Community Organizing and Power Dynamics

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of 'Rules for Radicals'?

To create a guide for future community organizers to empower low-income communities and take away power from the 'haves'.

What does the term 'dogma' represent in 'Rules for Radicals'?

Enemy of human freedom.

What is the significance of revolution according to Alinsky?

It induces a moral revelation among the haves and creates a paranoid fear that must be defended.

What does Rule 1 state?

'Power is not only what you have but what they think you have'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind Rule 2?

Never go outside the expertise of your people. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rule 3 advise?

Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of your enemy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rule 5 represent?

'Ridicule is man's most potent weapon'. Signup and view all the answers

What is explained in Rule 12?

'The price of a successful attack is a constrictive alternative'. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rule 13 suggest?

'Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it'. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'self-interest' refer to in the context of the book?

The shifting alliances during WWII and the principle that every positive has its negative. Signup and view all the answers

What do the tactics of eyes, ears, and mouth signify?

Eyes parade what you have, ears hide it but make noise, mouth is unspecified. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose

Written for the "have-nots" to empower their communities by taking power from the "haves."
Aims to create a guide for future community organizers to unite low-income communities.
Seeks social, political, and economic equality by challenging systems promoting inequality.

Content Overview

Compiles lessons from personal experiences in community organizing (1939-1971).
Focuses on creating mass organization to seize power for the people.

Dogma

Described as an enemy of human freedom.

Revolution

The "have-nots" can induce moral revelations among the "haves."
Causes a paranoid fear among the "haves," compelling them to defend the status quo.
Revolution and communism are closely linked in this context.

Means and Ends

Ends are achieved without necessarily adhering to traditional means.

Rule 1

"Power is not only what you have but what they think you have."
Power derives from two main sources: money and people.
"Have-nots" must build power through personal connections and community involvement.

Rule 2

"Never go outside the expertise of your people."
Acting outside their expertise leads to fear, confusion, and communication breakdown.
Examples include familiar topics like flight paths or personal matters among community members.

Rule 3

"Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of your enemy."

Example of Military Strategy

General William T. Sherman used unconventional tactics, leading to confusion and panic among opposing forces.

Rule 4

"Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules."

Example of Accountability

Christian churches should adhere to their own teachings.

Rule 5

"Ridicule is man's most potent weapon."
Difficult to counterattack; it can infuriate opponents.

Rule 6

"A good tactic is one that your people enjoy."
Enjoyment by participants indicates effective engagement.

Rule 7

"A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag."
Sustained military interest is limited; activities can become ritualistic.

Rule 8

"Keep pressure on with different tactics and actions."
Utilize events relevant to the context to sustain momentum.

Rule 9

"The threat is usually more terrifying than the actual danger."
Imagination often amplifies perceived threats.

Rule 10

"The major premise for tactics is to maintain constant pressure on the opposition."
Ongoing pressure elicits reactions and sustains action.

Rule 11

"Pushing a negative hard enough can lead to its positive side."
Every positive has an inherent negative counterpart.

Example of Resistance

Gandhi's passive resistance exemplifies this rule, illustrating conflicts in real-life situations.

Rule 12

"The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative."
Avoid being trapped by the enemy's counteractions.

Rule 13

"Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it."
Clear identification of the target is crucial for focused opposition.

Example of Targeting

Difficulties in identifying enemies in urban areas lead to shifting responsibilities among officials.
Illustrates the need to keep focus on the primary targets without distraction.

Practical Application

Emphasizes working within existing limitations and stereotypes to leverage community strengths.

Self-Interest

Historical alliances highlight how self-interest can influence actions and relationships.

Tactics

Highlights the importance of visibility (eyes), deception (ears), and communication (mouth) in strategy formulation.

Description

Explore the principles of community organizing aimed at empowering 'have-nots' and challenging systemic inequalities. This quiz reflects on personal experiences from 1939-1971, focusing on the role of mass organization in achieving social, political, and economic equality. Dive into the concepts of power, revolution, and strategies for effective community mobilization.