Identity, Place, Knowledge ― Social Movements Contesting Globalization

Coalition formation, broad-based campaign organizing, and activist education are among the methods discussed in this practical text for grassroots organizations attempting to advance their goals. The execution of social movements on a day-to-day basis is explained with attention to how social justice organizations struggle because many of the groups are disparate and poorly organized. The specific experiences of a leader of the Metro Network for Social Justice in Toronto are analyzed in detail to provide a practical discusssion of the key challenges facing social organizations: representation structures, decision making, democratic governance, and power in activist politics. The application of these issues illustrates methods and best practices for social change in other similar organizations.

Janet M. Conway is a professor of politics and public administration at Ryerson University. She is the former program director of the Social Planning Council of Metro Toronto and founder of the Metro Network for Social Justice.