About the Book

Civil society, communitarianism, new social movements, NGOs - these are the watchwords of an age in which unprecedented numbers of people have joined organizations and involved themselves in social action. Yet, as Brian Murphy argues, many of us are pessimistic when confronted by the powerful forces of huge faceless corporations and the governments that serve them, about our ability to change anything. This book is for all those - community workers, development workers, social activists of every kind - who want to overcome pessimism and play a part in changing society in the direction of peace, justice and dignity for all human beings.

Brian Murphy elaborates a framework for a renewal of human action and learning. He explains why progressive social organisation is possible and identifies some of the principles which can promote it.

His book is a passionate call for values-led action and radical social change. Whether used in courses or more informally, its readers will find themselves refreshed, reinvigorated - optimism is not whistling in the wind; progressive change is possible.

About the Author

Brian K Murphy

Contents

Contents
Preface
Part 1: The Challenge
1. The Courage to Be
2. The Dilemma of Action & the Psychology of Inertia
3. Confronting Dilemma: Beyond Inertia
Part 2: Possibilities in Process
4. The Missing Link
5. The Individual: The Visionary
6. Changing the Established Rationality
7. Imperatives for Modern Education
Part 3: The Open Conspiracy
8. The Open Conspiracy: Allies for Health and Action
9. Theatres and Strategies: Embracing the Future
10. Education and the Open Conspiracy
11. Conclusion
Epilogue: Eclectic Notes on Knowledge and Action
Related Reading

Commendations

"If you are disoriented, dispirited, or simply worn down by the enormity of it all, then curl up with the time-tested
wisdom of Brian Murphy as he opens door after door into the miraculous world of social activism." - John Cavanagh, Director, Institute for Policy, Studies Co-Author, ‘Global Dreams: Imperial Corporations and the New World Order‘

"Brian Murphy‘s book provides a framework, in fact, almost a map, for those of us who ‘do believe, deep in our hearts,we shall overcome, some day.‘ ‘Must‘ reading for all social justice activists." - Kim Klein, author of ‘Fundraising for Social Change‘ and publisher of the ‘Grassroots Fundraising Journal‘

"Brian Murphy‘s Transforming Ourselves, Transforming the World is a wake-up call for the human spirit. For those lulled into inaction by hopelessness and fatalism, Murphy implores us to break out of our self-imposed limitations and recognize our vast potential for growth and change. Readers will undoubtedly be inspired to accept his enticing invitation to "subvert and conspire" in the name of social
justice." - Medea Benjamin,Co-Director of Global Exchange and author of ‘Bridging the Global Gap‘

"This is such a hopeful, liberating book. One feels inspired to imagine something more transforming in our individual and
collective lives as activists. It takes us to the edge of what we do not know. What an affirming place to arrive at." - Lance Evoy. Coordinator, Institute in Management and Community Development at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

"This is a book filled with hope. Far from accepting the myth of inevitability, Brian Murphy dares us to imagine a just future in which ordinary people accept the mantle of ‘intentional citizenship‘ and create a moral alternative to economic globalization. Read this wonderful book." - Maude Barlow, Chairperson, Council of Canadians