How does *Make Change* approach organizing social movements?

King outlines three pillars: 1. **Energized people**: Mobilizing passionate supporters. 2. **Organized structures**: Creating accountability systems. 3. **Sophisticated plans**: Balancing urgency with long-term strategy.

Make Change Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Make Change* by Shaun King about?

*Make Change* by Shaun King is a memoir and activist guide detailing King’s journey as a social justice leader, focusing on combating systemic racism, police brutality, and mass incarceration. It combines personal stories—like his response to Eric Garner’s death—with actionable strategies for building movements, emphasizing grassroots organizing, self-care, and sustained commitment to justice.

Q: What are the main themes in *Make Change*?

Key themes include: - **Choosing your cause**: King urges readers to dedicate their lives to solving one systemic issue. - **Learning through action**: Emphasizes hands-on experience over theory, comparing activism to parenting. - **Movement-building**: Stresses organized people, sophisticated plans, and metrics beyond profit.

Make Change

Shaun King

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FAQs

In "Make Change," Black Lives Matter leader Shaun King delivers a practical blueprint for dismantling systemic oppression. Endorsed by Bernie Sanders, this activism guide reveals how organized movements create lasting justice. What unique gift will you contribute to the revolution King believes is within reach?

What is Make Change by Shaun King about?

Make Change by Shaun King is a memoir and activist guide detailing King’s journey as a social justice leader, focusing on combating systemic racism, police brutality, and mass incarceration. It combines personal stories—like his response to Eric Garner’s death—with actionable strategies for building movements, emphasizing grassroots organizing, self-care, and sustained commitment to justice.

Who should read Make Change?

This book is ideal for activists, organizers, and anyone seeking to understand modern social justice movements. It offers value to those new to activism (with frameworks for starting campaigns) and seasoned advocates (through insights on avoiding burnout and scaling efforts). Critics note it’s particularly relevant for readers interested in Black Lives Matter or systemic inequality.

Is Make Change worth reading?

Yes, for its blend of personal narrative and tactical advice. King provides actionable steps like prioritizing a single cause and delegating responsibilities, though some critique his anecdotal approach and lack of continuity in storytelling. The book’s focus on real-world examples, such as the Raise the Age campaign, adds practical relevance.

What are the main themes in Make Change?

Key themes include:

Choosing your cause: King urges readers to dedicate their lives to solving one systemic issue.
Learning through action: Emphasizes hands-on experience over theory, comparing activism to parenting.
Movement-building: Stresses organized people, sophisticated plans, and metrics beyond profit.

How does Shaun King address activism burnout?

King advocates for “revolutionary self-care,” including setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing mental health. He shares personal mistakes, like overcommitting, and advises activists to sustain energy through community support and realistic goals.

What role does personal choice play in Make Change?

The book argues systemic change starts with individual commitment. King describes his decision at age 34 to focus entirely on justice work, aligning his life’s purpose. He challenges readers to identify a problem they’ll devote themselves to solving.

King outlines three pillars:

Energized people: Mobilizing passionate supporters.
Organized structures: Creating accountability systems.
Sophisticated plans: Balancing urgency with long-term strategy.

What criticisms exist about Make Change?

Critics highlight King’s fragmented storytelling and reliance on anecdotal evidence without rigorous research. Some question his credibility due to past controversies, like the Rachel Maddow incident, and his transient career history.

How does Make Change relate to the Black Lives Matter movement?

As a BLM leader, King ties the book to the movement’s goals, sharing campaign strategies (e.g., combating police violence) and lessons from organizing protests. He stresses the importance of centering Black voices in systemic reform.

What practical advice does Shaun King offer for creating change?

Focus on one cause: Avoid spreading efforts too thin.
Build teams: Delegate tasks to avoid burnout.
Leverage storytelling: Use narratives to inspire action.

Why is Make Change relevant in 2025?

The book’s themes remain critical amid ongoing debates over racial equity, policing, and grassroots organizing. Its emphasis on adaptability—such as using digital tools for activism—aligns with modern movement-building trends.

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Key takeaways

The Call to Action That Cannot Be Ignored

00:00

That beautiful July morning in Santa Monica changed everything. Walking into my Global Green office, I had no idea a video message from a college friend would transform my life's direction. On my screen was Eric Garner, gasping "I can't breathe" as police officers choked him to death. Within weeks, I abandoned my stable career without a backup plan to fight police brutality and systemic racism full-time. It wasn't a calculated decision - it was a moral imperative I could no longer ignore. What makes this journey worth sharing isn't just passion but strategy. While many feel overwhelmed by America's ongoing struggles with racial injustice, climate crisis, and economic inequality, the most common question remains: "What can I actually do that matters?" The answer lies not in performative outrage or passive concern, but in understanding how change truly happens - through ordinary people making extraordinary commitments to solving specific problems. We've been taught a dangerously misleading story about human progress - that history moves steadily upward, from barbarism to civilization, from injustice to justice. This "Instagramification" of history jumps from highlight to highlight, obscuring the messy reality of how societies actually evolve. When historian Leopold von Ranke created the first exhaustive timeline of world history, he discovered something shocking: human history resembled the jagged Himalayas - sharp peaks of progress followed by devastating valleys of regression. We're currently experiencing what I call "the dip" - a period of regression following significant progress. The election of America's first Black president threatened established power structures, and the backlash was predictable to anyone familiar with historical patterns. Understanding this cycle doesn't mean accepting it - it means recognizing that our current struggles aren't anomalies but part of an ongoing battle between progress and regression.

Finding Your Purpose Through Decision and Action

Breaking Through Mental Barriers to Engagement

The Three Essential Elements of Successful Movements

Self-Care as Revolutionary Practice

The Power of Learning from Failure

What Problem Will You Make Your Own?

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Make Change by Shaun King Summary

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Key takeaways

The Call to Action That Cannot Be Ignored

Finding Your Purpose Through Decision and Action

Breaking Through Mental Barriers to Engagement