From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation

The much anticipated 2nd edition of "From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation" is a book that empowers readers to successfully navigate their social justice journeys and channel their increased consciousness into direct action. The book provides robust historic, cultural, and social contexts, assists readers in managing the discomfort that often accompanies raised consciousness, and offers step-by-step instructions for initiating social justice campaigns and projects.
 
The text examines various types of direct action, the art of dialoguing through disagreement, the risks and rewards associated with activism, the importance of effective leadership and collaboration, and activism in the wake of significant social and political issues, including police brutality and the COVID-19 pandemic. Readers learn about the challenges and successes of activists past and present, and are encouraged to recognize the struggles and achievements that define their own journeys.
 
This expanded, responsive second edition includes a new chapter on allyship, QR codes, and an appendix related to speech preparation and delivery. It features more global examples of activism, as well as additional experiences from Asian American communities within the United States.

Table of Contents for the 2nd edition:

Preface

What is Social Justice Activism?
1. Raised by Racists and 1980's Pop Culture
2. The Language of Experienced Activists
3. Choosing a Cause and Taking Direct Action
4. Risks and Rewards of Social Justice Activism 
 
Stories of Activists Past and Present
5. Social Justice During the 19th Century in the United States
6. Social Justice During the 20th Century in the United States
7. Personal Turning Points for Social Justice Activists

Communication and Community
8. Acting in Allyship
9. Convincing Others: Considerations for Dialogue
10. Leadership Committed to Social Justice
11. Working in Groups and Building Coalitions
 
Appendix: Organizing and Delivering Speeches
 
Glossary of Terms

Index

Amy Aldridge Sanford is a professor of communication and vice provost for academic programs at Middle Tennessee State University. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in communication studies from the University of Iowa, and a M.Ed. in school administration and B.A. in communication education from Northeastern State University. Amy specializes in leadership, nonprofit, diversity and inclusion, qualitative research, and curriculum development, and her research appears in numerous academic journals, book chapters, newspapers, and national newsletters. A TEDx speaker and curator, she is a frequent presenter at conferences, campuses, and to community groups.