Lobbying for Change
Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society
by Alberto Alemanno
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Pub Date 1 May 2017 | Archive Date 6 Oct 2017
Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd | Icon Books
Description
'We need effective citizen-lobbyists - not just likers, followers or even marchers - more than ever. I have no hesitation in lobbying you to read this book.'
Bill Emmott, former editor in chief, the Economist
Many democratic societies are experiencing a crisis of faith. Citizens are making clear their frustration with their supposedly representative governments, which instead seem driven by the interests of big business, powerful individuals and wealthy lobby groups.
What can we do about it? How do we fix democracy and get our voices heard?
The answer, argues Alberto Alemanno, is to become change-makers - citizen lobbyists. By using our skills and talents and mobilizing others, we can bring about social and political change. Whoever you are, you've got power, and this book will show you how to unleash it.
From successfully challenging Facebook's use of private data to abolishing EU mobile phone roaming charges, Alberto highlights the stories of those who have lobbied for change, and shows how you can follow in their footsteps, whether you want to influence immigration policy, put pressure on big business or protect your local community.
Advance Praise
'In these troubling times, we need effective
citizen-lobbyists -- not just likers, followers or even marchers -- more than
ever. No one has provided a more readable, persuasive and inspiring guide to
how to be such a person than Alberto Alemanno. I have no hesitation in lobbying
you to read this book.' – Bill Emmott, former editor in chief, The
Economist, and chairman, The Wake Up Foundation
‘A fresh and smart take on the challenges posed by the new forms of democratic engagement and participation’ – Enrico Letta
‘Lobbying for Change unveils an inconvenient
truth: it is not the interests of the few that are overrepresented but those of
the many that are underrepresented in the policy process. This book provides a
guide for citizens to act as an equalising force in today’s polarised society.
An inspiring, timely and positive narrative of today’s state of democracy and
an antidote to the trap of populism.’ – Pascal Lamy, former Director of the World Trade Organisation and EU Commissioner for
Trade
‘Reviving civil society is a crucial task for today and
tomorrow, and the strength of citizen lobbying is a vital indicator of civil
society’s health. Alberto Alemanno has given us just what we need to guide us
in this task – an intelligent, accessible and comprehensive handbook.’ –
Michael Edwards, editor of
OpenDemocracy’s ‘Transformation’
‘Offers inviting and practical ways for people to connect
to politicians and decision makers. Only through this kind of interaction can
we build resilient, open, and legitimate governance and cooperation.’ – Marietje Schaake, Member of the European
Parliament
‘Lobbying for Change is the antidote to what ails us:
moving would-be change makers beyond “clicktivism” and the occasional march to
by a step-by-step guide to get active in shaping the future you want to see.’ –
Gillian Caldwell, CEO, Global
Witness
‘You ― yes, YOU ― have much more power than you think.
This book is an essential guide on how to use it.’ – Rui Tavares, historian
and author of the Tavares Report on the Rule of Law in the EU
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781785782855 |
| PRICE | US$15.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 240 |
Featured Reviews
Joanna B, Reviewer
Alberto Alemanno is an academic and an advocate for citizen lobbying and this book fits in well with both of those narratives. The content is well-researched and comprehensive without losing focus on the main purpose: how to lobby as a citizen.
I admit I was a bit impatient about getting to the lobbying part, which doesn’t get addressed until the 30% mark of the book. The theory is important, however, and since I quickly waned in my interest after finding out what lobbying is and how to do it — with some specific and concise examples and a handy instruction section — I can appreciate the effort that went into the first part of the book.
The instructions on how to lobby are clear and accessible and dispel the notion that only a few well-placed people or corporations in society can take part in this type of activity.
One of the latest lobbying actions Alemanno took part in was trying to get glyphosates banned through the EU. The chemical that has been linked to health concerns was renewed for five years through parliament but it could have been renewed for fifteen years. Citizen lobbying has helped in limiting the renewal to a much smaller space of time.
After years of campaigning by NGOs and citizens about its alleged harmful health effects, demonstrated by the four million signatures collected by the European Citizen Initiative (ECI) ‘Stop Glyphosate’ supported by WeMove and Avaaz, no decision-maker could turn a blind eye to such concerns.
Alemanno writes about lobbying the EU but there are legitimate avenues for citizens to have their voices heard in local arenas too and instructions can be found for those as well. When efforts are harnessed in the right way we can all make change happen to a certain extent. Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society reveals various routes other than through the traditional forms such as voting. This is called citizen-lobbying and through these years of austerity it’s a nice start to be given directions about how to help.
One example in the UK is the Petitions Committee that provides a mechanism for people’s opinions to be heard. If a petition receives 10,000 signatures, Government will provide a response; if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in parliament. So far there have been 44 responses and two debates in parliament.
This book feels like a positive addition to our times, which aims to empower when all around feels like a disempowering exercise to benefit corporations and those already in power. A small read for a greater purpose.
Lobbying for Change by Alberto Alemanno available through The Hive (which benefits local bookshops)
