‘I love this book! At a time in which activism must urgently rise to be a much more effective tool for systems change, Mueller gives us a deeply researched yet practical reference book to methodically take activism from passion to impact.’ Christiana Figueres, author of The Future We Choose
From Occupy Wall Street and the Arab Spring, to the pro-democracy uprisings in Hong Kong and the George Floyd protests in Mueller’s hometown of Minneapolis, we are seeing one of the largest worldwide swells of unrest in human history, and yet the individuals taking part have little sense of whether and when their bravery and sacrifice make a difference. Changemaker: A Data-Driven Guide to Being an Effective Activist will place proven tools in the hands of activists on the ground, with careful attention to the ethics of implementing various strategies.
Current events and evolving technologies create an urgent need for an understanding of how to make protest and activism effective. Democratically-minded protesters are under pressure to keep up with authoritarians, who are quickly learning how to use science and data analytics to get the upper hand on anyone who would defy them. This book can help to level the playing field between the enemies and guardians of freedom.
Changemaker provides a comprehensive, practical and essential playbook for both seasoned and aspiring activists and all those interested in how to effect real change. Including stories and quotes from activist protesters, Mueller incorporates lessons from international protest movements that social scientists study extensively but that many Western activists know little about.
‘I love this book! At a time in which activism must urgently rise to be a much more effective tool for systems change, Mueller gives us a deeply researched yet practical reference book to methodically take activism from passion to impact.’ – Christiana Figueres, author of the Future We Choose
‘Lisa Mueller is a scholar/activist, a scholar/activist who believes in evidence, who sees careful social science researchers as the crucial allies of social justice movements. Changemaker is chocked full of feet-on-the-ground evidence that can make pro-democracy, anti-racist, pro-women’s rights activists more effective. I learned something useful – often surprising! – on every page.’ – Cynthia Enloe, author of Twelve Feminist Lessons of War
‘This work delivers a much better alternative to activism than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Dr. Mueller shows the necessary blend of personal connections and scientific approaches to address the issues of this world with the most successful outcomes.’ – Desmond Meade
‘Imagine you’re an activist, passionate about making a difference in the world. You’re dedicated, hardworking, and deeply committed to your cause. But, despite your best efforts, you feel like you’re not making the impact you hoped for. You’re not alone. Many activists and social movements struggle to translate their passion into real, tangible change. This book is for you.’ – Omar Wasow, assistant professor of political science, UC Berkeley
Lisa Mueller is Associate Professor of Political Science at Macalester College, where she served as Director of African Studies from 2019 to 2020.
Mueller earned her Ph.D. from UCLA and was selected as a Fulbright Research Scholar at the University of Bordeaux and a Residential Fellow at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study.
Her work has appeared in leading scholarly journals and she is a sought-after expert on political and economic development, having advised the World Bank, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation & Development, USAID the State Department and others.
