Chasing Social Justice: How Do We Advance the Work That Matters Most?

While deeply meaningful and utterly essential, social justice work can be confounding, raising many complex questions. Why do we take one step forward and then two steps back – on racial justice, the environment, immigration, removing barriers to economic opportunity, gun control? What can we do to bridge the divides in our increasingly polarized country, beginning with the very language we use? How can nonprofits and public agencies best serve constituents in need, balancing mission with necessities such as marketing (too often dismissed as a luxury)? What lessons from past social justice efforts directly benefit our current work? How do those in justice professions make a sustainable difference, and how do we keep on keeping on?Chasing Social Justice addresses these questions in an unusually poignant and accessible way, combining lived experience with political analysis, illuminating lessons learned over the past three decades across social justice movements, initiatives, and organizations. Described by Mike Dukakis as "Just what we need ....at just the right time," this riveting new book is ideal for: •Nonprofit leaders•Professors teaching graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Public Health, Social Work, Management, Public Policy, Education, Sociology, and Political Science•New and long-time activistsABOUT THE AUTHOROver the past three decades, Laurie Sherman has held leadership and management roles in public health, educational equity, neighborhood organizing, and human rights. She served as a policy advisor for Tom Menino, Boston’s longest-serving mayor. While working for Mayor Menino, Laurie spearheaded the creation of the city’s plan to prevent the academic achievement gap in the next generation of students. She is currently Executive Vice President at Thompson Island Outward Bound in the Boston Harbor. Laurie earned a MA degree in Management and Social Policy from Heller Graduate School at Brandeis and an undergraduate degree from Brown University.