A Handbook for Changing Everything

By Andrew Chuter

Combining the distilled wisdom of socialist writer Jeff Sparrow and the graphic ingenuity of comic artist Sam Wallman, 12 Rules for Strife is a handbook for changing everything.

The 12 rules operate more as general principles ranging from “Direct Politics Works” and “Together We Are Strong” to “Mistrust the State” and “Practise Persuasion”, that activists through the centuries have found to work and lead to lasting positive change.

The book cautions us against self-congratulatory smug politics and instead promotes the hard work of winning people over. We can’t delegate to figureheads that reinforce hierarchy but must build confidence through collective action.

Wallman continues the mind-expanding style demonstrated in his previous book Our Members Be Unlimited. Each page bursts forth with breaking walls, connecting ribbons and masses of people combining as one. So much is communicated with relatively few words.

It’s complemented by excellent suggestions for further reading. Topics and writers include green bans, the Stonewall riots, Naomi Klein and Jane McAlevey.

This is a book to be acted upon, to inspire effective action and to share around with friends, colleagues and comrades.

[12 Rules for Strife will be launched in Gadi/Sydney at 6pm on May 23 at the Maritime Union of Australia auditorium in Sussex Street, Haymarket and in Naarm/Melbourne 5.30pm on June 7 at the MUA, Ireland Street, North Melbourne.]

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This post was previously published on Green Left and is republished with permission.

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