Dennise M. Kowalczyk sits down with Rex Burkholder to discuss his book, The Activist's ToolKit. Trained as a biologist, Rex Burkholder has worked as a science teacher; he is a founder and policy director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Currently, he is leading the charge to get kids outside to learn with restoring Outdoor School for All Oregon children. He was a member of the Metro Council where he led efforts to reform regional transportation policy and to integrate climate change into the decisions of all levels of government in Oregon. And now, he can add published author to his list of contributions.
Imparting a ton of practical advice and wisdom gained through over forty years of civic activism, Rex Burkholder has written a guidebook for people who care about people. The Activist’s Toolkit is a creative approach to leadership, helping you be more effective as a community activist.
1. Tools to help you discover and articulate your passions and talents: Build your “leadership resume,” and articulate your personal “elevator speech.”
2. Guidance in finding allies and opportunities to make a difference. See how you can be an activist in your work and your community.
3. Practical information on managing your time, finding funding and motivating others.
The lessons in this book can be used by anyone—from the elected official to the nonprofit leader to the average citizen—hoping to discover new, more inclusive ways to address community problems.
The combination of exercises for personal reflection, practical suggestions for working with others, and stories of the successes and failures of ordinary people offers every reader ways to communicate authentically, advocate effectively, and lead productively toward a better world.
Rex will be at Powell’s on Hawthorne on Thursday, January 25 at 7 pm. To learn more about Rex, his work in the world, and his book, The Activist Toolkit, visit his website, www.gettingto2100.org.
- KBOO