The Power of Just Doing Stuff: How Local Action Can Change the World

Something is stirring. People around the world are deciding that the well-being of their community and its economy lies with them. They're people like you. They've had enough, and, rather than waiting for permission, they're rolling up their sleeves, getting together with friends and neighbours, and doing something about it. Whether they start small or big, they're finding that just doing stuff can transform their neighbourhoods and their lives. The Power of Just Doing Stuff argues that this shift represents the seeds of a new economy - the answer to our desperate search for a new way forward - and at its heart is people deciding that change starts with them. Communities worldwide are already modelling a more local economy rooted in place, in well-being, in entrepreneurship, and in creativity. And it works. Packed with inspiring real-life examples of how to change things, this book ties in with the increasing focus on community action during tough economic times. This brilliant book is ideal for schools, community groups and campaigners as well as the general public and Transition groups.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Why we need to do something Opening the door to new possibilities The power of just getting on with it Daring to dream: where we could end up A few closing thoughts Next steps Notes Resources Index

About the Author :
Rob Hopkins is the multi-award winning co-founder of Transition Town Totnes and of the Transition Network. Named by the Independent as one of the UK's top 100 environmentalists, Rob is an accomplished writer of both books and posts on his blog, transitionculture.org. He is the winner of the 2008 Schumacher Award, the 2009 Observer Ethical Award for campaigning, and in 2012 won the European Economic and Social Committee Civil Society prize, among other achievements. Rob lectures and writes widely on peak oil and Transition, and has recently completed a PhD on Transition and Resilience at Plymouth University.

Review :
Rob Hopkins reminds us how actions speak louder than words, and he does it with practical examples and the passion of someone who has successfully practiced what he writes about. There's no one on earth who's just done more stuff--and inspired more doing--than Rob Hopkins. This book shows how you can Do Stuff Too! Rob Hopkins has done more to change the way that we live in the past 10 years than any one else in Britain. Because he has given people the tools to create change for themselves. It is beautifully simple and incredibly powerful. There's a buzz around this book, and its message, that give great grounds for optimism on topics that are often rather doom-laden. Its true power lies in the fact that its many smart ideas are already underway. Rob Hopkins is a master at doing stuff. He makes the necessary look desirable and possible. Hopkins has understood that paths are made by walking and that what matters is taking steps. Dealing with global challenges will need important rules set at high levels, but we will only survive and thrive if we become enchanted by positive change locally, where we experience the world. This book is that spell to help rapid transition happen. I see [Transition] as a wonderful combination of civic local engagement and a worldwide network. In many towns throughout the world people get together, finding community, enthusiastic about the idea of together envisioning a future model for their town that will make it worth living in. Rob Hopkins' book is a truly unique piece of work that anyone who cares about our future in this densely populated and threatened world should read. It offers original thought and clear analysis. It also combines realism and hope.