Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals

In the general education of the community organizer, experience is always a part of the equation. Communication is possible “only through the experiences of the other” (70). It will be successful only when honest relationships are developed. Alinsky gives the example of being forthright about his hatred of a particular meal when eating with a community. They appreciated his honesty, trusting him more in future circumstances.

The ideal organizer will be curious. They will raise questions and try to penetrate patterns and old opinions. In many ways the organizer will be like Socrates, never satisfied with old ways and lazy thinking. The ideal organizer will be irreverent; they will challenge and agitate when necessary and nothing will be sacred. They will have an active and fertile imagination. They will be able “appraise and anticipate the probable reactions of the enemy” and find new ways to achieve their desired ends (74). They will have a sense of humor, not only to deflect the darker elements of their occupation, but as a means by which to view the world. The only way to survive is through laughter.

The community organizer will be a “well-integrated political schizoid” (78), able to see both sides of an issue and work harmoniously with a wide range of problems and concerns.