I am a Mexican immigrant born and raised in Mexico. I am Biracial and equally love my Mexican heritage and American heritage. I was a green card holder until 1983 when my mother took a citizenship exam and naturalized us.   As an engineer and entrepreneur it has been my life mission to use my collective resources to help underserved and marginalized communities.  

My first experience with protesting was a couple months before the election.  When I returned I was unprepared for all the backlash from loved ones for attending a function where mothers of men and women who lost their lives to police violence shared their stories. Nevertheless I persisted and moved forward. On November 8,  I voted to reject hatred, bigotry, misogyny, discrimination and embrace love, empathy, equal rights, compassion and inclusivity.  

The day after the election I realized there is a lot of work to do to mobilize voters and protect the rights of underserved and marginalized communities. I took to social media and then the streets, and not alone. However, I wished I would’ve had a comprehensive guidebook at that time to tell me what to expect, remind me to prioritize self-care and inform me of my rights. 

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

In the recently published book, Road Map for Revolutionaries : Resistance, Activism and Advocacy For All, by Elisa Camahort Page, Carolyn Gerin and Jamia Wilson, one can tell the book is written as a comprehensive guidebook with resources, tutorials and check lists for revolutionaries.

I read the book from cover to cover and found hundred tips, tutorials and resources to enable activists, advocates to mobilize and keep their communities engaged in local and federal government issues. 

I highly recommend this book!  Whether you are new to advocacy or a seasoned activist, Road Map for Revolutionaries : Resistance, Activism and Advocacy For All is the go to guidebook to help you get started, raise consciousness and put together an action plan. It has a treasure trove of resources.

The book is divided into five sections: Protests and Civil Disobedience, Protecting Yourself Online and Off, Economic Pressure, Getting Into (and Out of) the Government and Reform School: Reforming Other Institutions In Our Lives.  

The guide-book provide resources on how to contact politicians, a self-care guide and resources for raising funding.  

These are my Key Takeaways from Road Map for Revolutionaries : Resistance, Activism and Advocacy For All:

1. Learn From Others Doing The Work.  At times it is intimidating to decide where to use our voice or what to get engaged in. The book breaks down the different types of advocacy to help you make a decision on where to contribute your time.  One of the best part of this book are the interviews with thought leaders who are activists, including a foreward from author and evangelist Guy Kawasaki, Revolutionary Educator Kelly Hurst who started the organization Being Black in School,  Revolutionary Healer, Dr. Tara Sood and Revolutionary Organizer Patrisse Cullors.   Their stories will inspire, encourage and empower you.
2. Embedding Yourself In Your Local Political Party is Vital.  Local government is one of the most important areas in our government. However, the election turnout for local elections is dismal.   If you are interested in getting engaged in local government follow the guidelines in the book.
3. Know Your Tools.  Social media is a great way to distribute information to your communities.  However, some platforms are better designed to tell a story.   While a blog post or Facebook post will help you get better traction.

 Road Map for Revolutionaries : Resistance, Activism and Advocacy For All  provides a comprehensive list of social media and crowd funding tools to help you share key messaging, raise funding and consciousness.   

Road Map for Revolutionaries : Resistance, Activism and Advocacy for All is  published by Ten Speed Press.  To order your copy go to Amazon.com