Description

I have been writing articles, Op-Eds and essays for fifty years. They supported my activism. In 2017, I collected thirty-eight pieces into an anthology. I named the book Becoming a Leader because each one was written to clarify my thinking, explain an issue, advocate for a position, and refine my leadership skills. Returning from the Vietnam War I presented myself in hope publicly against that war, for peace, which annoyed many of my neighbors. I then spoke against censorship, racism, then for economic justice and civil rights, to protect the environment, to advocate for veterans and union workers. These essays strengthened my impact as a leader. I studied politics, American culture, and organizational development, the history of transformative social change, elections and revolutions. You’ll find some of the lessons I learned and what I did with that knowledge.

Organizing this book I reflected on my choices and the ones I now face. I present these thoughts and experiences hoping you will value your experience and wisdom and share it with the next generation. They face common questions. What do I believe and prioritize? Shall I live where I was raised? What are my skills? What kind of work do I want to do? What forms of personal relationships do I want? Do I want to have children? What values will I share with them? Do I value diversity or prefer living within my own “tribe”? What does America mean to me? Do I want to shape its future and if so, how? These essays may help you find answers to some of these questions.