Join the Houston DSA Political Education Working Group Monday, March 29 at 7pm for our biweekly Reading Group! We’re having a teach-in on Jane McAlevey’s No Shortcuts.

In NO SHORTCUTS: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age, Dr. Jane F. McAlevey investigates the reasons behind the recent failures of unions and lays out a way forward for the progressive movement. McAlevey, an experienced community, electoral, and labor organizer, presents a dozen case studies of unions and social movements seeking to effect change in the twenty-first century. As she analyzes each case, she identifies the reasons for the movement’s success or failure.

​Progressives can win, McAlevey argues, but lack the organized power to enact significant change, to outlast their bosses in labor fights, and to hold elected leaders accountable. NO SHORTCUTS shows that what victorious movements have in common is the use of grassroots mass organizing rather than the top-down strategies such as advocacy that have recently gained favor. As always, these readings are not necessary to attend, but is to provide context for those who wish to dig deeper.

The Houston DSA Reading Group is open to members and non-members alike. We strive to be accessible to all attendees regardless of background knowledge or expertise. Notes and a presentation on the articles will be provided, so you can follow along even if you don’t finish. See you there!