Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions That Winand Last

By Kyrsten Sinema

Book Overview

Old-school divide-and-conquer tactics--demonizing opponents, frightening voters, refusing to compromise--may make us feel good about the purity of our ideals, but it's no way to get anything done. Worse, this approach betrays some of the most cherished ideals of the progressive movement: inclusion, reason, justice, and hope.

Illuminated by examples from her own work and a host of campaigns across the country, Kyrsten Sinema shows how to forge connections--both personal and political--with seemingly unlikely allies and define our values, interests, and objectives in ways that broaden our range of potential partners and expand our tactical options.

With irreverent humor, enthralling campaign stories, and solid, practical advice, Sinema enables us to move past "politics as war" and build support for progressive causes on the foundation of our common humanity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576758893
• ISBN13: 9781576758892
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Well worth the read for leaders

Sometimes aggression is not the best way to get things done. "Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions That Win - And Last" is a different approach to business ideals that suggest putting away the competition in favor of uniting to get things done. Drawing from her own wisdom from the campaign trail and her own political battles, author Kyrsten Sinema provides real-world proven examples for her theories. "Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions That Win - And Last" is well worth the read for leaders of these types of political organizations.

Interesting and informative

Unite and Conquer is written in Kyrsten Sinema's fresh and knowledgeable voice. It is not your every day book on politics, it is better! Like a field guide from someone who has been there before. The information shared in Unite and Conquer is real hands-on advice and information that can be used not only in politics, it can be used in personal and professional relationships as well. Read this book, you will be glad you did.

You don't have to be a politician (Even though we need good ones)

If you have been frustrated when trying to find that thin line between standing up for what you know is right and getting things done - especially when lots of other people are involved - you'll find this little book useful. As honest and funny as the author is, (and you will hear her voice as clear as a bell) her message is serious and direct. Change must become real. Or, it doesn't become change. And, if it is real change, your're starting out as the minority. How do you make real change a reality when you're outnumbered? Make it focused, short-term, specific, value-based. Then find the values you have in common with people who see themselves as different than you. Go where they are, meet them there. Find common cause: create coalition. If it can work in the Arizona legislature, it can work anywhere. Read it, and pass it on. Use it.

Interested in starting out in politics? Read this --

If someone is starting out in politics and wants to learn, from Kyrsten's experience, both how to fail at gaining legislative victories -- and MORE IMPORTANTLY how to succeed -- then this is a must-read primer. Funny at times, this is a well-written manifesto by an up-and-coming politician who's learning how to succeed in building coalitions. In fact, any reader will benefit from taking on board her ideas.