How are ordinary citizens achieving extraordinary change? In the new book “Your America”, NOW on PBS executive producer John Siceloff and writer Jason Maloney investigate the topic that has become the theme of election 2008: change. By revealing the inspiring, courageous stories of ordinary citizens that have accomplished extraordinary change, “Your America” reminds us that we all have the strength to transform our communities. The success of these local heroes gives us a fresh take on the power of grassroots democracy and non-partisan civic activism.
Meet the 12 local heroes profiled in “Your America”
Read an Excerpt
How do you get started if you want to make a difference in America? That’s the question we asked each of the people profiled in Your America.
What’s fascinating is what we didn’t hear. These folks didn’t get their start working for political parties. Their credentials weren’t burnished in think tanks – progressive, conservative or libertarian. They weren’t on the payroll of advocacy groups. They didn’t become grassroots activists because somebody paid them or trained them to do it.
These people began working for change in their communities because they cared passionately about an issue close to their lives. Something wasn’t working, and they wanted to fix it. They became involved.
