I purchased Omari L. Willaims’ self-help book— Micro Activism: How You Can Make A Difference in the World (Without a Bullhorn).

Why would I do that when I scorn the genre?

The few self-help books I’ve dipped into convinced me that most contain only enough information for a pamphlet. The redundancy, padded prose, wide margins, and bullet points in over-sized fonts are necessary to fill enough pages for a book. Obvious conclusions are presented as hierophonies.

Yes, I am an over-confident, impatient person more willing to risk mistakes than to read instructions. So no, I am not the intended audience for self-help books.

However, this title offered guidance to one, like me, seeking to influence the political/cultural direction of this huge, messed-up country. I was also looking for a figurative life jacket to avoid drowning in the insurmountable odds against making a difference.

Besides, I liked the cover!

Inside the book I found the expected wide margins and bullet points. But HEY! this is good information. It’s well organized. It’s HELPFUL!

Williams has a method for people who want to make the world a better place. She invites the reader to examine what they do well, how they can use that and where to start. She’s specific. She’s realistic. She’s encouraging.

This book is an affirmation of every level of activism, from small acts (e.g. donating to a food bank) to headline-grabbing acts (e.g. organizing large scale protests). Williams slathers us readers with her overflowing confidence that you can make this a better world—that you are already making this a better world.

She shores us up! That’s a good thing.

Micro Activism is a timely book. Go get a copy. Lap up the encouragement and pass it along to a thirsty friend.