Power to the People

Danny connects his personal story with society's collective story of who we are and who we can be. He provides a beacon that lights up our confidence that we can shift power to the people and helps guide us on our way -- Winnie Byanyima, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations After a lifetime of campaigning Danny has written a passionate, wise, inspiring and - hurray! - very entertaining book about how individuals really do have the power to change the world for the better -- Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief Urgent and essential, at the heart of Power to the People lies a simple but profound truth: that people acting together can change the world -- Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Danny Sriskandarajah has written a book that is positive, instructive, probing, inspiring and hopeful. His own life story shows the power of people, and his message that we the people must take back control of the future could not be more timely -- David Miliband, former UK Foreign Secretary I would rather see this book on the desk of any executive, over the countless business books which wrongly argue that companies should pursue profit at all costs. It is a timely reminder that people shape economies, that inequality is far from inevitable, and that we must work collectively - business, government, and citizens - to build a brighter future where all can thrive -- Paul Polman, business leader and co-author of Net Positive This wise, warm and worldly book calls on us to reimagine our democracies and democratize our economies. It's time - so dive in! -- Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics Powerful -- Yanis Varoufakis, economist and politician In present times, our disillusionment with leaders and institutions is - fortunately - matched by our urgency to act, to reform and to collaborate for good. To unlock change we must find better ways to connect hard-won lessons from the past with our vivid imagination of the future. In this book, Danny provides inspiration, analysis and examples from his own experience on how this is possible. -- Lysa John, Secretary General, CIVICUS This is the intriguing story of the volunteerism and participation that Danny champions smashing up against the steel walls of modern authoritarianism. And more grippingly, the ways to dismantle those walls with a direct democracy that drops its historic formalism and espouses direct engagement by people. This is a handbook about democratic renewal. -- Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations In a world filled with challenges, Power to the People offers a refreshing perspective and a call to action for all who aspire to create a more just and equitable society. As we rethink and retool activism to meet unprecedented and existential challenges, this book is essential reading. -- Kumi Naidoo, former head of Amnesty International, CIVICUS and Greenpeace International Danny's call to protect civic freedoms, renew democracy and deliver the Sustainable Development Goals is much needed at such a difficult time. -- Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders