Citizen Ninja: Stand Up to Power by Mary Baker

This book empowers citizens to engage effectively in local government, promoting civil discourse, transparency, and community involvement.

To the esteemed members of KICLEI,

I highly recommend reading Citizen Ninja: Stand Up to Power in Pursuit of Freedom, Truth, and Justice. This insightful book by author Mary Baker emphasizes the crucial role of active civic engagement and the power of informed, assertive citizens in shaping their communities.

Citizen Ninja encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and challenge powerful entities that can disenfranchise the public. The book highlights the importance of being prepared, discerning, self-reliant, and assertive, qualities essential for effective civic participation. It focuses on the significance of community involvement, urging citizens to pay attention to government business and actively direct elected officials to create policies that benefit the entire community.

Baker's approach to political activism is peaceful, promoting an exchange of ideas, robust debate, respect, and tolerance. The book provides practical strategies for engaging with local government agencies, city councils, school boards, and other institutions, emphasizing the need for ongoing participation beyond election periods.

Readers will learn how to speak up in public without fear, master skills for effective civil discourse, and understand the importance of honesty, trust-building, and constructive solutions. Citizen Ninja is an empowering guide for anyone passionate about preserving the power of self-government and actively participating in the public square.

Additionally, I encourage you to listen to this podcast featuring an interview with Mary Baker. In this podcast, Rachael talks to Baker about her book and her goal to train 2,000 citizen ninjas. The discussion covers effective communication, handling family with different political views, and engaging with local, state, and international organizations.

In 2013, Mary launched a workshop and an accompanying training manual called How to Become a Citizen Ninja™. By 2014, she had taught over 800 citizens how to participate effectively in the civic process, engage in civil discourse, and neutralize bullies who attempt to silence them. For more information and to sign up for Citizen Ninja Training, visit Mary Baker's website or Technocracy News.

I believe this book and podcast will be valuable resources for KICLEI members, offering practical advice and inspiration for becoming more effective and influential in their civic duties.

Sincerely,

Maggie Braun