From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation empowers readers to successfully navigate their individual social justice journeys and channel their increased consciousness into activism. The book provides robust historic, cultural, and social context for social justice work, assists readers in managing the discomfort that often accompanies raised consciousness, and offers step-by-step instructions for initiating social justice campaigns and projects.

The text examines the history of liberal activism in the United States, various types of activism, significant social movements, the art of dialoguing through disagreement, the importance of leadership, and the risks and rewards associated with activism. Readers learn about the challenges and successes of activists past and present, and are encouraged to recognize the struggles and achievements that define their own journeys. An extensive list of causes is provided, along with strategies for getting involved, empowering readers to identify causes that are important to them and to take action.

A powerful and innovative resource for those inspired to make a difference, From Thought to Action is ideal for freshman seminars, service learning and community engagement programs, and a variety of courses within the social and behavioral sciences, including capstone experiences.

Amy Aldridge Sanford is a professor of communication and associate provost for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in communication studies from the University of Iowa, and a M.Ed. in school administration and B.A. in communication education from Northeastern State University. She specializes in leadership, gender, nonprofit, diversity, qualitative research, and pedagogy, and her research has been published in numerous academic journals, book chapters, newspapers, and national newsletters.