They are women who call the City of Riverside home and who have all made a difference in our community. Through oral history interviews exploring their roots, call to activism, inspiration, and advice, learn the unique story of each of these women who have made their own indelible contributions.

Having identified a problem, they set out to find the solution. How?

"We co-power," says Vonya Quarles.

"Train the community to speak for itself," says Elizabeth Ayala.

Riverside's Resistance Revival Chorus speaks of a "ripple effect."

The important work is often done "behind the scenes, below the surface," says Paulette Brown-Hinds

Sure, they encountered obstacles.

Penny Newman says, "We were dismissed as hysterical housewives."

"A righteous anger can actually be really good when you channel it into a generative action," says Donatella Galella .

Jane Block has "no enemies, just people who need more information."

"Don't let them erase you," says Rabbi Suzanne Singer.

Are YOU ready to create change?

Whether you live in Riverside, California and its environs or in another city, county, state, country, or continent, let this book serve as a model. Fortify yourself with inspiration and advice then, like Riverside environmentalist-turned-Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, "Go get it done."