HEROCRATS

Bell sounds a call for government workers to use their “superpowers” for workplace change.

“The US government helped to build, and in many cases continues to maintain, systems of oppression,” the author writes at the outset of her book, immediately setting the eye-opening tone; “Our country is falling short of the promise of liberty and justice for all.” In her view, the front line of resistance to these systems of oppression is perhaps an unlikely one: the rank-and-file government workers she refers to as “herocrats.” Faced with the whole gamut of the world’s problems, from climate change to poverty to global pandemics to rampant wealth inequality (and all too aware that many of these issues affect marginalized groups first and worst), these herocrats have their hands full and often face ingrained institutional obstacles as well as personal challenges (“herocrats don’t just point their finger outward; they also examine the roles they play,” asserts Bell). In concise chapters offering pointers, explanations, and personal stories, the author advises readers on productive steps herocrats can take. Bell is unflagging in her passion for justice—and also in her narrative cheerfulness, which bubbles throughout her book. This is a strong call to action that invariably makes said action seem like good, invigorating fun. There are quite a few sentiments in these pages that many readers may energetically reject—proclamations like “Ultimately, nobody really does anything important alone.” Some readers may balk at the idea of government workers engaged in ideological crusades (“dismantling the house” as Bell puts it, in order to “speak the truth” and effect change), and the author at times seems to advocate for her herocrats to pursue these agendas regardless of their roles as members of teams (“Although the day-to-day work of herocrats involves collaborating with people, the end goal … is to create more equitable and just communities by changing systems, policies, and cultures in their organizations”). Still, the broader picture Bell paints about combatting institutional biases is inspiring.

A readable and wide-ranging playbook for government workers wanting to change the world.