THE NOT SO HELPLESS FEMALE: How to Change the World Even If You Never Thought You Could -- A Step-by-Step Guide to Social Action

There's strength in numbers and for those interested in turning the focus of Women's Lib away from ""what's wrong with us"" to ""what's wrong out there,"" Ms. Sommers has put together a primer on organizing to combat whatever: consumer fraud, sex discrimination, offensive advertising, unsafe toys, the draft, overcrowded classrooms, restrictions of abortion, etc., etc. Mostly this very detailed, explicit manual will be of use to novice activists suffering from residual ""housewife paralysis."" She begins with some basic ""push-ups' to get you in gear -- stick labels that say this insults women on your unfavorite ad; write an irate letter to the press; learn some Nader-raider muckraking techniques. This is followed up by guidelines on how to hold a meeting (not a gab session), form a caucus, write a press release -- somewhat belabored to be sure but potentially useful. And some of her suggestions on ""feminizing tactics"" are well worth heeding. Consider the story of the overweight woman from a Welfare Rights Organization who wanted the commissioner to hand over some travel money for a convention -- ""I'll go sit on his lap. He'll say yes, or go under."" More conventionally she outlines fund raising techniques, planning for maximum media exposure and other legal, quasi-legal and psychological weapons which may be unleashed on recalcitrant male chauvinists or obstreperous, porcine potentates. In a word Ms. Sommers is full of practical, imaginative tips on how most effectively to deploy your frustrated missionary zeal -- and if that's what's causing your malaise, go to it.