New Book Offers the Gift of Optimism for the Holidays

Minneapolis, Minn., December 17, 2010 ~ The commons marks the rediscovery of an old truth: a wealth of valuable assets belong to all of us, from clean air and water to the Internet and public spaces. A new movement is emerging as people from all walks of life—web savvy young people, Greens, communities throughout the global South, Greens, justice advocates and concerned citizens everywhere—find the commons a powerful tool for making a better world. A new book on the topic offers the gift of optimism, just in time for the holidays.

Filled with innovative solutions for today’s economic, political, and social issues, All That We Share (published by New Press, ISBN: 978-1-59558-499-1) chronicles the shift from “me” to “we” that could transform modern society. In a handy field-guide format—sprinkled with cartoons, photos, lists and stories of people making a difference—veteran journalist Jay Walljasper captures the sheer breadth of the commons from politics to the arts to urban planning to Open Source Culture. The book also showcases the writings from luminaries such as Robert Reich, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elinor Ostrom, Winona LaDuke, Bill McKibben, Maude Barlow, and Lewis Hyde.

The commons today is under assault from many sides, and this book reminds us of what we are in danger of losing as well as highlighting news strategies being developed to reclaim what is rightly ours. All That We Share is an inspiring and much needed guide to the new world of the commons that details success stories from communities around the globe. This book is for anyone seeking fresh ways of thinking about our shared values.

About the Author:

Jay Walljasper, author of The Great Neighborhood Book and editor of OnTheCommons.org, is a leading writer and speaker on urban issues, sustainability, politics, travel and social trends. He lives in Minneapolis.

About On the Commons:

On The Commons (OTC) is a commons movement strategy center connecting organizations, community leaders and individuals with new ideas, practical solutions and each other to create change. OTC brings visibility to the commons today and animates a growing network of citizens and organizations seeking collaborative, commons-based solutions to problems of our times. Find us at www.OntheCommons.org