Books by Robertson Work

Decentralized governance expert Robertson Work calls for decisive action in this critical decade 2020 - 2029. Addressed to 3,000 leaders around the world, these twelve talks given in 2010 - 2019 explore multiple crises and opportunities, an emerging civilization, innovative leadership (group facilitation, social artistry, integral thinking, mindfulness), sustainable development, public service, community development, the movement of movements (MoM), and peacebuilding. These "calls to action" were given in events organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), Building Creative Communities Conference, Oklahoma City University, Horace Mann School, and World Fair Field. Talks were made in New York City, Bahrain, Chicago, Nepal, Seattle, Tanzania, Oklahoma City, Republic of Korea; Colquitt, Georgia; India; and Fairfield, Iowa. Be empowered by bold ideas, methods, and actions for a regenerative-just world.

This is the fascinating life story of someone in love with the world and his family. His journey begins in small-town Oklahoma and travels around the planet as he works with ICA, UNDP and NYU in service to poor villages and slums, cities, nations, organizations, and public servants. The reader journeys with the author from his birth (and before) to his 75th birthday (and beyond) and participates in his awakening, calling, travels, loves, adventures, beliefs, acts of service, struggles, tragedies, ecstasies, reflections, and life lessons. In all of history, this story has never before been told. Enjoy the journey and be inspired. "In this book, Rob Work has narrated a fascinating story of his life, demonstrating his passion for humanity and the planet, and contribution to community and leadership development . . ." - G. Shabbir Cheema, PhD, senior fellow, Harvard Kennedy School; former director of UNDP Management Development and Governance Division

We are at a turning point in the history of civilization. Anyone watching the news can understand why. Our generation faces the challenges of global warming, misogyny, racism, systemic poverty, oligarchy, and more. Some believe that this will lead to a kind of fascist, environmentally ruined dystopia. Robertson Work, who has spent decades working in poverty-stricken villages and developing countries, does not believe all hope is lost.In this revolutionary guide, Work uses his experiences with the United Nations and organizations and communities across the globe to outline the fundamentals of a compassionate civilization. He argues that it is urgent to change the way we think about society and proposes six areas of transformation to focus on: environmental sustainability gender equality socioeconomic justice cultural tolerance participatory governance nonviolenceEach of these six foundations is necessary to form the compassionate civilization Work envisions. In addition to the theoretical themes of such a society, Work shares effective leadership methods to help make this dream a reality as a movement of movements and as global-local citizens. He encourages you to become more aware of problems and possibilities around you and practice empathetic, effective social activism and care for self and others.Anyone can make a difference. Work shows you exactly where to begin.