Leading in organizations working for justice is not the same as leading anywhere else. Staff expect to be treated as partners and demand internal practices that center equity. Justice leaders must meet these expectations, as well as recognize and address the ways that individuals and organizations inadvertently replicate oppression.
Created specifically for social justice leaders, Leading for Justice addresses specific concerns and issues that beset organizations working for social justice and offers practices and models that center justice and equity. Topics include: the role of a supervisor in a social justice organization, the importance of self-awareness, issues of power and privilege, human resources as a justice partner, misses and messes, and clear guidelines for holding people accountable in a manner that is respectful and effective.
Written in a friendly, accessible, and supportive tone, and offering discussion questions at the end of each short section to make the book user-friendly for both individuals and teams, Leading for Justice is a book for leaders who want to walk the talk of supporting social justice, in their organizations and in the world.
Industry Reviews
"As a seasoned human resources leader in the mission-driven nonprofit sector, Rita Sever shares actionable and practical advice for people and HR leaders in the book Leading for Justice: Supervision, HR, and Culture. Sever writes about her journey toward developing leadership skills that are informed by organizational dynamics of racialized power and privilege. Any leader who is looking for frank and honest advice about leadership must read this book."
-Seattle Book Review
"Leading for Justice is a practical, no-holds-barred look at how we build justice organizations that are connected, efficient, and resilient. Rita Sever addresses the historical context of supervision and delves into hidden rules, power and privilege, and white do-gooders. She expertly interlaces stories from her experiences with guidance and tips, and challenges you to make it your own by leading you through self-reflections. This is an indispensable handbook that I will use in all of my projects."
-Alicia Garza, Principal, Black Futures Lab
"The combination of theoretical explanations, hypotheticals, and anecdotes from Sever's management career is an effective one, delivering plenty of nuance and a variety of ways of approaching a complex topic. The manual's blend of idealistic goals and cleareyed assessments of corporate reality makes for an effective read. A well-written and informative guide to leading an equitable workplace."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Rita Sever combines personal insights and relatable experiences with practical and implementable recommendations to create an immensely readable book on how to create an equitable, mission-driven, and high-performing organization. Every manager who wants to sleep better at night and wake up excited to face the challenges of a world in dire need of change should buy this book."
-Donna Norton, Executive Vice President, MomsRising
"Leading for Justice is a timely business guide for leaders looking to develop awareness around equity issues, both in themselves and in their organizations."
-Foreword Reviews
"In this clear-eyed, practical guide, Sever, an HR professional, urges managers and HR teams to take the 'time, energy, focus, and leadership' to ensure that organizations committed to working for justice in the world develop a culture and practices that also foster justice within the organization itself. . . . Leading for Justice offers insights and advice that would benefit any supervisor or HR professional committed to an inclusive workplace. . . . This vital guide, peppered with provocative questions and insights, will aid any supervisor or organization eager to work to live up to their mission."
-BookLife Reviews
"Rita Sever's Leading for Justice provides us with a roadmap to know when to step up and when to stand back when supporting, mentoring, and uplifting our BIPOC team members while striving to dismantle a system created to sustain white supremacy. Leading for Justice is a treasure trove of resources to be incorporated into our leadership repertoire that can be referenced time and time again."
-Heidi Strunk, President and CEO, Mental Health America of CA
"As a person of color who strives for liberation, resisting that tendency to 'call out' or 'cancel' folks because of the harm I've experienced, I appreciate how Rita courageously demonstrates a path and a journey for all of us in Leading for Justice. She further allows us insight into the specific ways that our white colleagues can be on the path of justice accountability for themselves, consequently making it happen for all of us. Rita fields so many curiosities about difficult situations with compassion, sometimes humor, and always tender integrity. And with all the wisdom that's in this book, her encouragement to 'Make it Your Own' further solidifies my appreciation that she sees me and acknowledges my experiences."
-Renato P. Almanzor, PhD, Transformation Catalyst
