Book
REVIEWS
Mr. Jennings gives us a roadmap and memoir that is at once informative and entertaining. His accomplishments, spanning over 4 decades, are inspiring and invigorating: I know he continues to work for the disadvantaged, slighted, discriminated against, and all matter of people who are victims of the many injustices in our 21st century nation.
He is a bold leader in the pursuit of justice--the highest compliment I can give!
Ettore "Ed" Angelo, Esq., via Amazon
"Delightfully written, a must read for anyone involved with a non-profit organization. Jennings shares the wisdom he has gathered from his years of experience in a no-holds-barred, easy to absorb style."
Margaret Capozzolo, via Goodreads
Compelling autobiography sections and wise, powerful advice on how to be an effective activist and a responsible nonprofit board member, from one of the most well-respected and most successful men in his community. The community advocacy and low-income programming organization Alan has built over decades is nationally known for its effectiveness and caring. A great story by a great person.
Alan Jennings is the most charismatic, in your face, community organizer on the planet. “The Pursuit of Fairness” chronicles his life battling for a more inclusive society, ultimately building a non-profit corporation, with $25 million in annual revenue, that fights for social justice, while it provides a myriad of services in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region. I couldn’t put the book down. It has that sharp-edged wit so characteristic of this remarkable , heroic guy.”
Richard Master, CEO
MCS Industries
Alan Jennings' book, "The Pursuit of Fairness: Fighting For What's Right in a World That's So Wrong," is a fantastic reflection on a life well-lived and a career of selfless service. Alan's life of service shows that one man and the organization that he helped to grow and nurture can make a difference locally, regionally, and nationally.
The book is a primer on how to give a voice to the voiceless, power to the powerless, equity to those who have none, and, most importantly, hope to those who believe life is hopeless. He uses music and musical metaphors to provide context to the many stories and lessons. Well written and edited, the "machine gun" staccato of the words and the persuasive paragraphs made for enjoyable and thought-provoking reading.
This book needs to be on the bookshelves of every serious soldier in the "War on Poverty," who are campaigning for economic and social justice and equity in a world seriously deficient in both. Buy the book; it may be one of the more essential things you do if you want to learn from someone whose public struggles and accomplishments have helped so many.
Tony Hanna, Retired Executive Director
Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority
This book is a (sometimes startlingly) frank and honest crash course in effective non-profit management and career humanitarian work. It's not for the faint of heart - Mr. Jennings pulls no punches about the difficult reality of the world today and the future ahead of us. However, for those committed to doing the good work and the hard work, this book is a unique and unparalleled guide to being more effective and successful.
The narrative mixes personal anecdotes which oscillate between deeply sad and rather funny (sometimes both at once) with deep, wonky information about non-profit governance and operations. The presentation can be a little rough around the edges at times, but it is earnest to a fault. I highly recommend.
Joseph
Excellent book proving a clear reflection of Community Action’s history through the author’s life. This should be required reading for every Community Action Professional. It is critical that the history of Community Action and the impact of people’s lives remain in the forefront.