Dear colleagues, I take the liberty to announce the publication of Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society <http://www.iconbooks.com/2017/04/lobbying-for-change-press-release/>, a new book analysing democracy through the prism of new forms of online and offline activism in the age of populism. Its aim is conceptualise an innovative form of do-it-yourself citizenship aimed at 'empowering' ordinary citizens at a time of unprecedented social and economic transformations and political turbulence. It does so by demystifying and ‘democratizing' lobbying as a legitimate and healthy component of the democratic process. The ultimate goal is to inspire a new generation of advocates, activists and engaged citizens to get involved in the unfashionable world of government and avoid the powerleness-by-design feeling characterising our lives. Advance praise for the book: ‘In these troubling times, we need effective citizen-lobbyists – not just likers, followers or even marchers – more than ever. No one has provided a more readable, persuasive and inspiring guide to how to be such a person than Alberto Alemanno. I have no hesitation in lobbying you to read this book.’ *Bill Emmott, former editor in chief,** The Economist* 'A guide for citizens to act as an equalising force in today’s polarised society. An inspiring, timely and positive narrative of today’s state of democracy and an antidote to the trap of populism.’ *Pascal Lamy, former director of the World Trade Organisation and EU Commissioner for Trade'* ‘*Lobbying for Change *is the antidote to what ails us: moving would-be change makers beyond “clicktivism” and the occasional march through a step-by-step guide to get active in shaping the future you want to see.’ *Gillian Caldwell, CEO, Global Witness* ‘This is an essential guidebook for navigating the new political landscape. Alberto sets out the tools that citizens will need to fix broken politics and power a new participation revolution.’ *Danny Sriskandarajah, director of CIVICUS Alliance* ‘This book is an engaged pledge for a renovated, participatory democracy of the 21st century … the revival of the republican *agora* of the ancient writers.’ *Ulrike Guerot, professor and author of **Why Europe Must Become a Republic: A Political Utopia* ‘Many people feel powerless and believe the system is rigged against them. While the likes of Trump, Farage and Le Pen want to tear down the system in the name of “the people”, Alberto Alemanno has a much more positive solution. A must-read in these troubled times.’ *Philippe Legrain, political economist and writer* ‘This lively book challenges preconceptions about lobbying and lobbyists. Alberto Alemanno shows with style that there are other ways beyond conventional politics to change the world.’ *Andrew Duff, Visiting Fellow, European Policy Centre* Best wishes, Alberto Alberto Alemanno | Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law | HEC Paris | Global Professor of Law | NYU School of Law | co-founder | The Good Lobby | www.albertoalemanno.eu Have you already registered for The Good Lobby Inaugural Event <http://www.thegoodlobby.eu/inaugural-event/>on 22 June 2017?