About the Book - Social change requires relentless incrementalism with both a strong heart and patience. It has no room for ego. It has no room for hierarchies. It demands that we talk with people who are creating or upholding the obstacles in our way. It demands us to be great listeners with the ability to remain curious. How do we hold this space while retaining the ability to function? We engage the six capabilities of a change agent.
There is a growing need to overcome differences and find common values by rethinking collaboration and inclusivity. Real and sustained change requires everyone to be at the table, not just the people that we want to work with because of shared views. No Table Too Small walks us through six capabilities that people can use with other individuals, groups, and organizations to effect change in the food system.
There needs to be a shift in how we work and who we work with. There is an art and attitude to social change that is explored in this book. Laura Titzer provides tools and insights based on her personal and professional experiences for those working in the food system to incite change.
“Want to become a better food system change agent? A careful and reflective read of No Table Too Small will yield important lessons that will benefit you and your community.” –Mark Winne
“In an age of political polarization and entrenched opinions, Laura Titzer argues that the only way we can achieve deep change to our food system is through engaging with those who hold radically divergent opinions. She provides a path forward with strategies and ruminations on the process needed to achieve that change.” –Andy Fisher, Big Hunger
“Today’s political and social climate is stymied by polarization and an inability to communicate with–or be understanding of–different points of view. Ironically, when so many aspects of our society are deemed in disrepair, this is the least effective way to bring about change. Instead, we should be looking for ways to build bridges between polarized sides; ways to hear and consider differing viewpoints; ways to find signals of recognition and respect for all parties involved.
Laura Titzer’s book provides a framework to reshape our food system through an inclusive and participatory process that focuses on discussion, finding common ground, and collective organizing. For activists, organizations, or change agents looking to incorporate these techniques into their methodology, No Table Too Small expertly and comprehensively lays the essential steps of true participatory change.”
–Loren Cardeli, A Growing Culture
About the Author - I was born in Indiana and received a B.F.A. in Fine Arts in 2003. I currently reside in Seattle where I received an M.A. in Environment and Community. I define myself as a maker, writer and facilitator of essays, prose, poetry, workshops, foods and herbs. I co-founded the Indianapolis Food, Farm and Family Coalition and have worked with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, economic development agencies, associations, extensions, and activist organizations to promote growers and food justice in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. I currently work within the hunger relief system facilitating community initiatives that increase food equity and access while avidly writing poems and essays. I write regularly at my blog: www.thefoodcoup.com. My focus is on breaking down dominant white culture by facilitating spaces for people to emerge into their best selves and co-create new ways of being. In my free time I like to camp, bicycle, read, and hike.
Publications
- Interdependence: Being Somewhere We Belong. Kosmos Journal – 11 Works for 11 Days of Global Unity. September 2018. https://www.kosmosjournal.org/news/interdependence-being-somewhere-we-belong/
- Participating in Change: Farmer-Led Documentation; A Growing Culture; January 2017; http://www.agrowingculture.org/participating-change-farmer-led-documentation/
- The story of tomatoes: How picking Tomatoes Taught me the art and attitude of social change. Gastronomica. Sprng 2014. (pp. 62-65)
Speaking and Facilitation
- Seattle Lit Crawl 2019; Ada’s Technical Books and Café; 2019
- Food Security Forum Presenter | University of Washington – Pullman | 2018
- South King County Food Access Strategic Planning | 2018
- Kitsap County Farmers Market Association Coalition Building | 2017
- Farm to Food Bank Community Workshops | Multiple Counties in Washington State | 2015-2018
- Farm to Food Bank Strategies | WA Food Coalition Conference | 2014
- Guest Speaker, Screening of A Place at the Table | Federal Way United Methodist Church | 2013
- Advocacy Training | School of Public Health, University of Washington | 2012 and 2013
- Advocacy Training | Bastyr University | 2013
- Food Justice Guest Speaker | Seattle Culinary Academy, Seattle Central Community College | 2011-2013
- Food Justice Community Presentation | Issaquah Library | 2013
- Food Justice Co-Presenter | Tierre Madre | 2013
- Food Assesments | 4th Annual Wisconsin Local Food Summit | 2010
Laura Titzer, Author and Facilitator, No Table Too Small
Book Reviews -
Review by Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)
Review by Grace Gershuny, Author of Organic Revolutionary: A Memoir of the Movement for Real Food, Planetary Healing, & Human Liberation. www.organic-revolutionary.com
Located on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2271956747?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1
Review by Emily Nink for the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development.
Confronting entrenched viewpoints to overcome polarity and prompt social change in the food system.
JAFSCD-No-Table-Too-Small-Review-December-2017
Where to Buy - Purchase No Table Too Small at my own shop online or at Arundel Books and Third Place Books in Seattle, and even Amazon. Click on the links below.
Laura’s Online Shop
Arundel Books
Third Place Books
Amazon
Events -
2018 Events:
- March 8th – Seattle, WA. iLEAP, 7pm. Reading, discussion, and book-signing. Books will be available for sale. Co-sponsored by Faith Action Network, Center for Ethical Leadership, Community Alliance for Global Justice, and Northwest Harvest. Event Flyer Here.
- March 17th – Yakima, WA. Inklings Bookshop. 1pm. Reading and book-signing. Books will be available for sale. Co-sponsored by Faith Action Network and Inklings Bookstore. Event Flyer Here.
- March 22nd – Spokane, WA. Aunties Bookstore, 7pm. Reading and book-signing. Books will be available for sale. Co-sponsored by Food For All of Catholic Charities of Spokane.
- August 9th – Interview on Food Sleuth Radio, https://beta.prx.org/stories/251303. ” Laura Titzer, community food organizer based in Seattle, WA, and author of “No Table Too Small: Engaging in the Art and Attitude of Social Change,” discusses her work history, plus barriers to, and solutions for food justice.”
2017 Events:
- September 12th – Tacoma, WA. Book Signing at the Closing the Hunger Gap Conference.
- September 28th – Seattle, WA. Third Place Books – Seward Park, 7pm. Reading and book-signing.
- October 8th – Evansville, IN. Barnes and Noble, 2pm. Reading and book-signing.
Contact - Thank you for your interest. For press or speaking inquiries, or general questions, please use the form below to connect with the author.
Email Us
Laura’s Networks
Use the icons below to follow Laura on Twitter or visit her blog site at thefoodcoup.com.