People who want to change the world often form nonprofits without realizing that this is only a means to an end. Real change comes from movements, informal groups of people and organizations pursuing a common cause. Nonprofit organizations can further movements, but they are not themselves movements. Movements are made up of people working together under a shared sense of purpose.
Movements need leaders, but leaders are not the movement, either. The job of leaders and founders is to inspire like-minded people to come together to create change. Movements need visionary leadership, a driving ideology, strong organizational structure, and effective strategic messaging that can bring like-minded people together to pursue a specific vision for a better world. Igniting Movements provides a framework and methodology for doing just that, and empowers people to change the world for the better.

I have long believed that a group of individuals with a common purpose are the key to making any kind of lasting change. In Igniting Movements, combat veteran Damon Friedman proves this to be true, and describes the core values and skills which are necessary for a movement’s success. Pragmatic but compassionate, Igniting Movementscan teach all readers about the power of leveraging humanity’s collective potential—and critically, shows us that our potential may well be limitless. — GENERAL STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL, Former Commander, US Forces Afghanistan,Former Commander, Joint Special Operations Command

In Igniting Movements, Damon Friedman, has laid out a path for any leader who wants to make a change in the world for the good. He walks the reader through pragmatic steps in how to ignite a movement, from finding your purpose to developing your strategy. I recommend this book for any reader wanting to make a difference. — Chad Hennings, Former A-10 pilot, US Air Force ,Three-time Super Bowl champion, Dallas Cowboys

Deep passions and vision drive us to leave our mark on humanity, but few of us ever see that come to fruition. The shortfall is often our inability to “ignite movements,” to rally others into a shared passion and common vision to change the world. Special Operations Combat Leader Damon Friedman shares with us principles of leadership, ideology, organization, and strategy to organize individuals’ collective gifts and talents in order to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A must-read for everyone who desires to leave a lasting impact in the world. — Chad M. Robichaux, Force Reconnaissance US Marine, Pro MMA champion, Founder and president, Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs