Book Review: The Four Pivots

Jenny Niklaus is a longtime Silicon Valley non-profit leader, ALF Senior Fellow, and currently the primary ALF Insgiths facilitator for impact groups on race equity, housing, climate change, and philanthropy. Jenny shares her reflections on The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves by Dr. Shawn A. Ginwright.

How does the book connect to current movements or debates?

Dr. Ginwright is focused on healing as a path to better social movements and social change. He has worked in Oakland and around the country to create systems change. He provides four pivots that he feels are crucial to creating social movements that bring about true sustainable systems change. The focus he provides is healing-centered leadership.

What are some of the limitations or drawbacks of the book?

The limitations come from reading it and applying it. This type of paradigm shift is messy and challenging, and it takes time to rewire our thinking and feelings about this type of shift. It requires rigor, forgiveness, and a stance of rinse and repeat. And it requires a commitment to personal work and discovery. Many folks might find that to be overwhelming as we are already taxed and tired. And if we can make this shift and be present for the gifts of this type of struggle, the payoff can be huge in terms of social impact.

Overall, what is your final assessment or review of the book?

Read it and tell us what you think, what resonated, and how it made you feel.