Cesar Chavez is the most prominent Latino in United States history books, and much has been written about Chavez and the United Farm Worker's heyday in the 1960s and '70s. But left untold has been their ongoing impact on 21st century social justice movements. Beyond the Fields unearths this legacy, and describes how Chavez and the UFW's imprint can be found in the modern reshaping of the American labor movement, the building of Latino political power, the transformation of Los Angeles and California politics, the fight for environmental justice, and the burgeoning national movement for immigrant rights. Many of the ideas, tactics, and strategies that Chavez and the UFW initiated or revived―including the boycott, the fast, clergy-labor partnerships and door-to-door voter outreach―are now so commonplace that their roots in the farmworkers' movement is forgotten. This powerful book also describes how the UFW became the era's leading incubator of young activist talent, creating a generation of skilled alumni who went on to play critical roles in progressive campaigns. UFW volunteers and staff were dedicated to furthering economic justice, and many devoted their post-UFW lives working for social change. When Barack Obama adopted “Yes We Can” as his 2008 campaign theme, he confirmed that the spirit of “Si Se Puede” has never been stronger, and that it still provides the clearest roadmap for achieving greater social and economic justice in the United States. “A seminal new work not only for historians and devotees of the Chicano Movement, and the UFW in particular, but for all those working for progressive causes.” -- Susan Marie Green ― The Sixties Published On: 2010-06-23 “Invaluable for anyone interested in the evolution of unionization over the past forty years.” -- T. A. Frank ― The Washington Monthly Published On: 2009-03-01 “A useful resource for anyone interested in organizing, activism, or social movements.” -- Misslaura ― Daily Kos Published On: 2008-10-26 “Examines the enduring influence of the United Farm Workers’ model of grassroots organization.” Starred Review ― Publishers Weekly Published On: 2008-11-17 “[An] important study.” -- Steve Early ― Z Magazine Published On: 2008-12-01 “A thoughtful, informative, and provocative book.” -- Juan R. García ― Journal Amer Ethnic History Published On: 2012-06-01 “Invaluable for anyone interested in the evolution of unionization over the past forty years.” ― The Washington Monthly Published On: 2011-06-03 “Shows the enduring value of the UFW’s approach . . . on the job and in the community.” -- Bill Knight ― Labor Published On: 2010-06-28 “Shows the enduring value of the UFW’s approach . . . on the job and in the community.” -- Bill Knight ― Labor Published On: 2010-07-01 A serious and reflective account. ― Labor Studies Journal Published On: 2011-03-31 “Shaw does a stellar job of writing the history of the UFW and its key figures.” -- Victor Corral ― Colorlines: Race Culture Action Published On: 2009-01-01 “Shaw’s book provides valuable history to guide activists in the battles to come, and is an inspiring read.” -- Chris Tiedemann ― Talking Union Blog Published On: 2009-03-10 “A useful resource for anyone interested in organizing, activism, or social movements.” -- Misslaura ― Vot3r Blog Published On: 2008-10-27 "If the Documentation Project could enforce a required reading list, Randy Shaw's Beyond the Fields would top the list. For former UFW Volunteers, whether their service was one month, one year, or a decade, Randy Shaw's book is a MUST READ." LeRoy Chatfield, Farmworkers Documentation Project "An important, stunningly original, and forcefully argued book." Ruth Milkman, Director of the UCLA Institute of Industrial Relations and author of L.A. Story: Immigrant Workers and the Future of the U.S. Labor Movement "The most powerful social earthquake in California history struck the farm town of Delano in 1965 and, as Randy Shaw explains in this fascinating, invaluable study, its aftershocks are still shaking workplaces and elections across America." Mike Davis, author of In Praise of Barbarians "Offers a powerful and moving account of how the UFW transformed people's lives, instilling a lifetime commitment to social justice. Shaw shows how the spirit, strategies, and tactics of the UFW in its heyday still provide workers, immigrants, faith-based activists and others seeking social justice with a roadmap to win local struggles and national campaigns. If you want to understand the roots of 'Si se Puede' (Yes, We Can), read this book." Fred Ross, Jr, UFW community and labor organizer "If the Documentation Project could enforce a required reading list, Randy Shaw's Beyond the Fields would top the list. For former UFW Volunteers, whether their service was one month, one year, or a decade, Randy Shaw's book is a MUST READ."―LeRoy Chatfield, Farmworkers Documentation Project "An important, stunningly original,