Activism involves supporting or opposing a cause through various means, from writing letters to illegal activities. It has been practiced for centuries and can involve grassroots participation or more active organizing. Activists can support a variety of causes, and college campuses and communities often have resources for finding activist organizations.
An activist is someone who acts in support or opposition to a cause. Activism can take a number of forms, from writing letters to government representatives to organizing boycotts. Some activists engage in radical or even illegal activities to further their ends, while others prefer to stay within the confines of the law to win more supporters for their causes. Every time someone writes a letter to the editor, he briefs a friend on an issue, or phones an elected official, he participates in activism.
People have been practicing activism for centuries with the goal of social and political change. Jesus Christ, for example, is considered by some to be an activist, thanks to his radical preaching and fearless approach to social reform. At various times in history, being an activist has been quite dangerous, as activism has been equated with dangerous political dissent, making the people who speak out as targets for persecution. Other times, activism has been tolerated or even encouraged.
On a smaller scale, activism might involve participating in activist causes, without actively organizing. Examples such as participating in letter mailing campaigns, telephone banking for political candidates, marching in marches, and supporting boycotts and strikes are all examples of grassroots activism. Perhaps activists start out at this level before moving on to more active organizing, involving things like leading marches, hosting organizing committees, organizing communities, offering lessons while teaching, and so on.
In some cases, activism crosses the line of law, as activists get swept up in the cause or feel they have no other options. At the far end of the spectrum, this could involve simple disobedience, such as refusing to clear a road after being ordered to do so by law enforcement. Others may pursue more violent tactics, which some people believe cross the line of terrorism. Many activist movements condemn violent activism, claiming it reduces the strength of their cause and alienates potential converts.
Activists can organize for a large number of causes. Political parties, the environment, social justice and moral issues are all common rallying points for activists. Some people participate in activism because they have personally experienced injustice or prejudice, while others simply believe in the cause they support or oppose, regardless of personal experience.
College campuses are a great place to find activist organizations, but many cities and towns also have organizations active in the wider community. Searching for a cause of interest and your community may bring up a list of resources, including activist organizations.
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