Get Organized

    Grassroots activism can consists of an individual
or individuals,  collective,  group or organization of like-minded people creating or taking a single or continued  action of some type, often coming together = organizing, in order to create and/or raise awareness or to bring attention to a cause or issue they believe in, support or appose, that they believe needs to be brought into the light,  changed, handled, justified, ratified, resolved,… Grassroots activists are not usually funded, controlled, supplied, or paid by any political party. Their issues are often, not always, directly “apposed” to the policies of the major political powers and/or their powerful wealthy corporate lobbyist.

AWARENESS = FIRST TOOL of the activist, advocate, opposition, media and any grassroots movement… although many would argue that ones voice is the first tool.

There are many ways and routes to create awareness.  Words, images, actions or the lack there of, media… Desired routes or methods used may vary according to the desired goal and circumstances involved.

FIRST RULE ~ When creating awareness is “Be Aware” 

As a result of grassroots activist(ism) often being in the positions of the opposition, Activism depending on the issue, cause or position can at times be a very dangerous, confusing, even life threatening activity. Therefore in my opinion, the real grassroots activist in general must be a very dedicated and sincere individual who feels he/she has everything to protect and/or nothing left to loose.

[a] Grassroots activism is often defined as being at the bottom of the political pyramid. Grassroots causes and issues are often the opposite of those of the political powers at the top of the pyramid. However, many major politicians become involved in grassroots issues if they feel strongly enough about the issue. Some cynics may say this is just another way for politicians to garner votes.

The recent so-called Tea Party movement of the last few years would be a prime example of a grassroots movement being utilized and manipulated by politicians to do just that.  Though many of the same grassroots activist who had in fact began the movement later divorced themselves from it due to this fact.

Some activist understand and/or believe the political pyramid of power is the pyramid depicted on the dollar. Where we find the grassroots activist at the base of both usually.

Political freedom is a major concern for any real grassroots activist. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are essential to grassroots activism.

* Warning: Due to the re-reinstatement of the Patriot Act  and a few other Illegal Unconstitutional Acts or Regulations  recently passed in the last 10 yrs. One can be imprisoned for protesting even in America.  Google Americans arrested for protesting. Even Private Citizens and On-Line Activist have been Imprisoned for speaking their minds on the internet and charged with so-called thought crimes,… Freedom of Speech and/or the Freedom to Protest,… Are no longer, Freedoms and Rights granted to them by the Constitution, that can be taken for granted by Americans.

WORDS, VOICE = SECOND TOOL of the activist, advocate, opposition, media and any grassroots movement…

There are many Americans who would argue that they are even being illegally and unconstitutionally arrested and imprisoned for attempting to exercise their natural, inalienable, sovereign rights and freedoms and/or sacramental, spiritual, religious rights and freedoms.

The fact is today, in America our Constitution, Charters of Freedom, Bill of Rights,… All are in Danger.  Just one issue we must address and consider that many tend to over look.

Grassroots activism can be as simple as writing a letter to your local media or Mayor… Grassroots Activist  spend a great deal of time researching, educating, promoting their cause or raising awareness. They may organize and hold meetings, organize fund raisers, donate time and money, work endless hours for free… Even be imprisoned or martyred for causes or the issues they believe in. Many grassroots activists are vehement in their beliefs. Ethics should always be in question and questioned where actions are concerned as there are those who use Activist and/or Activism to accomplish agendas, including Fraud,  Astroturfing, feeding egos, bank accounts and/or to lead people astray for personal profit, business or corporate gain. Having even been documented by media and used as a tool by Media, Police, Agencies, Military, Governments and Corporations in Psych-Ops to further their agendas.   Many sincere activists and/or protesters have endured time in hospitals, jails, prison, torture camps, even found death as a result of their actions. There are even those who have also achieved or reached Martyrdom, Sainthood, Hero or Legendary status  = Eternal Life? = a place in history.

What Makes an Activist? | Psychology Today
The fact is, activists choose to take up causes for a wide variety of reasons—some not as straightforward as they might seem. … Those who find personal meaning in current events are inclined to speak out for a cause, according to Duncan.

MEANING, EMOTION,… = THIRD TOOL of the activist, advocate, opposition, media and any grassroots movement…

As has been pointed out personal attachment can stir emotions to extremes. This can in fact happen on any side of an issue. Therefore one has an ethical responsibility to  operate treading carefully, especially when and where lives are involved.  As to not cause more harm than good.  Many Activist have taken their own lives as a result of issues attached to or in connection to their activism, cause and/or issue when things appeared too bleak, became to painful,… Then there are those who’s lives are destroyed, taken or lost as a result. Yet, let us also remember that many lives are freely given spent in the action, activity, activism, battle,… Does that mean we should use those willing to give their lives or those who are dieing as a result as stepping stones or shields in battle?  Or use them to profit from personally?

SECOND RULE ~ Ethics of all involved are Questionable!

Therefore question everything and both sides of the position, issue or cause. Including the positions of those involved and what they have to loose or gain. Even the degree of truth, evidence, reality, sanity, profit and/or the money trail  involved and where it leads completely if it applies. Before you get involved or endorse it completely. Do your research and know for yourself. Don’t just trust that because it sounds like something you believe in that it is what it says it is. Far too often it is not when you do the research.

Always examine the ethics, credentials, work and history of those who claim to be working with you or toward your interest, representing, and/or leading you,… as well as your opposition in the issues, causes or movements you hold dear. Do your home work!

ETHICS = FOURTH TOOL is the same as Second Rule and many times one of the most forgotten and least used rules or tools of the activist, advocate, opposition, media and of many grassroots movements,… Some might argue that ethics is lacking in our society as a whole and that like the Constitution it is currently in danger.

QUESTIONS, RESEARCH, BEING LEGALLY INFORMED, KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS, KNOWING THE INFORMATION CONNECTED TO THE CAUSE OR ISSUE… EDUCATION = FIFTH TOOL are Keys of the activist, advocate, opposition, media and any grassroots movement… Note that keys are usually kept on a ring = circle. Like the circle that takes place when questions lead to research and research leads to education, understanding  and knowing and knowing and understanding lead to the desire to educate…

THIRD RULE ~ Know that you know, before you Act!

Cannabis, Animal rights, Hackavist and even Religious protesters have been defined as “Extremist” in the public media due to the fact they have gone to extreme methods from hacking to bombings to promote their points of view. I must also point out that not all activist in these areas are extremist and that extremism is an individual choice or mindset. Other types of non-violent yet “extreme” approaches have at times, also manifested positive change and results.  Grassroots activism is most often a peaceful method of changing policy, relying on sheer force of numbers, public opinion that is involved, through utilizing letter writing campaigns, petitions, images, media, lobbying,… and at times civil disobedience, boycotts, protest, public demonstrations,…  to achieve desired results.

[b] Grassroots {From Wikipedia} the free encyclopedia: A grassroots movement (often referenced in the context of a political movement) is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures. Grassroots movements are often at the local level, as many volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party. For instance, a grassroots movement can lead to significant voter registration for a political party, which in turn helps the state and national parties.

GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT – POLITICAL MOVEMENT = SIX TOOL of the Activist, advocate, opposition, media and any grassroots movement… 

[c] Astroturfing Main article: Faking a grassroots movement is known as astroturfing, which, as the name suggests, is named after AstroTurf, the iconic brand of artificial grass. Astroturfing means pretending to be a grassroots movement, when in reality the agenda and strategy are controlled by a hidden, non-grassroots organization. In this manner, a faux show is presented, consisting of robotic individuals pretending to be voicing their own opinions.

[d] Psych-Ops – Psychological operations {From Wikipedia} are planned operations to convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals.

The purpose of United States psychological operations (PSYOP) is to induce or reinforce behavior favorable to US objectives. They are an important part of the range of diplomatic, informational, military, and economic activities available to the US. They can be utilized during both peacetime and conflict. There are three main types: strategic, operational, and tactical.

FOURTH RULE ~ Define all the Legalities involved.

Many times when hosting event’s, protest,… Even on the grassroots level… Legal Permits and/or permissions are Required and may need to be Obtained to hold demonstrations, marches,  depending on where, when, what is trying to be accomplished… If you intend to plan an event please be sure and check your local areas regulations and ordinances if you are planning on hosting a peaceful demonstration.  Many times the goal is to establish, change or repeal Legislation, Regulations, Ordinances, Laws,… This is when understanding of all the legalities, including the Legal Definitions of the “words” being used/utilized in, by, throughout, to define,… the action or activity… and by all those involved. If you expect to define, redefine, repeal  or establish… a Law,… You must understand all the Language being used. After all, it is the words that are used that bind, oppress, enslave, or make free… Language the Tower of Babel for those who do not understand Linguistics.  Just one tool utilized to control the masses. This is why Laws and Legalities are defined and interpreted by the courts at the highest levels in Latin. Doctors and Medicine also use Latin to prescribe and define.  This understanding alone can change your understanding of everything.

FIFTH RULE ~ Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

One Example: I saw a news story in around 2012, about a man in Ohio who had a bunch of exotic wild animals caged, who had snapped and lost it, then killed some people, set his animals free and then committed suicide. {Not sure what order it happened or of the entire story really, it’s been awhile.} What I do remember is the huge number of Petitions going around after and some of the wording in them, that could have caused so much more damage to the animal kingdom, though it all may have been very well intended.  Making it illegal for individuals to possess or own exotic and/or wild  animals for any length of time just might prevent that animal from being saved, healed, rehabbed,…  Fact is, the words used and how they are used are very important in any grassroots action or activity set to achieve a specific goal… If you wish to minimize damages as a part of the goal…

SIXTH RULE ~ Watch your words!

What is semantics, what is meaning | University of Florida ~ September 8, 2008 Hana Filip 1 What is semantics, what is meaning Lecture 1 Hana Filip

SEMANTICS = SEVENTH TOOL the last which ironically goes hand in hand with the first and second tools of the Activist, advocate, opposition, media and lacking in many grassroots movements… A very important tool often overlooked, misunderstood or neglected on the grassroots level. Neglect often excused by the general public understanding.

When it comes to Legalization vs Repeal of Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp

It is easy to see this movement is defined by the Semantics of how the words are defined themselves.