Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
The terms activism and activist used in a political manner first appeared in the Belgian press in 1916 in connection with the Flamingant movement.1 The word "activism" is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms, from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.
In some cases, activism has nothing to do with protest or confrontation: for instance, some religious and feminist activists try to persuade people to change their behavior directly, rather than persuade governments to change laws; the cooperative movement seeks to build new institutions which conform to its principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.
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Campaign Against Prison Slavery - A group working against exploitation of prisoners for corporate profit; information about the issue, their campaigns, and contact details.
FreeBeagles.org - A collection of articles on legal issues and the judicial system for activists.
Globalise Resistance - Anti globalisation organisation criticises corporate power. Provides newsletter, background briefings and details of protests and action.
How to Complain - A consumer campaigning community where you can complain online and learn about your rights.
Meta Description: [ HOWTOCOMPLAIN.COM, a one-stop source of consumer information, providing the facilty for you to complain online to any organisation, including public services. ]
LaRC (Lancaster Resource Centre) - Meeting space for people involved in all sorts of campaigns, projects and activism. Calendar of activities, listing of groups, and contact details.
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Palestine Refugee Return March - London - Demonstration and rally to support the Right of Return of Palestinian Refugees.
Positive News - Non-profit quarterly international newspaper with an emphasis on world peace, sustainability and ethics. Database of articles and subscription details.
Meta Description: [ Positive News reports on the people, events and influences that are creating a positive future, stories on the environment, education, sustainable energy, health and more ]
Reclaim The Streets (London) - UK part of the movement that seeks to dissolve power through street action, with events, ideology and how-to guide.
Meta Description: [ Ultimately it is in the streets that power must be dissolved: for the streets where daily life is endured, suffered and eroded, and where power is confronted and fought, must be turned into the domain where daily life is enjoyed, created and nourished ]
UK Indymedia - Offers grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of social and political issues. Includes listing of local cooperatives.
Meta Description: [ A network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues. ]
urban75 - UK underground ezine with reports and stories on eco-protest, rave, drugs, rave music and techno.
Meta Description: [ UK mag with photos of New York, London, Chicago, Brixton, Wales, drug information, useless games, rave stories, direct action, techno, politics, protest, football, internet, rave music, punch a politician and more! ]
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