“From the Ground, Up”

1. GRASSROOTS “From the Ground, Up” Eli Creighton

2. A Quick Definition • Merriam-Webster defines grassroots as: • The very foundation or source • The basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power • In basic terms, a grass roots movement starts from nothing • Like actual grass roots, they start from the ground and grow up

3. Definition • It should be emphasized that grassroots organizations are bottom, up movements • They are the opposite of top, down organizations • Grassroots essentially means run by the common people

4. Bottom Up • Grassroots are not controlled or started by the people already holding power • Started by local organizers rather than upper echelon members of society • Recognize these people? No.   John Dalhuisen, Director of Amnesty International Jim Leape, Director of the WWF

5. Famous Examples • The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s • Began by a small group of people with a common goal • Used methods like church meetings, sit-ins, letter writing, and marching to get their message across • The Occupy Wall Street Movement • Modern example that most people today can relate to • Started with the idea of a few, but that idea resonated with many

6. Famous Examples • I provided two examples of major grassroots movements, can you think of any others? • Do grassroots movements have to be marches and protests to be considered? • What else defines a grassroots movement?

7. More Common Forms • Though things like the Civil Rights Marches and Occupy are very popular, they are only a tiny proportion of what makes a grassroots movement • Most organizations are focused individuals who start with a basic idea and expand from there • What are the most common types?

8. Non-Profits • These are generally the most common types of grassroots movements • Use revenue to achieve its goals rather than distributing as revenue • They usually have a small amount of paid workers, but volunteers are generally the corps of the organization

9. Well Known NPO’s • Amnesty International • The Red Cross • World Wildlife Fund for Nature • SOS Children’s Village

10. NPO Stats • According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are over 1.5 million non-profit organizations in the U.S. • It is estimated that NPO’s employ, in a broad sense, around 10% of the U.S. population • The NCCS also runs a website to help people find data and opportunities for non-profits • http://nccs.urban.org/ • http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/telling-our-story/nonprofits-numbers

11. More Locally Based • Just because an organization is not a non-profit, does not mean they aren’t a grassroots organization • Remember, grassroots by definition means it is an organization that when started, is unconnected to anything else like the government • Do we have any grassroots around Portland?

12. Local Grassroots • Zapoura provided some great links to educational organizations for this week • http://www.openbooksproject.org/index.aspx • http://www.familyforwardoregon.org/ • http://stand.org/oregon • These are three great options but there are tons more

13. A Few More In PDX • Upset about the budget cuts and lack of school funding? So is UPSET! • http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/05/grant_high_schools_grassroots.html • Want to help support children from the cradle to career? • http://allhandsraised.org/ • Learn to eat sustainably and support those who go hungry in our community • http://www.growing-gardens.org/

14. What Can You Do? • Much like the volunteering we started this term, participating in a grassroots movement seems daunting • Just take your time, figure out what you are passionate about • Look at the links provided or do a quick Google search to find something that suits you and your passions

15. Can You Help? • Absolutely. • Keep in mind, most grassroots organizations are non-profits and need all the help they can get • Most welcome volunteers and people willing to donate time and energy • I know most of us are poor but donating money is always appreciated as well

16. Essentials • Grassroots organizations are generally started by individuals and small groups with a focused idea • They may broaden or narrow their focus after starting, but always have a specific mission in mind • (i.e., bettering education, feeding the hungry, helping the impoverished) • Built on ideas but kept running by dedicated workers and tons of volunteers

17. Questions • What are some major grassroots organizations you can think of? • What good can these small movements do? • Are grassroots movements ever effective? • Do the movements have to be big and popular to effect change or can a small group do just as well? • What are the implications if we don’t have grassroots movements within our society?