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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Just got out of the plenary and I wonder what are our priorities for activism in archives then? #amia09
archivemedia (Kim Schroeder) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:50:28 -0000
Just got out of the plenary and I wonder what are our priorities for activism in archives then? #amia09
#YAL #campus_reform is amazed at what heart filled activism can do! great job today UNH!
MegD4Freedom (Megan Duffield) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:50:03 -0000
#YAL #campus_reform is amazed at what heart filled activism can do! great job today UNH!
Fundraising, Group Purchases — Fundable http://bit.ly/1y4iLO activism collaboration finance crowdsourcing social
delicious50 (Delicious Over 50) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:44:02 -0000
Fundraising, Group Purchases — Fundable http://bit.ly/1y4iLO activism collaboration finance crowdsourcing social
The Heidelberg Project http://bit.ly/sF4Fl art community activism culture education project architecture children michigan neighborhood
delicious50 (Delicious Over 50) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:33:48 -0000
The Heidelberg Project http://bit.ly/sF4Fl art community activism culture education project architecture children michigan neighborhood
@BGKev you're better off engaging with unions a lot of GLBT activism has come through their efforts
womanistmusings (womanistmusings) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:32:59 -0000
@BGKev you're better off engaging with unions a lot of GLBT activism has come through their efforts
We're celebrating Activism this month and today's Steal the Look is no exception. Check out the stylish Omnipeace line http://bit.ly/3dNFh0
teenscene (Teen Scene) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:30:42 -0000
We're celebrating Activism this month and today's Steal the Look is no exception. Check out the stylish Omnipeace line http://bit.ly/3dNFh0

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