Activism

• Definition: The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.

• Example: Youth activism played a critical role in the civil rights movement.

Advocacy

• Definition: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

• Example: She is known for her strong advocacy for climate change action.

Allyship

• Definition: The practice of emphasizing social justice, inclusion, and human rights by members of an in-group to advance the interests of an oppressed or marginalized out-group.

• Example: His allyship with the LGBTQ+ community involves active support and advocacy.

Campaign

• Definition: A series of organized actions intended to achieve a particular result.

• Example: The campaign for voting rights includes rallies, petitions, and lobbying efforts.

Capitalism

• Definition: An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit.

• Example: Many activists critique capitalism for contributing to social and economic inequality.

Coalition

• Definition: An alliance for combined action, especially a temporary alliance of political parties forming a government or of states.

• Example: The coalition of environmental groups succeeded in passing new legislation.

Community Organizing

• Definition: The process of building power through involving a constituency in identifying problems they share and the solutions to those problems that they desire.

• Example: Community organizing led to the successful protest against the proposed factory.

Democracy

• Definition: A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

• Example: Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy.

Direct Action

• Definition: The use of strikes, demonstrations, or other forms of protest rather than negotiation to achieve one's demands.

• Example: The group engaged in direct action to protest police brutality.

Empowerment

• Definition: Authority or power given to someone to do something.

• Example: The workshop focused on the empowerment of marginalized youth.

Fascism

• Definition: A form of far-right, dictatorial power characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

• Example: The rise of fascism in the early 20th century led to significant global conflicts.

Grassroots

• Definition: The most basic level of an activity or organization.

• Example: Grassroots movements often start with local communities advocating for change.

Human Rights

• Definition: Rights believed to belong justifiably to every person.

• Example: The organization fights for human rights around the world.

Imperialism

• Definition: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

• Example: The history of imperialism has left lasting impacts on many countries.

Intersectionality

• Definition: A theoretical framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege.

• Example: Intersectionality is crucial for understanding the experiences of marginalized groups.

Justice

• Definition: Just behavior or treatment.

• Example: The campaign seeks justice for victims of police violence.

Lobbying

• Definition: Seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue.

• Example: The organization spent considerable resources lobbying for healthcare reform.

Marginalization

• Definition: Treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.

• Example: The program addresses the marginalization of indigenous communities.

Mobilization

• Definition: The act of assembling and making both troops and supplies ready for war or other emergency.

• Example: The rapid mobilization of activists was key to the protest's success.

Nonviolent Resistance

• Definition: The practice of achieving goals through symbolic protests, civil disobedience, economic or political noncooperation, without using violence.

• Example: Nonviolent resistance was a hallmark of the civil rights movement.

Organizing

• Definition: The activity of coordinating and arranging people or groups for a common purpose.

• Example: The key to effective community change is grassroots organizing.

Peer Advocacy

• Definition: Support from people with similar experiences and situations.

• Example: Peer advocacy programs help individuals navigate the healthcare system.

Policy Change

• Definition: Modifications or replacements of policies or regulations to reflect new goals or standards.

• Example: The group worked tirelessly to advocate for policy change regarding climate action.

Preemption

• Definition: The action of preempting or forestalling, especially of making a preemptive attack.

• Example: The state law included preemption clauses that limited local government power.

Protest

• Definition: A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.

• Example: The protest against racial injustice attracted thousands of participants.

Radicalism

• Definition: The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.

• Example: Radicalism was evident in the demands for systemic changes to the government.

Reform

• Definition: Make changes in something (typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it.

• Example: The reform of the criminal justice system is a key goal of the advocacy group.

Resistance

• Definition: The refusal to accept or comply with something.

• Example: Resistance to the new law was widespread and vocal.

Rights-Based Approach

• Definition: A conceptual framework for the process of human development that is normatively based on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights.

• Example: The rights-based approach ensures that human rights are central to development efforts.

Social Justice

• Definition: Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

• Example: The organization focuses on achieving social justice for all communities.

Socialism

• Definition: A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

• Example: Socialism advocates for the redistribution of wealth to reduce inequality.

Solidarity

• Definition: Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.

• Example: The protestors showed solidarity with the workers' strike.

Systemic Change

• Definition: Change that impacts an entire system.

• Example: Advocates call for systemic change to address the root causes of poverty.

Transnational

• Definition: Extending or operating across national boundaries.

• Example: The transnational movement seeks to address climate change on a global scale.

Transparency

• Definition: Openness, accountability, and honesty in government and business.

• Example: Activists demanded greater transparency from public officials.

Voter Engagement

• Definition: Efforts to encourage and facilitate voter participation in elections.

• Example: The organization's voter engagement initiatives helped increase turnout in the election.

Whistleblower

• Definition: A person who informs on a person or organization engaged in an illicit activity.

• Example: The whistleblower exposed corruption within the corporation.

Youth Engagement

• Definition: Involvement of young people in activities that promote their personal development and community improvement.

• Example: Youth engagement programs empower young people to become active in their communities.

Zoning Laws

• Definition: Laws that regulate the use of land and structures built upon it.

• Example: Changes to zoning laws were proposed to allow for more affordable housing.

Zero Tolerance

• Definition: A policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule.

• Example: The school adopted a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.