What is grassroots activism? We hear this phrase a lot, but what is it?

What is grassroots activism? We hear this phrase a lot, but what is it? 

The phrase "Grassroot Activism" may invoke thoughts of major grassroots movements in history like the Civil Rights movement, Women's Suffrage, or Occupy Wallstreet. All these movements started with one person. That one person turned into 2, turned into 3, then into 5, then into hundreds and into thousands. When thousands take to the streets and are demanding freedom or reform, change happens. 

Grassroots campaigns don't start out as front page news. They require armies of people showing up and doing the work daily. Sometimes the work is tedious and seemingly futile. Phone banking when people don't pick up, letter writing to people who don't respond, marching when the timing is inconvenient, collecting signatures when it's raining, and passing out flyers when you'd rather be home. For libertarians, activism looks like all of the above, plus running for office over and over and over again when you never win and being the only radical in a room full of statists. 

I know all too well that activism can sometimes feel like chasing your tail. It sometimes feels like you are being silly, working so tirelessly for small victories that may not happen for years. It sometimes feels hopeless fighting the most powerful state in the world, living in a system designed for you to lose.

You have to keep reminding yourself that people are watching, they are listening, they are being inspired and you are making a difference even if it feels like you are just screaming into the void for a while. If you remain consistent, people will show up and stand next to you. Sometimes the person who shows up is someone you wouldn't have thought was paying attention. That is always a nice surprise. 

Systems don't dismantle by ignoring them. They have to come down brick by brick. So what are you waiting for? Grab a brick. 

Share that post, join that group, attend that meeting, march the streets, write that letter, run for office, volunteer to make those calls, donate $5, organize an event, speak to your local council, vote for change, change your mind, listen to new ideas, admit you were wrong, push back, do not consent, disobey - no contribution is too small and no effort goes to waste. 

Show up every day. Change will happen.

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October 31st is the last day to vote for “Grassroots Activist of the Year” 2025.

Voting ends at 11:59 EST. To use your one free vote, use this LINK.

To ‘Vote with your Dollar’ follow this link - https://secure.anedot.com/liberty-policy.../vote-lana-leguia

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This article was written by a human; no AI was used.