Grassroots vs. Astroturf

Ashley Sears
PR 2420
March 28, 2006



GRASSROOTS VS. ASTROTURF

Is it or isn’t it?


The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) was founded by Randall “Hurricane” Hayes in 1987. It is an operation that “campaigns for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life by transforming the global marketplace through grassroots organizing, education and non-violent direct action.” (ran.org).

Given the two defintiions of what astroturf is and what grassroots is I found this group to stem from a grassroots organization. Grassroots claims it is a group of people that take “collective action on their own behalf” (wikipedia.org). Grassroots organizations as opposed to astroturf use a direct approach by using people who activley are protesting something. “Astroturfing is similar in practice of the grassroots movement, except that those behind it, the lobbyists, hide their agenda by appearing as specific individuals voicing their opinions.” (wikipedia.org).

The grassroots characteristics this group demonstrates is that even through the hounding of companies, civil disobedience and vigorous protests the organization clearly puts strong emphasis on education, projects and public awareness. The organization is also composed of actual members and activist from scientist, professors to citizens and students and many others. All these people have one concern and that is for the environment, the money and support they receive is all entrusted into several of their causes, they are true believers.

RAN currently is being investigated regarding the decision on wether they should be tax exempt, due to its gracious funding and large corporation size almost leans toward astroturfing however, the group continues to conduct truthful protests. It has however, become notoriously known for extreme negative campaigns, boycotts, and protests againts many corporations or anything that is considered threatening to the environment. A good example of this is “during its campaign against Home Depot, RAN organized a day of “ethical shoplifting” during which activists stole lumber from Home Depot, which they later handed over to the FBI.” (discoverthenetworks.org). Their reputation of such stunts almost leads one to conclude that they are in fact an Astroturf, however, there are no benefits for them or ulterior motives, any stunts they have pulled have all stemmed from the desire to protect the environment.



Works Cited:
Our Mission." Ranforest Action Network. 2007. Rainforest Action Network. 27 Mar 2007. http://ran.org/who_we_are/about_us/.

"Grassroots Organizing." Answers.com. 2007. Wikipedia. 28 Mar 2007. http://www.answers.com/topic/grassroots-organizing-1.

“Astroturfing.” Answers.com. 2007. Wikipedia. 28 Mar 2007.
http://www.answers.com/topic/astroturfing-1."Rainforest Action Network (RAN)."

DiscovertheNetworks.org: A Guide to the Political Left. 2006. DiscovertheNetworks.org. 28 Mar 2007 . http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6904.