Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social change, political change, economic justice, or environmental wellbeing. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.

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, blogging and street marches, strikes, both work stoppages and hunger strikes, or even guerrilla tactics.

In some cases, activism has nothing to do with protest or confrontation: for instance, some religious, feminist or vegetarian/vegan 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 cooperative principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.

See also:

• Society: Issues: Animal Welfare: Animal Rights: Personalities (2)

• A Loving Tribute to Henry Spira
  upc-online.org
  Essay. "In the mid-1970s, Henry Spira questioned getting involved in the farm animal issue because the farm animal issue was just too big, too 'unwinnable.' This is the man who went on to become a vigorous, prolific, courageous, wry, testy, ingenious, and globally famous advocate on behalf of farmed animals."
• Wikipedia - Category: Animal Rights Activists - Hyperlinked directory of articles about people active in animal rights issues.