Grassroots

A grassroots movement (often referenced in the context of a political movement) as defined by Webster's Third International Dictionary, is one which uses the people in a given district as the basis for a political or economic movement. Grassroots movements and organizations utilize collective action from the local level to affect change at the local, regional, national, or international level. Grassroots movements are associated with bottom-up, rather than top-down decision making, and are sometimes considered more natural or spontaneous than more traditional power structures. Grassroots movements utilize a variety of strategies from fundraising and registering voters, to simply encouraging political conversation. Goals of specific movements vary, but the movements are consistent in their focus on increasing mass participation in politics.

The idea of grassroots is often conflated with participatory democracy. The Port Huron Statement, a manifesto seeking a more democratic society, says that to create a more equitable society, "the grass roots of American Society" need to be the basis of civil rights and economic reform movements. The terms can be distinguished in that grassroots often refers to a specific movement or organization, whereas participatory democracy refers to the larger system of governance.

Grassroots (album)

Grassroots is the second album by 311, released on July 12, 1994. The album was intentionally recorded to have a "muddy" tone, and was recorded in a small house in Van Nuys where all of the band members lived together. This album also contains the track "Applied Science", which is a staple in 311's live show and has included a full-band drum solo since 2000. P-Nut records with a 5-String Warwick bass for the first time here as well. The album was certified Gold in 1999 by the RIAA, having sold over 500,000 copies.

A special vinyl edition of the record was pressed for Black Friday at United Record Pressing in Nashville, TN.

Track listing

Grassroots (film)

Grassroots is a 2012 American film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, based on the book Zioncheck for President by Phil Campbell.

Shot in Seattle, the film revolves around a grassroots campaign for Seattle City Council and explores what happens when a dedicated activist tries to realize a vision by seeking political office.

Plot

The film tells the story of Phil Campbell (Jason Biggs), a journalist who has just lost his job and gets roped into leading Grant Cogswell's political campaign. Grant, played by Joel David Moore, is Phil's enthusiastic friend whose passion for the monorail inspires him to run for Seattle City Council. Grant is running against Richard McIver, played by Cedric the Entertainer, and although McIver has more money and more supporters, Grant's blind passion paired with Phil's strategy makes Grant a contender.

Cast