In every class society, the state is the basic and most important form of social and political organization. It is an exceptionally complex social creation, whose forms of governing have changed throughout history.
DEMOCRACY – RULE OF THE PEOPLE
The most desired, most acceptable and today most applied form of social and political governing is the form of democratic governance. The term democracy is most often defined with the help of its etymological meaning – “rule of the people” (from the Greek language, δημος – the people and κρατειν –to rule), although it doesn’t sufficiently explain the essence of the term.
Democracy is a very complex system of relations between the citizens and the state, in the direction of realizing freedom and equality of all citizens who participate in political decision-making. It is a form of state and social governance, in which the power belongs to the people (received from the people), while the governing is carried out through them or their elected representatives. For some, it is a form of rule, and for others, a way of social life and behaviour.
GRASSROOT OR GENUINE DEMOCRACY – SPONTANIOUS POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
Throughout the long history of the existence of democracy, various theories have emerged, both in relation to its defining and to its classification according to the form, type and model.
The political concept known as grassroots or genuine democracy is interesting. In its form, it’s considered a non-representative democracy, in which political processes are initiated and led by a group of ordinary citizens. Hence, the meaning of the expression grassroots democracy is interpreted as spontaneous political organization and action “from the bottom” or “from the base” up.
Starting from the second decade of the previous century and up to today, many examples of spontaneous democratic activities and actions have been noted in various countries. They have emerged as a result of the efforts to enable direct assistance for individuals, by the government or business leaders, who at the same time need to also work of improving the social situation, for example.
Spontaneous action by individuals or community groups is usually motivated by the desire to change, and sometimes also to keep things as they are. Furthermore, the action may start also due to being affected by certain events and actions of the government or companies. In spontaneous or genuine (grassroots) actions, the motive or the desire to change certain policies and practices dominates, that is, creating better living conditions, equally for all members of the community.
In many cases, when we talk about genuine democratic initiatives and actions, it’s about a reaction of the citizens to certain injustice, violence, crime or discrimination from a center of power over individuals, groups or communities.
FROM A LOCAL TO A WIDE ACTION
Very often, there is no open political, or ideological reason for forming of such groups of citizens. The political action may follow after the group is formed and political climate changed. The basic idea of this type of spontaneous original, collective actions of local character is to effect changes at the local, regional, national, and even international level.
Organizations (composed of individuals and groups) can be small and within the framework of the local communities or large and include different groups of citizens across the country or nation. The structure of the original organization depends on the type of the very organization and on the goals its members aim to achieve.
HORIZONTAL SET UP
It can function without an established hierarchy. Usually, all of its members manage the organization, though it can also be managed by an individual. Many different types of groups can act in grassroots movements, from sports, environmental, up to groups dedicated to care for children.
The goal of social and local movements (for example, environmental movements against degradation of rainforests, anti-nuclear and anti-war campaigns and so on) is to resolve certain social issues and problems, in conditions when the local or state authorities ignores them, or are even working against the common interests of the citizens.
Grassroots activism is exceptionally important for societies, particularly when trust in the institutions is weak and when they are politicized, that is, under the dictate of the centers of power (political parties, corporations, authoritarian leaders, etc.). In that case, this type of activism is the best indicator of where society and the system have deficiencies and where citizens need to organize themselves in order to achieve goals such as democracy, equality, green values and respect for human rights and freedoms.
by: Natasa Malinka Minovska
translation: N. Cvetkovska
