Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct
social,
political,
economic, or
environmental change, or stasis with the desire to make improvements in society and to correct social injustice. Forms of activism range from writing letters to newspapers or to politicians, political campaigning,
economic activism such as
boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses,
rallies,
street marches,
strikes,
sit-ins, and
hunger strikes. One can also express activism through different forms of art. Daily acts of protest such as not buying clothes from a certain clothing company because they exploit workers is another form of activism. One view holds that acknowledging privileges and oppressions on a daily basis ranks as a form of activism. Research has begun to explore how activist groups in the United States and in Canada use
social media to facilitate
civic engagement and collective action.