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This article explores the place and framework for a socially transformative Christology, particularly in Africa. More specifically, it calls attention to the importance of grassroots christological imagination in the discussion of the social relevance of faith in Jesus Christ in Africa. The essay begins with highlighting the marginalization of the christological narratives of Christians at the grassroots still present in some of the academic discussions about the meaning and social significance of Christ in African Christianity. It then argues that taking seriously the grassroots Christologies, and a more critical-empathetic engagement of them within the framework of imagination and image, open up an effective way of doing Christology 'from within' the proclamation and longing of the People of God, who are graced to become both the embodiment and agents of Christ's transforming presence and act. To this end, the article attempts to trace something of the mutual illumination connecting Christology and the transformation of society in Africa. And in doing so, it contributes to the task of bridging the gap that often exists between popular and academic Christologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a "Whole-of-Society" approach is needed to initiate transitions to a nature-positive society. Many look at civil society to initiate and accelerate such transitions. In this article, we investigate strategies from Civil Society Actors (CSAs) to contribute to transformative change, with specific focus on Tiny Forests and Beach Clean-Ups in the Netherlands. Results show that CSAs have a clear Theory of Change to achieve their goals, and act upon that vision through assembling power and resources, developing policy-relevant environmental knowledge, mobilising public support and media coverage and initiating innovative sustainable practices. Adopting mosaic governance approaches, CSAs strategically position themselves in social and institutional networks, connecting professionals and citizens for political leverage. However, our findings show that the step from local impact towards transition remains a large one and the contribution of CSAs should be valued as emergent, co-produced and part of a broader transition movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control and access to land are major concerns for peasants of the global south who face the longstanding consequences of colonialism and recent 'land-rush'. What is the role of human rights in this peasant struggle? The UNDROP marks the international recognition of the right to land. However, as the very project of human rights is facing criticism and the effectiveness of this recognition remains uncertain, the question of whether using the human rights framework is even desirable arises. Arguing for a broader understanding of the actors and processes involved in the application and evolution of human rights, I explain that the process of obtaining the recognition of the right to land involved the mobilisation and re-modelling of human rights by grassroots organisations. I explore the potential of this mobilisation to transform common understandings of human rights, and its distinctive ability to support the necessary paradigm shift to transform peasants' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The current study aimed to explore grassroots esports in sports clubs in Norway from the perspective of volunteer esports leaders. Method and results: Fifteen volunteers were recruited from grassroots esports initiatives in various sports clubs and were interviewed via online video conferencing using a pre-developed semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with a realist approach, which generated the following themes: (1) Local community impact at the center of motivation, (2) lack of support threatens the operations of the initiatives, and (3) competency development to overcome barriers. The participants perceived the grassroots esports initiatives as essential for children in the local community and as the core of their motivation as volunteers. Several challenges were mentioned for sustaining the initiatives, such as maintaining motivation, resource management, and recruiting new volunteers. Finally, competency and qualified esports trainers were mentioned as necessary for a high-quality offer. Conclusion: The grassroots esports initiatives in sports clubs are viewed by volunteer esports leaders to affect the local community positively. However, there are challenges tied to the operation of such initiatives, such as engaging volunteers and raising competence. Future research should investigate barriers to help develop strategies to support grassroots esports initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to define the features of kitsch in the context of its application in contemporary pop culture. To investigate the relationship between kitsch and hyperreality using Baudrillard's philosophical theory of hyperreality. The research methodology includes general scientific principles of systematisation and generalisation of the problem under study, which made it possible to identify and scientifically substantiate existing theories, conceptual approaches to understanding the content of the concepts of ―kitsch‖, ―hyperreality‖, ―grassroots‖ and ―high‖ culture. The following methods were used: analytical, historical, and comparative. The historical method helped to find the origins of kitsch and establish the chronology of its development. The comparative method was used to identify and search for properties and characteristics based on the collected information. The use of the analytical research method helped to analyse the data and form hypotheses based on it. The scientific novelty is a comprehensive consideration of kitsch in the context of its application in the modern era of hyperreality. On this basis, the specific features of kitsch were synthesised, namely: hyperbole, idealisation, commercialisation, loss of authenticity, superficiality, vulgarity, template, imitation (parody), mass and emotional manipulation. Conclusions. Contemporary pop culture is heavily influenced by the processes of globalisation and digitalisation, which have radically affected and continue to influence the development of culture in general. The result of these processes is the emergence and rapid development of kitsch Its characteristic features are hyperbole, idealisation, commercialisation, loss of authenticity, superficiality, vulgarity, template, imitation (parody), mass appeal, and emotional manipulation. These are the main features inherent in kitsch, and they allow us to unmistakably identify the presence of kitsch in a particular work of art. It is important to note that the specificity of contemporary pop culture is also dictated by the general context of its existence in the era of hyperreality. Most often, this is expressed in the hyperbolisation of the images conveyed. These and other features give kitsch a special status of an important part of pop culture, and also influence its formation by creating new standards. Accordingly, kitsch should be seen as a means of analysing contemporary cultural trends. After all, these trends are in a constant stage of formation and development, which require vigilance and frequent attention from contemporary scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site.

Grassroots communities in the 21st century take on the role of social innovators and contribute to addressing market failures and system failures through innovative action. The aim of this empirical study is to evaluate the various modes in which social innovations (products and services) arise in the conditions of community-led grassroots initiatives, to compare the patterns of social and economic value creation through these innovations and to elaborate the possibilities of their commercial exploitation. Drawing from data on 63 innovative products and service of 106 grassroots, taking the optics of grounded theory and adopting the approach of comparative analysis, this study sheds a light on the emergence of "pure", "bi-focal", and "market-exposed SI" products and services. Furthermore, the results suggest that it is possible to conceptualize the demand for community-led products and services. The majority of identified innovative products and services of grassroots generate a mix of social and economic outcomes that address both the social needs within one's own community and needs of various stakeholders, or marginalized groups. The differentiation of SI into "pure", "bi-focal", and "market-exposed" was found to be relevant. Also, we identified a rationale for further elaboration of the evolutionary patterns of SI development, as we found that some "pure" SIs have the potential to be introduced to market within the later stages of the SI life-cycle. Some of the investigated products and service had to be commercially exploited due to a paradox—some social, public beneficial solutions need to be commercially exploited to be provided sustainably in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the Western Indian Ocean region, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding marine turtle nesting on the continental coast of East Africa. Here we present results from a long-term (2000–2020) community-based monitoring programme in and around Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya, covering 30 km of coastline (c. 6% of the national total). Conservation actions effectively protected nesting turtles and resulted in a near-total cessation of illegal egg harvesting in Watamu Marine National Park. Collected data indicate this is an important marine turtle nesting index site in Kenya and the wider region. Green turtle Chelonia mydas nests were most common (95%), followed by olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (4%), with occasional nests of hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea. Clutches per season increased significantly over the 20-year monitoring period for green turtles (50%) and showed a positive trend for olive ridley turtles. Watamu remains an area at risk from human pressures such as coastal development. Clutch distribution along the Watamu Marine National Park beach has shifted over time, probably because of coastal development and disturbance. Illegal take of adults and eggs continues in areas north and south of the Watamu Marine National Park, possibly slowing rates of recovery. Clutches deemed at risk were moved to a safe location within the National Park, and hatching success was high. Continued conservation efforts, including wider engagement with stakeholders to reduce human pressures, are needed to ensure the perpetuation of this nesting site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neocolonialism has led to an imbalance in the production of knowledge and a clunky imposition of frameworks and models of practice that do not meet the needs of local communities. In contrast they can serve the central function of colonialism by draining valuable resources. Inequity of science diplomacy has diluted local voices and given precedence to colonialist knowledge and models of practice. It is argued that clinical, training and research excellence applies to those activities that meet and fulfil the clinical, training and research needs of the community in which they are embedded. Through personal reflection on contrasting Middle Eastern settings (Palestine and the UAE), the call is for the source of knowledge production and the driver for innovation to be daily clinical experiences listening to families in the community. This will result in policy and practices that are meaningful and impactful as illustrated by way of three examples: (1) a narrative approach to exploring suicide (2) an “all-hands-on-deck” clinical pathway for Autism assessments which transformed the lives of children and families with little additional resource, but with a fundamental shift in approach from “top down” to “bottom up” one as part of an organization-wide “Patient First” approach and (3) a rights-based, collective approach to developing mental health strategy. These examples are linked in terms of taking a shared “listening approach” but are applied to different levels moving from personal individual narratives to community clinical service to national strategy.

Across West Virginia, tobacco use continues to be a significant public health challenge. Specifically, tobacco use is linked to high poverty across the state and disproportionately affects African Americans. A faith-based tobacco prevention network was formed to address these concerns and increase education and cessation. The West Virginia African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WVAATPN) was formed in 2021 and since then has expanded its reach across the state, involving 22 congregations. The Network’s model includes annual training for lay leaders on various tobacco-related topics, tailored educational curriculum for congregations, and collaboration with national experts to enhance program efficacy. The Network has run educational and cessation workshops and promoted events such as No Menthol Sunday. Workshops have yielded positive outcomes among participants, including increased awareness of tobacco marketing tactics, higher cessation rates, and improved understanding of the health impacts of tobacco. The WVAATPN continues to expand its reach and effectiveness by advocating for policy change, enhancing community engagement, and fostering partnerships to combat tobacco-related disparities in West Virginia’s African American communities.

AimThe current study aimed to explore grassroots esports in sports clubs in Norway from the perspective of volunteer esports leaders.Method and resultsFifteen volunteers were recruited from grassroots esports initiatives in various sports clubs and were interviewed via online video conferencing using a pre-developed semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with a realist approach, which generated the following themes: (1) Local community impact at the center of motivation, (2) lack of support threatens the operations of the initiatives, and (3) competency development to overcome barriers. The participants perceived the grassroots esports initiatives as essential for children in the local community and as the core of their motivation as volunteers. Several challenges were mentioned for sustaining the initiatives, such as maintaining motivation, resource management, and recruiting new volunteers. Finally, competency and qualified esports trainers were mentioned as necessary for a high-quality offer.ConclusionThe grassroots esports initiatives in sports clubs are viewed by volunteer esports leaders to affect the local community positively. However, there are challenges tied to the operation of such initiatives, such as engaging volunteers and raising competence. Future research should investigate barriers to help develop strategies to support grassroots esports initiatives.

Objective To understand the disease knowledge of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD） in grassroots areas of Chongqing, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of COPD. Methods From November 2021 to May 2022, a total of 612 elderly patients with COPD were randomly selected from the grassroots areas of Chongqing for a cross-sectional study. The self-designed socio-demographic questionnaire and COPD knowledge questionnaire were used to investigate. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of disease knowledge in elderly patients with COPD. Results A total of 612 questionnaires were distributed, of which 578 valid were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 94. 4%. The average score of disease knowledge of 578 elderly COPD patients was（4. 73±2. 57） points, with a full score of 13 points. Among them, the highest scoring rate of a single item was 81. 3%, and the scoring rate of five items was less than 20. 0%. The results of logistics regression analysis showed that region（P＜0. 001） and income（P＜0. 001） were the influencing factors of disease knowledge in elderly COPD patients. Conclusion The disease knowledge of elderly patients with COPD in the grassroots areas of Chongqing is not ideal, and the region and income are the influencing factors. The team of general practitioners and various levels of medical and health management departments should strengthen health education for patients and reduce the incidence of serious diseases caused by cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an outsider’s perspective, federal legislative and funding action can happen infrequently and/or suddenly. Understandably, one may think that these decisions are made quickly and last minute. While at times this can be true, many components of bills that eventually become law are formed over the years by advocates who consistently build relationships, share data and evidence, leverage local voices and perspectives, and remain attentive to the federal legislative and funding processes. As a firm that draws on the decades of experience of former staffers on Capitol Hill and various presidential administrations to develop and implement high-performing advocacy strategies for its clients, Penn Hill Group is able to leverage this insider knowledge and expertise to support COABE in advancing its goals at the federal level. This article provides a number of best practices intended to be a guide for advocating on behalf of COABE’s interests. A select list of legislative and funding victories that COABE has accomplished over the past several years is also provided. Written from the perspective of advocacy at the federal level, these best practices, coupled with the desire to improve the lives of adult learners, will help advocates drive change at all levels of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used systems theory with the structural, attitudinal, and transactional (SAT) model of peace building to explore coaches' process and content of change after receiving sport for development and peace (SDP) training in Tajikistan. Six Tajik grassroots youth coaches from the Sport for Social Change Tajikistan (SSC-T) program participated in data collection over a four-year span. A longitudinal participatory approach utilizing interviews, journals, and guided discussion was analyzed using content analysis. Data indicated that in early stages of the program, micro-attitudinal changes were being made by the participants, with more transactional changes over time with a hint of structural, macro-level changes in the schools and community at the four-year mark. More specifically, we identified five themes across time: (1) girls' involvement, (2) positive coaching approaches, (3) incorporation of peaceful living skills, (4) cultural awareness, and (5) collaboration and community impact. Results revealed that over time participants moved from micro-level individual change to more structural level change in local Tajik communities; thus, providing evidence for the SAT model of peace building as a framework (Ricigliano, 2012. Making peace last: A toolbox for sustainable peacebuilding. Routledge). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article traces the history of arts and health in South Australia, using an interview-based methodology to detail how grassroots practice developed into formal arts and health policy. The project interviewed 47 arts and health stakeholders, including former state government ministers, artists and health professionals. South Australia has a long history of arts and health work. However, interviewees describe a lack of momentum for the field since the endorsement of the 2013 National Arts and Health Framework, largely because it did not contain binding commitments which left the field vulnerable to changes associated with political leadership. South Australia thus represents both a case study of how grassroots support can maximize political interest in arts and health to create formal policy as well as a warning on the challenges that occur when this interest wanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore how climate change education and sensemaking can lead to climate engagement and adaptive behavior at the grassroots level. The research focuses on five rural communities in Ghana and seeks to answer three key questions related to how people understand and respond to climate change issues. One strength of the study is the use of sensemaking as an organizing framework, which allows for a nuanced understanding of how people at the grassroots level make sense of complex environmental issues like climate change. The study findings suggest that sensemaking was a critical factor in how people noticed and made meaning of the climate crisis, and that deliberative tools like storytelling, conversation, and listening were important tools for facilitating this process. We also found that climate educators needed to address existing misconceptions before framing climate change issues in terms of science and impact on livelihoods. Linking climate change to rural livelihoods resonated more with people than science, and a strategy of guiding communities to recognize the need for adaptive behavior through individual and collective sensemaking was important. The emphasis on linking climate change to rural livelihoods rather than science is an important finding, as it suggests that approaches that emphasize the impact of climate change on local communities and their ability to adapt may be more effective than purely scientific arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of increasingly complex urban systems, grassroot communities in cities are rolling out small-scale initiatives as a way to address contemporary urban problems. However, the initiatives are not always in line with the formal planning conducted by the government. This study aims to investigate the interaction between the government and grassroots actors under the context of self-governed grassroots initiatives by using the 'Marginal School Community' social network structure in Yogyakarta as an example case. Using social network analysis with 77 actors entailed in the community's activities, this study shows an alternative interaction between the government and the grassroots within an action planning process. The paper reflects on these examples and suggests an alternative way that cities may be planned and governed in the future, adopting a more grassroots-based planning approach based on collaboration, negotiation and mutuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explains the role of "tungkus asi" in strengthening the ruling party's political power during the 2021 Sarawak State Election (SSE21) in Batang Ai. "Tungkus asi" is one of the local variations of patronage politics practised by the Iban at the grassroots level. During the 2016 Sarawak State Election "tungkus asi" played a role in the electoral victory of the candidate from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). In the SSE21, "tungkus asi" once again propelled the candidate from GPS to victory and thus strengthening the ruling party's position in Batang Ai. This article looks at how "tungkus asi" was practised and its influence on the electoral support of the Iban towards the candidates. This article was based on a study conducted in Batang Ai which involved observation and interviews with the voters and "tuai rumah". The study found that "tungkus asi" continued to play a prominent role in galvanising support from the voters. "Tungkus asi" remains relevant in the modern political era as it has become part and parcel of the political process and election among the Iban at the grassroots level. "Tungkus asi" not only consolidates GPS political power, but its practice also helps researchers and observers alike to understand the politics of patronage within the Iban voters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research develops a framework that explores how to fuel the climate movement by accelerating grassroots, community‐based climate action. Drawing on insights from consumer psychology, our framework identifies the psychological mechanisms that encourage and motivate people, both individually and collectively, to take climate action, thereby contributing to our understanding of how to advance social action and propel a social movement. Our climate action framework builds on: (1) individuals we describe as climate upstanders who rise up to take climate action with like‐minded others, and (2) communities of climate upstanders who engage in collective action aimed at addressing the climate crisis. Our framework expands the field of consumer psychology by redefining the role of consumers to include the practice of social action and broadening the study of consumers to include collective, community‐based action. We call on consumer psychologists to research individual and collective consumer practices related to social action and contribute to making social good central to the study of consumer psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conceptual review aims to examine the international difficulties and the strategic application of the local economic development agenda. The study argued that for South Africa to implement its local development strategy at the grassroots level effectively, it can learn from global initiatives. The study contextualized local economic development (LED) from the global perspective and discussed the challenges it encounters in practice. According to researchers, local economic development (LED) is something that everyone—citizens, business owners, and the general government—should be concerned about. LED is frequently viewed as the solution to problems like increased quality of life, unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Several opposing theories and techniques constantly influence the development of policies, planning processes, and implementation methods because of the relative infancy of the area of LED research. The article discusses LED uncertainties domestically and internationally in South Africa. While concentrating on the South African context, it also examines the steps taken by the chosen countries worldwide to address the issues with LED. The study used the qualitative method by gathering information via secondary sources. The information obtained from various databases was analyzed thematically. The study identified challenges faced by LED in South Africa, such as poor leadership, lack of alignment of policies between the spheres and lack of skilled workers. The paper recommended a nine-stage strategic programme that could aid the full actualization of LEDs in South Africa.

This study explores the relatively new potential of places to ethically enhance their branding through accreditation under the Fairtrade Towns (FTT) scheme. It presents insights from a qualitative study of marketing practices across eleven UK FTTs, focussing on the activists who establish these initiatives to facilitate and promote FT consumption within their communities. FTT accreditation is revealed as a grassroots local branding initiative that can work symbiotically with the place brand through connections to other fundamental aspects of a place's identity and character, or even by playing a 'redemptive' role. FTT status encourages a less introspective approach to place branding by connecting with distant producer communities and encouraging tourists and residents to reconsider their consumption in the context of the socio-environmental realities of global supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the situation of earthquake organizational reforms in cities and counties in Anhui Province, with a specific analysis of the work status, characteristics, and problems of grassroots earthquake prevention and disaster reduction organizations in Ma’anshan City after the reform. Due to the request of new period, new circumstance, new mission, based on the important issues of the current earthquake prevention and combined with practical work, innovating ideas for earthquake prevention and disaster reduction work，five targeted strategies are proposed. Improve system construction and enhance collaborative and linkage capabilities; Strengthen the legal foundation and improve comprehensive law enforcement capabilities; Increase security efforts and improve grassroots basic capabilities; Promote intelligent construction and enhance science and technology innovation capabilities; Cultivate earthquake culture and enhance earthquake prevention and disaster reduction publicity capabilities. The results have certain practical guiding significance for further strengthening the earthquake grassroots work under the new emergency management system.

This paper illustrates the work of creating, infrastructuring, and organising a food-sharing community from the ground up. Drawing on Participatory Action Research (PAR) and a three-year engagement with FoodSharing Stockholm, the paper shows how the processes of starting up a grassroots initiative are shaped by participants' direct experience and knowledge of similar initiatives. The analysis draws attention to: (1) how central activities such as recruiting volunteers, choosing digital tools, and establishing partnerships with food donors are conceived and organised, (2) the concrete challenges of sharing surplus food, such as adopting a distribution model, and negotiating fairness, and (3) how governance and decision-making models are adopted and (re)negotiated over time. The paper introduces the term Collective histories of organising to capture the impact that learning from previous experiences can have on communities' efforts to set up and run; and re-orient design visions towards the consideration and adoption of existing sociotechnical practices, rather than always aiming at novel digital explorations. We outline three emerging dimensions that can characterise "Collective histories of organising" as a concept, (1) configuring capacities, (2) configuring sociotechnical practices, and (3) configuring participation. The paper contributes practical sensitivities to build, sustain, and infrastructure surplus food-sharing initiatives, where these three dimensions are discussed as central concerns designers and other food-sharing communities could learn from. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through comparative content analysis of online news reports (N = 420), we examined how indigenous values and source citation practices (re)define journalistic objectivity away from the normative comfort domain of 'The American standard'. We argue that 'African' journalistic practices will more possibly reflect more 'objective' narratives with a critical gaze to African values such as ' Ubuntu ' and ' Afriethics '. By comparing 'grassroots' with 'elite' source citations as reflected in 'African' media reportage, we found that African news narratives that embrace 'Community Journalism' reflect more grassroots than elite voices as distinct from 'Western' libertarian journalistic practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lived experiences of conflict-affected locals are an important source of local knowledge that should be incorporated into peacebuilding. However, the national project of peacebuilding in post-war Sri Lanka has failed to consider local knowledge and voices. Utilizing a grassroots perspective, this study examines the experiences of grassroots activists in north and east Sri Lanka to understand the various challenges that have hindered their attempts to share experiences and narratives of war and cultural practices across communities. The findings show that a “context of denial,” identified variously as institutional denial, fear-based denial, and community denial, has prevented grassroots activists from engaging in a meaningful dialogue about peace, reconciliation, and justice. This study helps build an understanding of how grassroots activism functions and is challenged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication and public relations practitioners are sometimes criticized for their use of inauthentic strategies. Among them, astroturfing which consists ofsimulating public opinion while keeping one's identity secret. This issue raises ethical questions in democratic societies A scientific literature is developing on the subject.However, it appears that many definitions of the concept of astroturfing coexist, thus; complicating its study. This article proposes a comprehensive definition of astroturfing that overcomes some of the pitfalls identified in a systematic literature review. Based on this definition, a clear typology of astroturfing tactics is then established. Next, a contingency model is proposed to situate communication tactics on a continuum ranging from grassroots to astroturf. This model is,then,illustrated by three case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the special issue focused on Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C), featuring five papers penned by local authors. Reviewing Voluntas journal's main topics concerning LA&C as grassroots movements within civil society, the third sector including its definitions and institutional context, philanthropy, and volunteer work. After organizing these discussions, we summarize the five papers included in this special issue. We connect these papers with broader debates in the LA&C literature and emphasize their unique contributions. A significant amount of the LA&C research relies on case studies. We advocate for increased usage of local databases to conduct quantitative studies. Furthermore, while most theoretical models use non-local frameworks, we encourage research that presents fresh theoretical viewpoints to enrich the debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action research has been enthusiastically promoted in TESOL for almost forty years and has projected hopes for the emancipation of EFL grassroots teachers from reliance on evidence-based SLA research. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with grassroots secondary school teachers, this study attempts to show that the contrast between those difficulties the teachers identify as their most pressing and the action research topics commonly researched in TESOL may explain voices of dissent at the grassroots. Although there is some evidence that action research benefits practitioners in supported grassroots contexts, the voices of dissent would appear to indicate that the hopes that action research would result in a more just form of research, one which addresses the full gamut of teachers' fundamental difficulties, remain unfulfilled. Furthermore, the study points to evidence that strict adherence to, and mandatory practice of, action research within the pragmatist paradigm can add to teachers' burdens. In order to address all the predicaments of grassroots teachers' realities, and facilitate a less coercive approach, a change of paradigms is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open space areas protected by local communities may augment larger scale preservation efforts and may offer overlooked benefits to biodiversity conservation provided they are in suitable ecological condition. We examine protected areas established by local communities through ballot initiatives, a form of direct democracy, in California, USA. We compare ecological conditions of wooded habitats on local ballot protected sites and on sites protected by a state-level conservation agency. Collectively, we found few differences in ecological conditions on each protected area type. Ballot sites had greater invasive understory cover and larger trees. Community dissimilarity patterns suggested ballot sites protect a complementary set of tree species to those on state lands. Overall, geographic characteristics influenced onsite conditions more than details of how sites were protected. Thus, community-driven conservation efforts contribute to protected area networks by augmenting protection of some species while providing at least some protection to others that might otherwise be missed.

Grassroots communities in the 21st century take on the role of social innovators and contribute to addressing market failures and system failures through innovative action. The aim of this empirical study is to evaluate the various modes in which social innovations (products and services) arise in the conditions of community-led grassroots initiatives, to compare the patterns of social and economic value creation through these innovations and to elaborate the possibilities of their commercial exploitation. Drawing from data on 63 innovative products and service of 106 grassroots, taking the optics of grounded theory and adopting the approach of comparative analysis, this study sheds a light on the emergence of “pure”, “bi-focal”, and “market-exposed SI” products and services. Furthermore, the results suggest that it is possible to conceptualize the demand for community-led products and services. The majority of identified innovative products and services of grassroots generate a mix of social and economic outcomes that address both the social needs within one’s own community and needs of various stakeholders, or marginalized groups. The differentiation of SI into “pure”, “bi-focal”, and “market-exposed” was found to be relevant. Also, we identified a rationale for further elaboration of the evolutionary patterns of SI development, as we found that some “pure” SIs have the potential to be introduced to market within the later stages of the SI life-cycle. Some of the investigated products and service had to be commercially exploited due to a paradox—some social, public beneficial solutions need to be commercially exploited to be provided sustainably in the long term.

This article provides the perspective of a national thought leader in the field of technical education. Tim Lawrence, executive director emeritus of a national education association, shares his experiences with student members that visited Capitol Hill to advocate for career and technical education. His insights highlight the impactful strategy of association members as they relayed their personal life-changing experiences with Congress and federal officials. Testimonies from students and legislators in the article help drive home the power of grassroots advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]