What is "grassroots"

a. Of, or relating to people or society at the local level; of the grass roots alt. Of, or relating to people or society at the local level; of the grass roots

1. adj. fundamental; "the grassroots factor in making the decision"

2. of or involving the common people as constituting a fundamental politico-economic group; "a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament"

A grassroots movement (often referenced in the context of a political movement) as defined by Webster's 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 effect 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 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.

Grassroots is a political organization in Erie County, New York, which was founded in 1986 by a group of block club leaders, that is known for successful voter registration and elective placements such as Byron Brown in the Buffalo Common Council and Crystal Peoples in the Erie County Legislature. During its founding, organizers had gotten a map of Buffalo, New York's 437 election districts and found 29 candidates to obtain petition signatures to run for district committee slots. They won 16 positions.

They originally organized to seek attention for their neighborhood problems, but have grown into a larger cause. Statewide leaders such as United States Senator Charles Schumer speak glowingly of the group. Schumer once described it as "...one of the smartest, savviest political groups in the United States." Eliot Spitzer said, ''I think that a candidate running in Buffalo or for statewide office would be remiss not to sit down with the leadership of Grassroots."

Brown eventually served as a vice president of the organization. By the mid-1990s, two Grassroots members were part of the City Council and Peoples had nearly defeated Arthur Eve, the longest-serving member of the New York State Assembly. Brown's New York State Senate victory confirmed the organization's appeal outside of Erie County. By 2003, its members included three Buffalo City Councilmen, a New York State Senator, and a New York State Assemblywoman. The organization is a largely African-American group dominated by younger activists founded to challenge State Assemblyman Arthur Eve's control over State funding to the Buffalo area.

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.