Rainforest Action Network (Research Assignment)

Grassroots vs. Astroturf

With today's worldwide epidemic of global warming becoming more controversial than ever before, the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has been considered "the most savvy environmental agitators in the business" (http://www.ran.org/who_we_are/). The action group is best known for its highly intimidating marketing campaigns directed towards multinational corporations who engage in unethical environmental practices.

The question surrounding the RAN, however, is whether the group is truly a grassroots organization or an astroturf organization. Does the RAN really have the environment's best interests at heart at the expense of volunteers and donations? Or is it funded and operated by some big-cheese organization looking to cover its own environmental wrongdoings?

Upon visiting the RAN website (http://www.ran.org) it appears as if the organization is provided for by volunteers and a very small team to ensure everyday operations. However, when I dug a little deeper into the organization's website, I found that 37% of the income for the RAN is from "grants and other incomes" (http://ran.org/give/donate_now/). Although only 5% of the group's budget is spent on "Administration," 5% of their over $3 million annual budget accounts for over $150,000 per year.

Many not-for-profit organizations who are founded and operated by volunteers like to disclose that information very readily on their website. They feel this will help their credibility. RAN does not disclose this information. They simply state that they were originally formed at an international rainforest conference when 35 organizations sent activist members to formulate a plan of action. The website then goes on to claim "that close alliances...with grassroots organizations have been instrumental to the success of RAN's campaigns" (http://ran.org/who_we_are/about_us/).

It is my belief that the Rainforest Action Network is not a true grassroots organization but somewhat of a hybrid-grassroots; holding the middle ground between grassroots and astroturf. I believe its intentions are well conceived, however, I believe that they small members who operate the organization are funded by corporate dollars. The remarks in the preceding paragraphs identify my reasoning for this opinion. If a group wants to be a true grassroots organization, more prideful information regarding their morals and overall character would be more readily available.

Sources:
http://www.ran.org