[Rick336]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

The distinction between a social movement and a political lobbying group.

HRC grew out of a social movement, but it is not one in itself. It's a sprawling, DC based, political lobbying organization. AS a lobbying organization, AS a political organization, they did the correct thing by lobbying for what was projected as attainable. Had they been a social movement, that gesture would have turned the tide on them, as that was a political strategy, and one that makes sense for a political group.

It took me a while to figure out why HRC's move seemed BOTH right AND wrong to me. Once I put my finger on the distinction between justice as a social movement and on the other hand, an issue-focused political lobby, I had my answer. HRC did the correct thing for a political organization. It is not, however, the correct thing for a social justice movement to do. That was one of a set of factors occurring around the same time which led me to my correct niche. I am not even remotely at home with political strategy. Social justice is where I belong. Finally, I had a focus for my energies, and for my financial donations. Social movements, not lobby organizations like HRC, are getting my pennies at the moment.

For those who were too put off by HRC's move trying to pass the ENDA, I suggest you belong in the broader field of justice as a social (as distinct from merely political) movement. For you, your donations more rightly should go to organizations that support the vision of justice you uphold.

In my opinion, real socio-political change takes both types of work. We require a grassroots social movement to keep the issues visible and to provide impetus for elected officials to act in our interests. I think we also need the political/lobbying groups to reach for shores more immediately attainable, while those of us unsatisfied by partial accomplishments can remain steering the boat towards more long-term goals from the social end of the spectrum.

Zerbie. I guess that means Soulforce is more of a social movement organization than a political organization. And since HRC is more of a political organization, they don't organize protests marches and civil disobedience events.

Thanks. This all makes more sense to me now.


Rick