Activism is quite different from politics despite their common goal for political change. Activism is about getting out a message to a greater public, while politics is the art of getting positive social change as official government policy. Activism focuses on:

• Getting Out a Message
• Provoking Thought and Discussion
• Getting the Public Involved in a Discussion
• Citizen Lobby of Legislators
• One cause or group of issues

While politics is the art of the possible and is about:

• Getting Tangible Results for Your Constituency
• Making Deals and Compromises for the Greater Good
• Serving the Entire Public Interest and Not One Cause

Activists are an important part of the political process. They do not create political change directly but inspire and encourage our political leaders to do the right thing. The next time people are willing to toss their hands up in frustration from the lack of political change, note they are only one part of the process. Playing the political game is the way to make change actually happen but it only can happen when people are fully aware of the ramifications of an issue.