Identifying with Grassroots Organizations

 Important to grassroots organizations is developing a sense of identification with

the organization. The development of group cohesion, team building, and increasing

perceived social support may prove effective in enhancing the identification and further

strengthening the favorability of members' attitudes (Hinkle, Fox-Cardamone, Haseleu,

Brown, & Irwin, 1996). The development of a social identity serves to sustain

membership in a grassroots organization. This social identity serves as a motivator for

participating in a group. Individuals strive to maintain their self-esteem by committing to

a group, participating in its activities, identifying with its behaviors, and adopting its

symbols (Pratkanis & Turner, 1996). Bettencourt (1996) states, "grassroots efforts may

succeed if they capitalize on initiating grassroots involvement by helping potential

volunteers to become identified with the grassroots organization and on maintaining

activism by encouraging cohesion and commitment among the members of their group"

(p. 209).

 By joining organizations, people are seeking the respect of their peers. They also

want to belong to a group that gives individuals an opportunity where their contributions

can be appreciated (Kaye, 2001). People join grassroots organizations because they want

to be recognized for their leadership to serve members of their organizations and by

members of other groups for their contribution to the effort to build a better quality of life

(Kaye, 2001). Monetary funds, time, capacity, and skills of grassroots members, in

addition to leadership, are resources that contribute to the success of grassroots

organizations. They are necessary for the effectiveness and continued operation of

grassroots efforts (Bettencourt, 1996).