What defines grassroots movements in a crisis context?

Grassroots movements in a crisis context are characterized by groups of individuals who are personally affected by a shared issue or problem. This definition underscores the fundamental nature of grassroots movements, as they often emerge from the local level where individuals mobilize to address challenges directly impacting their lives or communities.

These movements usually prioritize the voices and experiences of those directly affected, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants. They aim to create change through collective action, advocacy, and often rely on their lived experiences to inform their approaches and solutions. This bottom-up strategy differentiates grassroots movements from organizations led by professionals, government responses, or global institutions, which typically involve higher levels of institutional structure or external, top-down approaches to crisis management.