social movement organizations

Social movement organizations (SMOs) are groups formed to promote or oppose social, political, or environmental change. They serve as organized entities that coordinate collective efforts, raise awareness, influence public opinion, and advocate for specific causes. SMOs can include nonprofits, advocacy groups, labor unions, or grassroots collectives, functioning at local, national, or global levels. Their goal is to mobilize resources, engage supporters, and create lasting impact through campaigns, protests, research, and lobbying. In essence, SMOs are the organized backbone of social movements, transforming individual activism into strategic, sustained efforts for change.