Rainforest Action Network

grass roots or astro turf?

The following information I found in RAN's webiste, and other environmental websites.

The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) works to protect the Earth's rainforests and support the rights of their inhabitants through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action. RAN accomplishes its mission through dynamic, hard-hitting campaigns that work to bring corporate and governmental policies into alignment with popular support for rainforest conservation. RAN works in alliance with environmental and human rights groups around the world, including indigenous forest communities and non-governmental organizations in rainforest countries.

According to Friends of the Earth International, " It plays a key role in strengthening the worldwide rainforest conservation movement through supporting activists in tropical countries as well as organizing and mobilizing consumers and community action groups throughout the United States. RAN places an emphasis on grassroots education and action, with strong networking capabilities and a commitment to mobilizing citizen activists to respond rapidly and directly to the forces that threaten the rainforests "

President Randy Hayes has been arrested 18 times and Executive Director Michael Brune a dozen for crimes like trespassing and disorderly conduct.

All of this evidence has lead me to believe that they are grass roots.