Rainforest
Action Network (RAN) is certainly no slouch when it comes to protecting the
rainforests and, in the process, challenging corporations in their impact on
these ecosystems. One of its foremost victories, which also catapulted it into
the national stage, was in organizing a grassroots campaign that resulted in
Burger King's withdrawal from a $35 million beef contracts with the potential
of adversely affecting Central American rainforests.
Indeed, RAN does not run away from worthy
causes involving transformative policies in a wide range of industries, such as
construction, automobile, and fashion, among others. The organization's key
focus since its establishment in 1985 - its founders are Randy Hayes and Mike
Roselle - has changed little but it has initiated great changes in societies
where its dedicated staff members work.
RAN uses a wide range of approaches in
initiating these positive changes, such as grassroots organizing, non-violent
civil disobedience, and media stunts coupled with boardroom negotiations. The
organization believes that change must happen on the inside and outside so that
a meaningful impact can be made in the long run.