Most groups do not have a postal address and only publicize an official homepage or SNS (social networking service) address
Mailing lists and SNS networks serve as substitutes for formal membership
In some groups, the electronic or residential address of one of the main members becomes the group’s address. Although none of the groups have an official representative, the main activists serve as spokespeople. These groups generally create a homepage and start uploading information. They might post information about relief activities in the disaster zone or about nuclear policy issues, for example. They might also organize their own demonstrations or rallies and apply for police permission to hold them in a park or in the street. After announcing the date of the event on their homepage or via SNS, they prepare banners and speakers and recruit a number of event ong their peripheral members. On the day of the event, they go to the rallying point in a park or other public place without knowing how many people will turn up.
These groups do not usually maintain a membership list or even a formal membership system. They are best described not as organizations but as affinity groups. Continue reading →