Social Movements There are several social movements that have been noted in the United States in last

decade. Which are: The Children's rights movement, Gay rights movement, Environmental Movement, Animal and Human rights movement and the Tea Party Movement. Children's Rights- The children's rights movement has increased protection of young people around the world from issues such as abuse and sexual exploitation, employment, involvement in war, and access to education, health care, and a quality life. There is still much to do to protect them (Children's Defense Fund, 2011). Gay Rights- The movement has since morphed into supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered individuals. While AIDS is not a disease exclusive to the gay community, it has been a cause around which the community could unify (Marcus, 2002).Several states in the U.S. have now passed laws to permit gay marriages. Environmental Movement- The environmental movement and governmental legislation like the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have helped create healthier communities for citizens. Environmentalists have made convincing arguments to the public for the need for social change and protection of nature as a limited resource(Kline, 2007). More attention and research has been given towards Global warming, Energy, and the CWA establishing regulations are a few examples. Animal Rights- The Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have long sought to protect animals from pain and suffering. More recently, organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have emerged to bring animal rights to the forefront(Vissing,2011). Human Rights- This social movement advocates for the fair and just treatment of all human beings, anywhere. It also builds on the human rights laws and standards of many other nations, over the history of humankind. The United Nations is a premiere agency to advocate for assuring equal rights throughout the world. The movement continues to fight for the fair and just treatment of all (Stammers, 2009). The Tea Party- Its members tend to be Republican, conservative or libertarian, and they call for reduced government spending, lower taxes, reduction of the national debt and budget deficit, strict interpretation of the Constitution, support of family values, and endorsement of a new contract with America (Rasmussen & Schoen, 2010).