An interest group is an organized group of individuals who share common objectives and who actively attempt to influence policymakers in all three branches of the government and at all levels. Encompassing primarily corporations, other business associations, citizen groups, unions, and professional associations, interest groups participate in every aspect of policy-making in the U.S. People join interest groups to further their political aims by taking action for their beliefs or principles.
             If I was to join an interest group I would join Greenpeace. Greenpeace is a non-profit organization that focuses on the most crucial worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment. They are the leading independent campaigning organization that uses non-violent direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are vital to a green and peaceful future. It is a global organization, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Greenpeace campaigns to stop climate change, protect ancient forests, save the oceans, protect whales, eliminate the threat of genetic engineering, end the nuclear age, and eliminate toxic chemicals.
             Greenpeace was founded in 1971 when a small group of activists sailed to Alaska to bear witness to underground nuclear test that the U.S. Government was conducting. Greenpeace works to expose environmental criminals, and to challenge government and corporations when they fail to live up to their mandate to safeguard our environment and our future. They promote open, informed debate about society's environmental choices. They use research, lobbying, and quiet diplomacy to pursue their goals. Greenpeace is funded by its 2.5 million members worldwide (250,000 from the U.S.).
             In April 2002, several miles off the coast of Florida, two Greenpeace activists boarded the Jade - a ship carrying wood illegally expo...