colectivas

Colectivas is the plural form of the feminine noun colectiva, used in Spanish to designate groups organized to pursue shared goals. The term is common in Spain and Latin America and can refer to a wide range of groupings, from activist and militant collectives to cultural, artistic, or community groups. Colectivas can be informal networks or semi-formal groups with some internal rules, denominations, or project plans.

In practice, colectivas typically emphasize collective action and participatory decision making. They often operate with horizontal or rotating leadership, consensus-based processes, and a focus on mutual aid, co-production of projects, and direct involvement of members. Activities may include protests, educational initiatives, cultural production, community organizing, publications, or collective services. Membership tends to be voluntary and may require participation in shared tasks; funding can come from members, donations, grants, or project initiatives. They are usually distinguished from more formal structures such as associations or cooperatives, though a colective can evolve into a more formal organization.

The term is used across different contexts, with qualifiers like colectivas feministas, culturales, estudiantiles, de barrio, or laborales indicating the focus of the group. Etymologically, colectiva derives from colectivo, meaning “shared by a group,” from Latin collectivus. The concept highlights collaboration and egalitarian participation, and its exact organization, goals, and longevity can vary widely depending on local contexts, political climate, and resources.

In summary, colectivas are diverse, grassroots groupings built around shared aims and collective work, forming a common feature of many social and cultural movements in the Spanish-speaking world.