How are activist organisations conceptualised? Are they social movements?

Hi!

I'm wondering where activist organisations fit into the literature in a conceptual fashion. A lot of the work I'm reading ties activism with social movements. There's a strong focus on historical ones such as the civil rights movement for, and modern ones such as the Arab spring. Both of these and others are revolutionary (in some degrees with the CRM, and clearly with the Arab spring). I'm more interested in causes that require on-going activism around issues on inequality not directly related to race/gender/ethnicity or democracy.

The first type of organisation I'm confused about are anti-homeless/general poverty combating groups. Are hose who raise awareness with the public such as 'Canadian The Alliance to End Homelessness' considered a 'social movement'?

I feel like there's a category of activist organisation that I haven't come across in my reading.

The second kind are the more practical sided organisations that provide soup kitchens (for example), whilst also generating publicity for their efforts, reaching out for volunteers and asking for donations.

Sorry if that's not clear, and anything relevant to anything I've said would be appreciated.

Thanks.