Decoding: NGOs

by Apathy Is Boring — March 31, 2010

Most people who watch the news have heard about "NGOs." These three little letters stand for  non-governmental organization which is a non-profit group working in relation with, but outside government, to accomplish certain goals.  However, this definition may have some people scratching their heads.

NGOs are really best defined through examples.  One of the biggest humanitarian NGOs in the world is the Red Cross.  This organization is best known for its work during wars as well as natural disasters like the recent Haitian earthquake. However, NGOs  also focus on education, protecting the environment, development and all the stuff that governments do. If governments do this, why do we need NGOs?  In a perfect world, perhaps NGOs would not be necessary, but governments sometimes find thesmselves in situations where they can't respond to the needs of their people, especially during a disaster.  At these times an NGO can step in, and since NGOs work outside government, they have the ability to work towards a goal unaffected by a change in government.

There are various types of NGOs that can be explained in terms of their work, orientation and goals:

• Charitable NGOs seek to collect money and material to help those in need.  The Red Cross example works mostly in this category.
   
• Service organizations provide a community service often in areas like education and development. They involve more active participation from those they help.  The Rotary Club is a service organizations.
   
• Participatory NGOs are directly involved in community projects and development and ask for major investments from their members. Habitat for Humanity is an example of a participatory NGO.
   
• Empowering NGOs try to effect change through advocating and educating the public and encouraging them to take action directly. For example, Amnesty International advocates awareness of human rights abuses and so empowers people to fight them

In addition, an NGO's activities are determined by the amount of members and the scope of their goals. The Red Cross and Greenpeace work internationally, whereas Apathy is Boring works within Canada.  As well, many NGOs work internationally; however, local branches allow a direct connection with the community they are trying to serve.

What does this all mean?  Well, anyone who has taken time to visit Apathy is Boring has already invested in an NGO (by the way, thanks for taking the time to visit us).  Non-governmental organizations are always in need of volunteers, donations, and members to accomplish their goals.  To find out more about Canadian NGOs, visit the CharityVillage.ca website which lists NGOs and allows searches according to area of interest.  Once you find a group that interests you, step up and get involved and help their vital work in Canada and around the world.

Cousins, William. "Non-Governmental Initiatives." The Urban Poor and Basic Infrastructure Services in Asia and the Pacific (1991): n. pag. Types of NGOs: By orientation and level of Operation. Web. 8 Feb. 2010.

Source:The American Red Cross