In a broadest sense: Not based on government Non profit makingCan vary depending on function:In U.S.: Private Voluntary Organizations

In Africa: Voluntary Development Organizations

“The diversity of NGOs strains any simple definition. They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and that have primarily humanitarian or cooperative rather than commercial objectives. They are private agencies in industrial countries that support international development; indigenous groups organized regionally or nationally; and member-groups in villages.

Impossible to give one unique answer, but NGOs have following characteristics:

1. Engaging in suffering relief activities

2. Promoting interest of the poor3. Protecting the environment4. Providing basic social

services5. Advocating community

development

Orientation:1. Charitable: Needs of the poor/disaster

relief (Feed the Hungry, Red Cross)2. Service: Provision of health, family

planning or education (Planned Parenthood)

3. Participatory: Self-help project with local people involvement (Habitat for Humanity)

4. Empowering: Help poor people develop a clearer understanding of social, political, and economic factors (Amnesty International)

Level of operation:1. Community-based organizations2. Citywide organizations3. National NGOs4. International NGOs

Key Issues:1. Environment 2. Labor Standard3. Poverty4. Globalization5. Animal Rights

1. Began in 1800s as catalyst for social reform (Red Cross – 1859, Save the Children Fund after WWI)

2. Huge Growth in 1990’s (International NGOs: 1988- 8579 1996- 23,135 UIA data). Growth in membership (Worldwide Fund for Nature: 2000- @5.7 million members 1985- 570,000)

3. Varying size (1 person to thousands)

Forest Stewardship Council: 15 full-time employees, 7 years old, leading certifier in forest products (year 2000 data)

Green Peace: In 1991, nearly 3 million members, offices in 32 countries, budget of $146 million, established in 1971

Effectiveness regardless of size: RAN & ChiquitaForest Stewardship Council & Home Depot

Per Boutros-Ghali in 1995“ Non-governmental organizations are a basic element in the representation of the modern world. And their participation in international organizations is in a way a guarantee of the latter’s political

1. Increasing role in development From relief services (logistics

management) to development services (strategic management)

2. Creating a smaller, more interdependent, global community

Internet: Bring forth issues to many

List of NGOs:www.etown.edu/vl/ngos.htmlUnion of International Associations:www.uia.org/uiafaqs/faqorg.htm#NGOTextile activist:www.cleanclothes.orgDefinition of an NGO:www.undp.org/ppp/library/files/maslyu01.htmlAcademics Studying Nike:http://cbae.nmsu.edu/~dboje/nike/

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