Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

“There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one hacking at the root.”

Henry David Thoreau

Mr. ReaganCal High

“A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.” Greek Proverb

• Basic definition of NGOs: –formal structure –non-profit distribution, –self-governance (not gov’t or corporate), –constitutional independence from state, –meaningful degree of volunteerism

{M.A. – think/share a self ex.}

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Ghandi

• Main Types of NGOs: – service provision,– research, – policy advocacy, – self-help, – awareness raising

• Can be local, regional, or global{M.A. – scav. hunt – 1 of each}

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against... I’m for whoever and whatever benefits

humanity as a whole.” Malcolm X

• Areas of concern vary widely: – human rights (various!), – environment, – development (rural or urban), – education, – pro-weapons, – peace &/or security, – cultural, etc.

{M.A. – scav. hunt 1 of each}

“I am leaving this legacy to all of you ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love & a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, & without courage & inspiration, dreams will die.” Rosa Parks

2 Levels of NGO work: 1. On the ground; actively helping2. Policy change; inform & pressure governments, businesses, &/or donors

{Some can do both}

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, there’d be peace.” John Lennon

• 3 Sectors of Societya. Governmentb. Market; businessesc. People – stronger in groups (religions, unions, NGOs, etc.)

{M.A. – which is most influential?}

“Most good things have already been said far too many times and just need to be lived.” Shane Claiborn

•Arguments made for NGOs by their supporters:

–flexibility–cost-effectiveness–closeness to the ground–ability to innovate

•Arguments against NGOs by their critics:–small scale of impacts–malleability to other interests–lack of accountability–low level of professionalism{QW; which side better case?}

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Conclusion• NGOs likely to remain important actors in development for years to come.• Their diversity enhances creative successes of their organisations and activities.•NGOs play key roles in numerous areas, but are not ‘magic bullets’ offering total solutions

{M.A. a) 3 facts, b) 2 review quiz ?’sc) 1 sentence summary}

“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.” Kahlil Gibran

Steps to your action plan

1. Research & plan (partners?)2. Inform & motivate3. Act & mobilize

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment for starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

“An educator should consider that he has failed in his job if he has not succeeded in instilling some trace of a divine dissatisfaction with our

miserable social environment. ” Anthony Standen

“If I look at the mass I will never act.” Mother Theresa

“Thou shalt not stand idly by.” The Bible

“When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: if you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren't pessimistic, you don't understand the data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren't optimistic, you haven't got a pulse.” Martin Keogh, Hope Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Our Place in the Natural World

“ I don’t think that God says, ‘Go to church and pray all day and everything will be fine.’ No, for me God says, ‘Go out and make the changes that need to be made, and I’ll be there to help you.’” Elvia Alvarado, Don’t be Afraid, Gringo