Definition of Non-Government Organisations - Coursework Example

Nоn-Gоvеrnmеnt Оrganisаtiоns Introduction Non-government organisations (NGOs) play different roles based on different points of view. According to Buth (2007, p. 12) economists view NGOs as service organisations that provide services which are not provided or sufficiently provided by the state. On the other hand, sociologists opine that NGOs play a larger and more active role and thus consider them to be advocacy organisations that defend interests of certain collective associations. Still on the role of advocacy, Buth (2007, p. 13) notes that NGOs articulate needs and wants of citizens and thereby translate them into political demands that stir up the political process. Actions of NGOs are notably felt in many fields of the society such as human rights, development, environment, humanitarian action, and a multiplicity of other areas of public action such as disaster response, reconstruction efforts and so on (Lewis, 2009, p. 1). It is therefore evident that through their different activities, NGOs attempt to influence policy formulation, and as noted by Lewis (2009, p. 1), NGOS are now recognised as key third sector actors in the areas in which their actions are felt. This paper will attempt to define the meaning of non-government organisation (NGO), and compare and contrast the approaches taken by several non-government organisations involved in poverty reduction initiatives. Based on the discussion, the paper will highlight the organisations that have had the most influence in terms of both public opinion and government policy on the issues of poverty reduction followed by points to justify this decision. Definition of a non-government organisation (NGO) As seen in the introduction, NGOs play many different roles, and as such, there is no single agreed definition of an NGO. According to Lewis (2009, p. 2), there are varied definitions as to what comprises an NGO, and the challenge of analysing the aspect of NGOs remains startlingly complicated. One of the reasons why it is difficult to define an NGO is that NGOs are a diverse group of organisations that defy generalisation; since they range from small informal groups to large formal agencies. Lewis asserts that NGOs play varied functions and are of different forms across different societies. Hence, the word NGO as an analytical group remains multifaceted and unclear. For instance, in spite of the reality that NGOs are neither operated by the government, nor are they driven by the need to make profit, there are nonetheless some NGOs that receive significant levels of funding from the government, and others are motivated to make profits and plough it back into their activities. The boundaries of defining NGOs are very unclear, and in most cases, the classifications that are put forward are meant to emphasise what NGOs are not, rather than what they are. This makes is makes it relatively difficult to hammer out a precise definition of what NGOs are Lewis, 2009, p. 2). In regard to structure, NGOs can be small or large, informal or formal, flexible or bureaucratic. In terms of funding, many NGOs are funded with support outside the organisation, while others rely on locally assembled resources. Along the same line, there are many NGOs which obtain funding from international organisations such as the World Bank, the United Nations and so forth while others choose to operate without any form of international aid as much as possible. There is also the aspect of membership to NGOs; there are those NGOs whose membership is mainly community based while others are composed of members from different divides such as those that include people outside a local community. Some NGOs are based at the grassroots level, hence termed grassroots support organisations, while others are operate at an international level. There are even bogus NGOs, such as those established by government fronts; and briefcase NGOs, which are formed by individuals for personal benefit (Lewis, 2009, p. 2). Based on resources, some NGOs are well-resourced and rich while others struggle to survive because of limited resources. As well, some NGOs have professional staff while others depend a great deal on volunteers and well-wishers (Lewis, 2009, p. 2). In terms of objectives, some NGOs aim to fulfil only people’s immediate requirements while others take a longer-term approach and aim to develop alternative ideas and strategies to problems. As well, some NGOs may combine different elements into a single set of objectives (Lewis, 2009, p. 2). Given the wide scope of issues that surround NGOs, it remains difficult to come up with a definition that takes all the issues into account. All the same, it is possible to adopt definitions which take into account the normative dimension of NGOs as well as the legitimacy of these organisations. One such definition is that given by the UN Department of Public Information, which argues that an NGO is a not-for-profit group formed by citizens on a voluntary basis and organised on a local, national or international level to deal with “issues in support of public good” (UN Department of Public Information, 2006, cited by Baur, 2011, p. 5). The normative dimension in the definition is highlighted by the expression “issues in support of public good”. Based on this definition, Baur (2011, p. 5) argues that if not-for-profit groups formed by citizen groups on a voluntary basis fail to show that they address issues that support good causes for the public, then they cannot be classified as NGOs. Therefore, the UN definition absolutely relates to not just any NGO but a legitimate NGO. Different approaches taken by several non-government organisations in poverty reduction As mentioned earlier, different NGOs are involved in different activities. Poverty reduction is one such activity that many NGOs have focused their attention to. This paper will discuss the activities of CARE International, Oxfam International, endPoverty.org, and DETRA Africa. CARE International CARE International indicates on its website that it is a leading aid and development NGO fighting global poverty in more than 84 countries. It is composed of member organisations which share a common vision to reduce global poverty and defend and improve human dignity. CARE’s mission is to strengthen capacity for self-help, provide economic opportunity, deliver relief emergencies, influence policy decisions at different levels, and to address different forms of discrimination (CARE, n.d., “Who we are”). CARE also notes that its tackles the underlying causes of poverty (rather than merely paying attention to the symptoms) to enable people become self-reliant. The organisation highlights the point that poverty is the product of intricate social processes that impact people’s security and dignity as well as their material interests. It thus seeks to understand all the factors that make people live in poverty prior to selecting those to focus on in individual projects. To tackle the underlying problems, CARE has divided its work into three categories, which examine the causes of poverty from three different standpoints. The first one is the viewpoint of people’s basic needs, second is from their position in society and third is from how the society in which the affected people live works. CARE then addresses the effects of poverty from three different perspectives. To start with, it addresses human conditions by ensuring that people’s basic needs, for instance clean water and food, are met, and that future generations are assured of meeting these needs as well. The second point of view is social positions, whereby CARE helps people to take control of their lives, stop discrimination and inequality, and fulfil their rights, aspirations and responsibilities. Third, CARE focuses on having an enabling environment, whereby it promotes the creation of sound impartial governance. The organisation also fights to ensure that there is a thriving private sector as well as civil society so as to establish a political and social environment that advances justice, equity and secure livelihoods for all (CARE, n.d., “Our approach”). According to Birn, Pillay and Holtz, (2009, p. 729), CARE has focused on poverty for decades; it moved from alleviating poverty, to reducing poverty, and now employs poverty reduction strategies such as addressing structural causes of poverty, institutional reforms, and empowerment of civil societies relative to the political elites. Oxfam International Oxfam in an international confederation comprising 17 organisations that are interconnected and operating in more than 90 countries. Its aim is to act as a global movement for change that builds a future free from the problems of poverty. The organisation works directly with communities and seeks to influence powerful people in the society to ensure that deprived people can improve their livelihoods and make a contribution in decisions that affect them (Oxfam, 2013, “About us”). Oxfam is committed to human rights and works with communities and partners at different levels to ensure that they have better livelihoods. The organisation argues for better working conditions, protection of the natural resources that poor communities depend on, fairer trade rules at the international level, and better policies at country level. It also works with communities and partners to implement programmes that result into self-sustaining livelihoods, with much attention paid to women (Oxfam, 2013, “Oxfam’s commitment to human rights”). Oxfam also fights to ensure that people are healthy and educated since these basic services are essential in the fight against poverty. The organisation has programmes that provide training in clean water supplies and health, and also funds schools and training programmes for teachers (Oxfam, 2013, “Oxfam’s commitment to human rights”). It works on issues such as agriculture, aid effectiveness, emergency response, climate change, HIV and AIDS, and empowerment of the private sector (Oxfam, 2013, “Issues we work on”). endPoverty.org endPoverty.org is a faith-based not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering poor people in the developing world to fight poverty. The organisation understands that people in every nation have skills and ides that they want to apply in lifting their families out of poverty. But instead of giving out handouts as aid, the organisation offers training and small business loans. As such, it encourages self-reliance since people can take up loans to start small businesses, make profit and repay the loans. The result is self-supporting entrepreneurs with healthier families. Instead of having a large number of permanent offices the world over, endPoverty.org partners with locally registered Christian organisations to transfer necessary skills and capital. Every project is designed to produce an indigenous ministry that is anticipated to stand on its own financially after a few years (endPoverty.org, 2013, “Our work”). endPoverty.org has projects in Cameroon, Uganda, South Africa, Bangladesh, Egypt, Guatemala, Mexico, India and Philippines. In Cameroon for instance, the organisation has partnered with WINHEEDCAM, its newest partner, to issue more than 20,000 loans to assist poor families to start their own small businesses (endPoverty.org, 2013, “Cameroon”). DETRA Africa DETRA Africa is an NGO that undertakes programmes in three core areas of livelihood improvement and development: strengthening and empowering local communities and institutions’ capacity to alleviate poverty, disease and hunger. The mission of the organisation is to fight poverty and disease in Africa, and to achieve this, it seeks to network people, organisations, as well as resources in the Eastern Africa region for sustainable development. DETRA Africa works in partnership with community based organisations and groups in the region to assist them in acquiring human, financial and technical resources from all parts of the world. DETRA Africa promotes community development through capacity building in areas of livelihood improvement, health, environment and climate change, infrastructure and enterprise by promoting voluntary action. Over the years, the organisation has trained community groups, community based organisations and other NGOs in different areas aimed at alleviating poverty and improving health. Influence of the NGOs in terms of both public opinion and government policy in reducing poverty Based on the discussion of the operations of the four NGOs above, it is evident that CARE and Oxfam have had the most influence on public opinion and policy compared to endPoverty.org and DETRA Africa. This opinion is based on the scope of operation of both CARE and Oxfam compared to that of endPoverty.org and DETRA Africa. Notably, CARE and Oxfam have operations in over 84 countries and 90 countries respectively whereas endPoverty.org operates in eight countries from different continents while DETRA Africa is limited to the Eastern Africa region. CARE and Oxfam also handle a wider range of issues related to poverty than endPoverty.org and DETRA Africa. CARE receives funding from many governments and organisations such as the European Union and as such, its scope of operation is wide and so is the likely impact on public opinion and government policy with regard to poverty across the world (CARE 2009, “Frequently asked questions”). In addition, CARE works directly with governments and organisations such as UN institutions, the European Union and many others to actively promote change not only towards reducing poverty but also on a wide range of issues (CARE, n.d., “Advocacy”). For instance, in the Caribbean and Latin America and region, the organisation has focused on two key determinants of poverty, that is discrimination and inadequate or ineffectively implemented public policies (CARE, n.d., “An overview of CARE in Latin America and the Caribbean”). Through such strategies, CARE influences both government policies and public opinion to a great extent. Similarly, Oxfam has been at the forefront of influencing government policy and public opinion. For instance, in 1997, the organisation challenged the World Bank to achieve greater effectiveness in its mission of reducing poverty (Rugendyke, 2007, p. 98). Oxfam has also been supportive of the United Kingdom’s commitment to offer more bilateral aid through poverty reduction support (Bruce, 2007, p. 91). Through such an initiative, Oxfam believes that developed countries can play a greater role in the fight against poverty in developing countries, which is one of its key agenda. And by working directly with people, Oxfam influences public opinion on ways to alleviate poverty. On the other hand, although endPoverty.org and DETRA Africa make a significant contribution in poverty reduction, their influence is smaller due to their narrow scope of operations. Notably, endPoverty.org works with Christian based organisations in eight countries, meaning that its impact is likely to be restricted to areas where it operates. As well, DETRA Africa works with few communities in certain areas in the regions where it operates. Since CARE and Oxfam work with governments locally and internationally and also partner with International organisations like the UN bodies, their influence on public opinion and government policies in regard to poverty reduction is more remarkable. Conclusion In conclusion, although it is difficult to define NGOs, the UN Department of Public Information’s definition which takes into aspects of NGOs as not-for-profit groups formed on the basis of voluntary membership to deal with “issues in support of public good” can be adopted as a good definition. This paper has compared and contrasted four NGOs: CARE International, Oxfam International, endPoverty.org, and DETRA Africa in terms of their initiatives to reduce poverty. Of the four, it is noted that CARE and Oxfam have the most influence on public opinion and government policy because they operate in more countries compared to endPoverty.org, and DETRA Africa. In addition, CARE and Oxfam work directly with governments and also collaborate with international organisations like UN bodies. This gives them a better opportunity to influence government policies on poverty reduction as well as public opinion since they also work directly with communities. References Baur, D. (2011). NGOs as legitimate partners of corporations: A political conceptualization. New York: Springer. Birn, A., Pillay, Y. & Holtz, T. H. (2009). Textbook of international health: Global health in a dynamic world. New York: Oxford University Press. Bruce, M. (2007). Department for international development annual report 2007: First report of session 2007-08, vol. 2: oral and written evidence. London: The Stationery Office. Buth, V. (2007). Capacities of participative governance: The role of NGOs in EU politics. Norderstedt: GRIN Verlag. CARE ( n.d.). “An overview of CARE in Latin America and the Caribbean”. Retrieved 06 May 2013, from http://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CF4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.care-international.org%2FDownload-document%2F294-Overview_Latin-America-and-the-Caribbean.html&ei=73mHUZKxG8aXhQe51ICwDQ&usg=AFQjCNGZtHgYiPLw6k9RRfAA_gnLf71Meg&bvm=bv.45960087,d.d2k CARE (2009). “Frequently asked questions”. Retrieved 06 May 2013, from http://www.careinternational.org.uk/faqs CARE (n.d). “Our approach”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.care-international.org/Our-Approach/ CARE (n.d). “Who we are”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.care-international.org/About-Care/ CARE (n.d.). “Advocacy”. Retrieved 06 May 2013, from http://www.care-international.org/Advocacy/ endPoverty.org (2013). “Cameroon”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.endpoverty.org/index.php?option=com_partners&view=partner&page=index&Itemid=3 endPoverty.org (2013). “Our work”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.endpoverty.org/index.php?option=com_aboutus&view=mission&Itemid=2 Lewis, D. (2009). Nongovernmental organizations, definition and history. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. Retrieved 03 May 2013, from http://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CHIQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpersonal.lse.ac.uk%2Flewisd%2Fimages%2Fencylciv%2520societyngos2009-dl.pdf&ei=YFGGUanNIM62hAfJ8oBo&usg=AFQjCNGmVeEAByYyDgd7l1QoM2JC_8mqrw&bvm=bv.45960087,d.d2k Oxfam (2013). “About us”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.oxfam.org/en/about Oxfam (2013). “Issues we work on”. Retrieved 05 May 2013, from http://www.oxfam.org/en/about/issues Rugendyke, B. (2007). NGOs as advocates for development in a globalising world. London: Routledge. Read More