Civil Society vs International Government Organization - Research Paper Example

College Civil Society Verses International Government Organization The civil society comprises of organizations by citizens that are not necessarily governmental and that advances their ideas. They mostly create a platform for aspirations of the human mind especially which the government may not have addressed certain issues. They involve individuals, religious groups, academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations. They are especially issue driven and are prominent in advancing matters such as human rights, disaster relief, and environmental issues among others. They are considered a backbone of democracy. Most nongovernmental organizations are non profit generating organizations that do not pay stakeholders but plough in their profits to the running of the organizations to keep it running. The civil society comprises of self governing bodies which are at least independent of the government. International Nongovernmental Organizations on the other hand are organizations majorly involved in the running of global matters. They are formed out of inter government agreements yet they themselves are independent and separate entities from both the government and the private sector like the civil societies1. Major INGOs like the United Nations are involved in activities that are concerned with the environment, for example the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Others include economic forums like the Economic and Social Forum (ECOSOC), healthcare and human rights engagements. INGOs unlike the ordinary nongovernmental organizations in the civil society operate on a global platform. The United Nations has become a major aspect of globalization. The UN is well developed body with a General Assembly, Secretariat and an International Court of Justice2. The civil society operates on a smaller stage when compared to the international nongovernmental organizations. Both organizations have the ability to communicate with the governments. Nongovernmental organizations however are less limited in their abilities as compared to INGOs. They are therefore unable to address structural deficiencies such as poverty. Others are oriented for well formulated but not vital missions; some nongovernmental organizations for example were initiated by professionals and individuals whose opinion conflicted that of the systems and governments. Such formations could be leaning on religious principles, anticorruption enthusiasm or personal interests that may not necessarily be for the good of the society. At the end of the day these institutions become ‘fashionable’ organs that propagate unfathomed missions in urban areas in the name of doing well. Many NGOs have proved to benefit few people in need and fail in basic principles like creating employment by encouraging voluntarism3. Other nongovernmental organizations are more subjective to their funding agencies than the groups of people they serve. The lack of control by authorities like the government has caused these groups to be run by individuals for the purpose of gaining power and control over a population of needy people. The INGOs on the other hand have well developed systems that have developed over time and involve the public consequently. The developments translate into transparency among the workers and good funding and organization in the entire body. The United Nations for example receives funding from member states to whose members it is accountable for help. Civil societies are not necessarily democratic and do not always represent the needs and ideas of the people, this is because they appointed themselves and develop their own leadership techniques from within themselves. All the same they involve the people in their service and for support purposes. NGOs are not necessarily political and only help to voice reasonable opinion, their powers however are limited and they can only influence action on governments but not take the action themselves Civil societies unlike international nongovernmental organizations are tied in competition against each other. This is because NGOs are many in number and continue to increase with time. The competition in the end creates an organizational war zone instead of creating peace and integrating matters of concern to a common goal which is unity and peace. For example press freedom and women rights. Nongovernmental organizations are not necessarily in conjunction with the government. It is however important to gain support from authorities such as the local government to strengthen the organizations arms. Local governments provide support and could aid in projects involving their areas of work. This would only make the work easier for nongovernmental organizations and win useful relations without disintegrating itself. Working with authorities also emphasizes on the legitimacy and authenticity of the organizations to the people in general4. Nongovernmental organizations especially in the third world countries are at times unfortunate with funding and in short of resources. It is necessary to obtain all qualified personnel and be professional in activities at hand. This again is an emphasis on the authenticity of the organizations. Most NGOs are involved in hunger rescues in drought stricken areas. It is important to have well trained staff to handle delicate situations for example it is necessary for an NGO that fights for women’s rights to work with professional lawyers in handling cases such as sexual abuse. Civil societies have all the same been useful to the community. They represent their own opinion but which reflects much of the populations and are quasi democratic. They have voiced matters that the citizens would have wanted to advance in a great deal. Working in collaboration with the mass media to create awareness concerning their matters is important. This way the public is made aware of their basic rights and ways to obtain emergency help in case of need. Civil societies are conclusively beneficial to the society. International nongovernmental organizations on the other hand have done a great deal of revolutionalizing systems and addressing dire situations. The United Nations especially has constantly worked towards peace and development. In a nutshell, United Nations is an umbrella of bodies by itself which has empowered infant organizations and motivated the need for a ‘third’ government and response to fundamental human needs. It partners with NGOs and civil society for the good of global cohesion in matters common to both organizations. These matters are the minds and opinion of people in search of justice, corruption free society, peace and development accordingly with the rule of law. Work cited Moltmann, Ju?rgen. 1974. Religion and political society. New York: Harper & Row. Pe?rez Di?az, Vi?ctor. 1978. State, bureaucracy, and civil society: a critical discussion of the political theory of Karl Marx. London: Macmillan. United Nations. 1995. Basic facts about the United Nations. New York: United Nations, Dept. of Public Information. United Nations. 1954. United Nations review. New York: United Nations Dept. of Public Information. Read More