How Does a Nongovernmental Organization Work?
Other People Are Reading
-
-
A nongovernmental organization, or NGO for short, is an entity created by private organizations or individuals with no impetus from a world government, and whose operation is not carried out by a world government. NGOs serve a wide variety of functions, centered around whatever goals their creators set out for them; often NGOs work for specific causes of a philanthropic nature. Some examples of large NGOs are World Vision, Oxfam, CARE and Save the Children.
-
NGOs employ various methods to further their causes. Many NGOs employ lobbyists to influence governments to institute regulations that are in line with their beliefs, such as environmental organizations that call for stricter industrial standards. Other NGOs are primarily activity-based, such as religious organizations like churches, mosques and synagogues. Consulting is also a common activity of large NGOs, especially international organizations working in third world countries. Workers of NGOs are often volunteers, but can also be paid employees. Though the name NGO implies no government involvement, governments do often provide a large portion of funding for NGOs, along with corporations and private donors.
-
-
Broadly, NGOs can be split into international and national organizations. Furthermore, among national NGOs, some may be so small that they only have interest and operation within a given state or city. Among large NGOs, a number of acronyms have come to be commonly used: BINGOs are those that are business-oriented and have a large international presence; ENGOs focus on environmental issues; INGOs are smaller international groups. An NGO can be formed to further just about any cause, from PETA, which fights for animal rights, to AARP, which provides information and services to people over 50.
-
