Non-governmental organization

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is an organization that is not part of a government and was not founded by states. NGOs are therefore typically independent of governments. Although the definition can technically include for-profit corporations, the term is generally restricted to social, cultural, legal, and environmental advocacy groups having goals that are noncommercial, primarily. NGOs are usually non-profit organizations that gain at least a portion of their funding from private sources. Current usage of the term is generally associated with the United Nations and authentic NGOs are those that are so designated by the UN.

Methods

NGOs vary in their methods. Some act primarily as lobbyists, while others conduct programs and activities primarily. For instance, such an NGO as Oxfam, concerned with poverty alleviation, might provide needy people with the equipment and skills they need to find food and clean drinking water.

Related Topics:
Oxfam - Drinking water

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Lobbying

Non-governmental organizations often pay lobbyists in an attempt to influence legislators or public officials for or against a specific cause. Lobbyists are highly experienced in government and often retain connections to people holding office. This greatly impacts and pressures the government into supporting a specific idea.

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Networking

The International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), founded in 1992, is a global network of more than 60 non-governmental organizations that promote and defend the right to freedom of expression.

Related Topics:
International Freedom of Expression eXchange - 1992 - Freedom of expression

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Public Relations

Consulting

Many international NGOs have a consultative status with United Nations agencies relevant to their area of work. As an example, the Third World Network has a consultative status with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In 1946, only 41 NGOs had consultative status with the ECOSOC, but this number had risen to 2,350 in 2003.

Related Topics:
Third World Network - UN Conference on Trade and Development - UN Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC

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Activist events

Project management

There is an increasing awareness that management techniques are crucial to project success in non-governmental organizations. {{fn|3}}

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