Voices of Change: NGOs

and Civic Engagement

 Useful expressions

• Non-governmental organization (NGO)

• Grassroots
• Advocacy
• Civic engagement
• Civil society
• Fundraising
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Volunteerism
 Charity is a local, national or An NGO is a non governmental
international organisation to help organisation.
those in need and support the rights
of vulnerable and marginalised in ● By being separate from the government,
society. NGOs often get to investigate things more
clearly, sometimes they're invited to
● The term also has legal status as
places that a government organisation
charities registered with the
might not be
government receive some tax
● a non-profit, voluntary group of citizens
benefits.
● Charities cover all kinds of topics
who work on a local, national or
and issues: some focus on health international level to achieve an aim.
issues, others on animal issues, on ● They are not controlled by the
children or on adults. government but they will often work with
● There's a really wide range of them closely.
charities but they all have one goal- ● There's a lot of power that resides within
helping people who have got some these non-government organisations
vulnerability and they often work for because they will trying to change things
the rights of their issue. for the better.
“Human rights are the ● Civil society refers to a group of organisations like charities and
fundamental rights and NGOs that are separate to government.
freedoms that belong to ● It's sometimes called the third sector because it comes after
every single one of us. government and business.
Human rights apply no ● Many people work within civil society either as a paid employee or a
matter where you are volunteer.
● Civil society has the ability to influence the policies of government
from, what you believe in
and business and so plays an important role in democracy.
or how you choose to live
● Civil society is more than just providing support for people in need.
your life.” ● When most people think of charities, they associate them with the
relief they bring to people and the aid they provide, BUT
Rights are entitlements that
everybody has.These protect -They can campaign for change to laws and take issues to
our freedoms and the way we court, if they have reason to.
live our lives.
-They also lobby politicians for the benefit of their cause and
to create a better society for everyone.

-They work in many different areas, such as poverty, health,

education, the environment and animal welfare.
 Some NGOs
Doctors without Bord
Save the Children ers International Rescue Co
Established in: 1919 Established in: 1971 mmittee
Global presence: 70+ countries
Global presence: 120
countries Established in: 1933
Based in France ,it is a medical NGO
working in conflict zones, areas affected Global presence: 40+ countries
by natural disasters, and areas with
Based in London, it works to endemic diseases. Their focuses include
improve the lives of children antibiotic resistance, maternal health, The International Rescue Committee,
HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, vaccinations, which was originally founded in response
through healthcare, mental health, and more. They use 14%
education, emergency aid, of their income on fundraising, 85% on to people fleeing Nazi Germany, helps
economic development, and programs, and 1% on management and
general admin.
refugees affected by humanitarian crises
more. As a global movement, like disasters and conflict. Areas of focus
the NGO has 30 national In 2021, the NGO performed over 12.5 include safety, health, economic well-
member organizations around million medical consultations; gave 1.6
million vaccinations; and saw over 1 being, empowerment, and education. As
the world. Areas of focus
million patients in MSF hospitals and women and girls are among the most
include hunger, health, clinics.
vulnerable, the NGO pays special
education, policy and
advocacy, the climate crisis, MSF gets most of its funding from private attention to their needs. The IRC works in
and the war in Ukraine. income, which includes individuals and Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the
private foundations.
Middle East, and the United States.
 Anti-Slavery International
Amnesty International
Established in: 1839
Established in: 1961 Global presence: 20+ countries
Global presence: 150+ countries
Anti-Slavery International, which was founded in the UK, is
Amnesty International is an advocacy
the world’s oldest international human rights organization.
NGO based in the UK. It claims to have
more than ten million members and It focuses on ending slavery in all its forms, including
supporters. Its goal is to promote and human trafficking, child slavery, and child marriage.
protect human rights through awareness
campaigns and mobilizing the public. Activities include working with survivors; supporting and
Areas of focus include torture, the death promoting legal frameworks for ending slavery; and
penalty, police brutality, and climate changing systems that allow exploitation.
justice.

AI’s impact includes freeing immigrants

and asylum-seekers kept in unlawful
detention and helping change public
opinion on issues like the death penalty.
Discussion:
1. What motivates individuals to participate in “NGOs are more effective than governments in addressing social
civic activities? issues.”

2. How do NGOs influence government “Civic education should be mandatory in all schools.”
policies?
Write an opinion essay (250–300 words) on the following topic:
3. Can civic education lead to a more engaged
society? "What is the role of civil society in shaping the future of democracy?"

4. What challenges do NGOs face in achieving

their goals?
Role Play (15–20 min)
5. How can individuals contribute to civic
causes without joining an organization? Scenario: A town hall meeting about building a shelter for the
homeless.
6. What are the most important roles NGOs ● Roles: NGO worker, local politician, skeptical citizen,
play in society? student volunteer.

7. Can social media help or hinder the mission ● Task: Debate the necessity, funding, and location of the
of civic organizations? project.

8. Should everyone be required to do

community service? Why or why not?
LINKS
https://www.ted.com/talks/clint_smith_the_danger_of_silen
ce?language=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwVrQYJsorE&t=13s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX2ZmeUjwfc&authuser
=0