Ngo Essay Essay

NGOs are difficult to define and classify, and the term NGO is not used consistently. As a result, there are many different classifications in use. The most common use a framework that includes orientation and level of operation. An NGOs orientation refers to the type of activities it takes on. These activities might include human rights, environmental, or development work. An NGOs level of operation indicates the scale at which an organization works, such as local, international or national. Confronting the Classification Problem Toward a Taxonomy of NGOs One of the earliest mentions of the acronym NGO was in 1945, when the UN was created.The UN, which is an inter-governmental organization, made it possible for certain approved specialized international non-state agencies or non-governmental organisations to be awarded observer status at its assemblies and some of its meetings. Later the term became used more widely. Today, according to the UN, any kind of private organization tha t is independent from government control can be termed an NGO, provided it is not-profit, non-criminal and not simply an opposition political party. Professor Peter Willetts, from the University of London, argues the definition of NGOs can be interpreted differently by various organizations and depending on a situations context.He defines an NGO as an independent voluntary association of people acting together on a ceaseless basis for some common purpose other than achieving government office, making money or illegal activities.5 In this view, two main types of NGOs are recognised according to the activities they pursue operational NGOs that deliver services and campaigning NGOs. Although Willetts proposes the operational and campaigning NGOs as a tool to differentiate the main activities of these organizations, he as well explains that a single NGO may often be engaged in both activities. Many NGOs also see them as mutually reinforcing.