Difference between revisions of "NGO Networking"
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==Characteristics of Networks== | ==Characteristics of Networks== | ||
| − | Leibler and Ferri's “NGO Networks: Building Capacity in a Changing World,” as well as author of ''NGOs and Rural Development: Theory and Practice'', Joel S.G.R. Bhose maintain that while there are many points about networks that are debated over, some characteristics remain constant. The consensus is as follows: | + | Leibler and Ferri's study, “NGO Networks: Building Capacity in a Changing World,” as well as author of ''NGOs and Rural Development: Theory and Practice'', Joel S.G.R. Bhose, maintain that while there are many points about networks that are debated over, some characteristics remain constant. The consensus is as follows: |
#NGO networks are formed for a wide range of purposes and can have various structures depending on their goals. | #NGO networks are formed for a wide range of purposes and can have various structures depending on their goals. | ||
#Networks of NGOs are either informal and respond to specific problems/situations, or they are formal and have structured guidelines for membership, management, and communication. | #Networks of NGOs are either informal and respond to specific problems/situations, or they are formal and have structured guidelines for membership, management, and communication. | ||
| − | #The primary center of any given network of NGOs is the relationship between its members. | + | #The primary center of any given network of NGOs is the relationship between its [[Board Members|members]]. |
Operating within these understood parameters, the study notes that “global and regional networks, [as opposed to national ones] provide an environment for information sharing, social exchange, relationship building, and even social interaction” (Leibler and Ferri) that well exceed the limitations of location. In a broad sense, networks can consist of collectives of organizations or simply groups of individuals who collaborate on shared activities with mutual interests. The structures of NGO networks can vary greatly however, formal networks, such as the WANGO, SANGOCO, Arab NGO Development Network, Uganda Women Network, Youth Action Network, and many others, may utilize secretariats or other paid personnel to help in the areas of organization and management. The partnerships between members within networks are usually for the benefit of shared interests or goals, the assessment of the activities members engage in presumably increase as a result of the advantages gained from being part of a network. | Operating within these understood parameters, the study notes that “global and regional networks, [as opposed to national ones] provide an environment for information sharing, social exchange, relationship building, and even social interaction” (Leibler and Ferri) that well exceed the limitations of location. In a broad sense, networks can consist of collectives of organizations or simply groups of individuals who collaborate on shared activities with mutual interests. The structures of NGO networks can vary greatly however, formal networks, such as the WANGO, SANGOCO, Arab NGO Development Network, Uganda Women Network, Youth Action Network, and many others, may utilize secretariats or other paid personnel to help in the areas of organization and management. The partnerships between members within networks are usually for the benefit of shared interests or goals, the assessment of the activities members engage in presumably increase as a result of the advantages gained from being part of a network. | ||
Revision as of 09:29, 12 August 2008
“NGOs work in a society as institutions in their own right and through negotiation with other institutional actors to achieve their interests. Their success in working in society depends to a great extent on their ability to influence others in their environments…”(Doh and Teegan 217)
Optimally, networks have the potential to benefit Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the areas of organizational development, performance, and advocacy. Likewise, the means for education and partnership multiply when NGOs connect with other NGOs or organizations. The Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance study, “NGO Networks: Building Capacity in a Changing World,” cites key characteristics shared by most networks and diverse approaches to NGO networking. In analyzing these characteristics and the way that networks function, a brief history of network ideology and NGO networking since the 1980’s, when such partnering practices became more common, provides background to the topic. NGO networks operate in many different areas of society and the circumstances from which they form are likewise varied. It is understood that as the challenges and benefits of NGO networking are negotiated, the present and future of NGO networks will remain a learning process that means continuing to evolve as engines of change.
