Difference between revisions of "NGO Networking"
From NGO Handbook
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==NGO Network Formation== | ==NGO Network Formation== | ||
| − | Network formation can occur for many reasons and more often than not, the initial motivation for creating a network continues to affect the | + | Network formation can occur for many reasons and more often than not, the initial motivation for creating a network continues to affect the policies of that network throughout its existance. There are various types of network formation: |
#'''Top-Down Formation,''' This formation usually begins with a donor-recipient relationship much like the kind of partnership that occurs between northern NGOs and southern NGOs. It tends to move towards collaboration amongst diverse organizations. | #'''Top-Down Formation,''' This formation usually begins with a donor-recipient relationship much like the kind of partnership that occurs between northern NGOs and southern NGOs. It tends to move towards collaboration amongst diverse organizations. | ||
#'''Bottom-Up Formation.''' This formation is, informal in nature and arises from the need to achieve a specific goal or address a particular problem. Members generally come together to work around shared interests, and although they may collaborate to gather more donors for their activities, the network does not originate with the donor-recipient relationship or center around it. | #'''Bottom-Up Formation.''' This formation is, informal in nature and arises from the need to achieve a specific goal or address a particular problem. Members generally come together to work around shared interests, and although they may collaborate to gather more donors for their activities, the network does not originate with the donor-recipient relationship or center around it. | ||
#'''Formation as a “Compensatory Mechanism.”''' This type of network formation occurs in response to a need for services that are no longer provided for by institutions run by the state or local government. | #'''Formation as a “Compensatory Mechanism.”''' This type of network formation occurs in response to a need for services that are no longer provided for by institutions run by the state or local government. | ||
| − | + | Some practical reasons for network formation may include: | |
| − | + | *Donor Attraction | |
| − | + | *Raising Legitimacy of Member NGOs | |
| − | + | *Increasing Opportunities to Start Projects/Activities. (Bhose 48) | |
| − | Another reason for network formation is wanting to make an impact on an issue of real relevance to society. In an August 4, 2004 interview with Leibler and Ferri, Theresa Shaver of the White Ribbon Alliance, “an international coalition of individuals and organizations formed to promote increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and | + | Another reason for network formation is wanting to make an impact on an issue of real relevance to society. In an August 4, 2004 interview with Leibler and Ferri, Theresa Shaver of the White Ribbon Alliance, “an international coalition of individuals and organizations formed to promote increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and [[Children's NGOs|child]]birth safe for all women and newborns in the developing, as well as, developed countries” (White Ribbon Alliance), noted that her group’s formation was based on “the vision of a world in which childbirth is not a potential death sentence and women’s lives are valued.” In additional interviews, several network representatives cited “the need to fill a void and said that the anticipated benefits outweighed the potential risks” (Leibler and Ferri). |
The prevailing view in the NGO sector is that networks formed “organically” (Leibler and Ferri), as opposed to originating from a donor, are significantly more sustainable. Since these network formations are based on collaboration, interconnectedness and social cohesion,” they often outlast monetary capital which is the basis of donor-recipient network formations. | The prevailing view in the NGO sector is that networks formed “organically” (Leibler and Ferri), as opposed to originating from a donor, are significantly more sustainable. Since these network formations are based on collaboration, interconnectedness and social cohesion,” they often outlast monetary capital which is the basis of donor-recipient network formations. | ||
Revision as of 10:11, 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.
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