Difference between revisions of "NGO Networking"
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The basic types of NGO networks that presently operate consist of, but are not limited to, the following: | The basic types of NGO networks that presently operate consist of, but are not limited to, the following: | ||
| − | #Communities of Practice | + | #'''Communities of Practice''' are self-organized and share common work interests and practices. They are informal in nature and aim to develop capacity for more effective individual practices. Examples: [[Vietnam NGO Sector|Vietnamese]] American Non-Governmental Organizations (VANGO), Idealist, Global Volunteer Network (GVN). |
| − | #Knowledge Networks | + | #'''Knowledge Networks''' focus on research and study and disseminate information beneficial to members. They can be informal or formal. Examples: European Research Center on Migration and Ethnic Relations (ERCOMER), Internet Center Anti-Racism Europe (ICARE), GENET. |
| − | #Sectoral Networks | + | #'''Sectoral Networks''' are organized around specific sectors (e.g. non-government, health, education, etc.) and are donor-initiated. Examples: NGO Network Alliance Project. |
| − | #Advocacy Networks | + | #'''Advocacy Networks''' are created to further causes of members and achieve specific goals. Examples: European Network Against Racism (ENAR), UNITED for Intercultural Action, Arab NGO Networks for Development (ANND). |
| − | #Service Delivery Networks | + | #'''Service Delivery Networks''' are individual organizations that collaborate to provide services. Examples: Engineers Without Borders (EWBI), International NGO Network (INN), Palestinian NGO Network. |
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==NGO Network Formation== | ==NGO Network Formation== | ||
Revision as of 08:59, 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.
