When we hear the term “NGOs” – National Geographic has some interesting photos on the covers of their recent issue – and we see these NGOs around the world – what is the common thread running through all of them? The answer, surprisingly, is education. While there are many forms of NGOs around the world, education is the heart and soul of all NGOs. Not only does it provide a platform for individuals to speak out for social change – it also provides a training platform for those who want to start a social sector organization.
But where do you find the young people, fresh out of school and barely out of high school, who can take on the mantle of leadership and make a difference? Well, one option is starting a non-profit NGO. Not only are they willing to take up the challenge of educating people about issues like poverty, child rights and environmental issues, but they have also gained enough practical experience to be able to bring about major changes in their home countries.
But here’s the catch: while NGOs might start out being an unlikely mix of volunteers and seasoned experts, they can easily fall into disrepair – and that’s before you’ve even started working on your program or project. In the United States, the Obama administration has made it clear that they do not wish to see NGOs listed as tax non-profit organizations. While this may not mean that NGOs won’t be granted tax benefits in the future, it means that they will need to be more careful about how they plan their projects. Just as with any other business, a good plan is far better than a haphazard one.
While there are many avenues for NGOs to use for raising awareness among people and drawing public attention, there is one that is not explored very often. That’s why I’m surprised when I run into friends in my travels who mention a high-level adviser, a media consultant or a representative from a ngo who has been helping them prepare for the “perfect” event. Instead of focusing on what could be obstacles, these people offer advice on what would seem to be the perfect solution – and then they leave me wondering what they might have left out.
For example, what if they’re preparing to launch an awareness program to raise funds for a specific project, but they neglected to include some crucial elements? What if they have a wonderful website, a blog, a great social media presence and a great story – but they don’t have a well-written policy for volunteer participation? What if they don’t have any volunteers? What then? While a good ngo will be able to draw people in based on a quality campaign, if its focus is on too many different elements at once, it may miss the target.
By educating yourself and using resources such as the nonprofit directory and grantmakers websites, you can avoid the pitfalls that come with hiring a ngo. If you find that your area still has myths about NGOs, don’t feel bad – it’s not all of the world. However, by taking steps to ensure that your ego is truly a partner for your cause, you will give your nonprofit the tools it needs to successfully engage people and turn them into financial contributors.
