Happy World NGO Day!
By Ashley Ramos
Every year on February 27, we recognize the dedication and impact of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) worldwide. But what exactly is an NGO?
According to World NGO Day, it is a nonprofit, citizen-based group that operates independently of government influence. They are also called non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, or charitable organizations, and although they go by many different names, their missions are the same: to address critical social issues, such as food insecurity or access to healthcare.
According to Plural Policy, “Service-based and organizational NGOs help to fill gaps in government services, providing essential assistance to poor and marginalized people. They provide healthcare, education, and emergency relief to communities that need support above and beyond what public services and government funding can provide.”
This day is centered on “Celebrate, Commemorate, and Collaborate.” World NGO Day provides several key opportunities, such as:
- An opportunity for global NGOs to share their knowledge and experiences. NGOs employ over 1.5 million people in the U.S. and more than 77,000 in the Greenville metro area alone. Local organizations like Sustaining Way, Upstate Forever, and Conservation Voters of South Carolina actively share resources and best practices to address environmental and community challenges.
- An opportunity for education, enabling individuals worldwide to understand more clearly what NGOs are doing locally, nationally, and internationally and see the critical gaps these organizations fill. Together SC, a statewide nonprofit network, provides data and insights on how nonprofits impact South Carolina.
- An international symbol that displays the efforts and achievements of all nonprofit sectors regardless of assistance subject matter. From tackling food insecurity and environmental sustainability to providing healthcare and housing, NGOs play a vital role in shaping a better future. Following organizations like Project Host, Loaves & Fishes, and Greenville Homeless Alliance can help you stay informed about ongoing efforts in the Upstate.
- Opportunity to inspire people to consider an NGO/nonprofit sector career. Nonprofits make up over 11% of private-sector employment in South Carolina. If you’re passionate about social impact, consider volunteering or interning with organizations like Sustaining Way, TreesUpstate, or the SC Association for Community Economic Development.
- Opportunity for individuals to learn more about the people involved with NGOs. The nonprofit sector is powered by dedicated individuals committed to serving their communities. Events like Together SC’s Nonprofit Summit offer opportunities to connect with local nonprofit leaders and learn more about their work.
- Opportunity for NGOs to discuss the issues affecting their work and form partnerships to resolve a mutual problem. Many NGOs work together to address systemic challenges. For example, Greenville County Food Security Coalition unites multiple organizations to improve food access and reduce waste. Supporting collaborative efforts strengthens the entire community.
Marcis Skadmanis, a British social entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist, first proposed the idea for World NGO Day with the support of Civic Alliance Latvia. This later led to its official recognition in April 2010, with support from 12 member countries. This recognition gave NGOs global visibility, which encouraged more support, collaboration, and awareness of their work.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs hosted the first global celebration of World NGO Day in Helsinki on Feb. 27, 2014. This event brought together leaders from various international organizations, including the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and the Nordic Council.
Today, World NGO Day is recognized in 145 countries. While this is a global celebration, change starts locally. In the Greenville metro area, there are over 5,068 NGOs that employ over 77,000 people – including Sustaining Way and many of our partners. We have finite resources, but by working together, we can create a big impact.
Want to get involved? Check out sustainingway.org/volunteer to explore our volunteer opportunities or find other ways to support our mission. You can also connect with other impactful local organizations such as Loaves & Fishes, Project Host, Upstate Forever, Greenville Homeless Alliance, and Mill Village Farms. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about the work being done, there are countless ways to support NGOs in our community!
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