How to Work for an NGO

There are hundreds to millions of NGO all over the world. Each of these organizations has different focus on the various aspects of the society. There are NGOs whose orientation is towards charitable purposes. There are those whose priority of work is towards services and participation, while some focuses on participatory orientation.

What is an NGO?

NGO is an acronym for non-governmental organizations. They are organizations that are detached from the government and are operating nothing like the organizations that are aiming to gain profit. While government and intergovernmental organizations, like political parties, are focused mainly on the political aspects, it is different on what is NGO’s focus, which is more on the social aspects of the society. An NGO is composed of the organization of the masses, the voluntary group etc. depending on the orientation and cooperation of the group. It is called a group for a cause since they are working hand in hand not for respective self-benefits but for the good of all. They are the watchdog of the society and the country as well. NGO assembles funds for development. They distribute food and family planning services and promote community organization in the distress area. NGO is a private agency in the industrial countries that support international development and help indigenous groups.

However, NGOs deal with varieties of concerns such as humanitarian affairs or in the issue of religion. They assemble public support and voluntary contributions for aid; they often have strong connections with community groups in developing countries, and they work in areas where government-to-government aid is needed. NGOs are acknowledged as a part of the international relations background. They influence national and joint policy-making with time and they are more directly involved in local action.

Back to Top

How Much Do You Make at an NGO?

NGOs rely mainly on funding coming from the wealthy donors or by big businesses of any sort and they are also funded by the government, whether partially or completely. There are certain procedures or requirements to accomplish in establishing a Non-government Organization. The organization’s long term success depends on the effectiveness of governance. NGO should be well governed and be an accountable organization so that donors may last to help. They may well be satisfied that their contributions are well spent. Competition in the acquisition of donor funding is very strong. Familiarization with marketing and strategic elements as well as learning how to structure a grant proposal and a corporate partnership, as well as how to approach individuals and major donors can be a determining factor on how much an NGO can attract funding.

So if you work in a non-government organization, it is not expected that you do have a huge salary but a meager one just to live. It connotes dedication, service and devotion to work.

Why Work for an NGO?

Working for an NGO is a vocation. It is a calling. Most people who are most blessed in life love to work in this field. It is in this field wherein you can see the difference in working with the business employment sector and a nonprofit sector. It is very much known that if you are working on NGOs you tend to place the concerns and needs for others above your own. You want to give the heritage to your love ones that in time of suffering you are one of the people who has opened arms help those less fortunate. It is in this Organization that one can be able to bring the worth and meaning to people. Working in this kind of organization gives you an opportunity to assist other people and help boost their lifestyles to a more comfortable level.

We have different perspective in life, and so goes with the different reasons why one might enjoy working in a NGO with a not so attractive remuneration but a good sense of purpose.

Back to Top

Pros and Cons of Working at an NGO

Life are too short. We have to make it meaningful. There are a lot of positive and negative factors in working as part of NGO

Pros

The following perks on being a part of the NGOs

• Self-Fulfillment
• Ability to serve others above your own
• Leaving heritage to love ones
• Opportunity to assist people and help boost their lives

Cons

Sometimes it is confusing on how to handle things out because of the disadvantages that one may experience. Here are the disadvantages on being a part of the NGO

• Meager salary
• Time demanding
• Requires a lot of sacrifice

For those who choose to work in an NGO, the perks outweight th negatives. But sacrifice is a very personal thing and it is only up to the individual to determine whether or not working in an NGO is the right path for them.

Back to Top

NGO Quotes

“A billion dollars every week for Iraq, billion for Iraq. We can’t get billion for childcare over five years in welfare reform.” — Jim Wallis

“Development is the strategy of evasion. When you can’t give people land reform, give them hybrid cows. When you can’t send children to school, try non-formal education. When you can’t provide basic health to people, talk of health insurance. Can’t give them jobs? Not to worry, just redefine the words “employment opportunities”. Don’t want to do away with using children as a form of slave labor? Never mind. Talk of “improving the conditions of child labor!” It sounds good. You can even make money out of it.”—PalagunmiSainath, Everybody Loves a Good Drought; Stories from India’s Poorest Districts, (Penguin Books, 1996), p.421