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Civil society
Me, Myself & I – Is this the way to enhance giving?
What really motivates us to give? Economists, psychologists and anthropologists have shown repeatedly that giving is a crucial part of culture. It is a way to ensure social relations, to prepare for times of crises, …
A look back at developments affecting civil society in China in 2011 (and a sneak peek at 2012/2013)
As I said recently during a workshop in Beijing, 2011 was really a remarkable year with respect to developments affecting civil society. The year began with the propaganda department of the government saying in January …
Responding to the hopes of the Arab Spring – December issue of Alliance just published
How can philanthropy help support the transition to more just and democratic societies following the series of spontaneous revolutions now known as the Arab Spring? Many funders from outside the Arab region are keen to …
NGOs: is the dream over?
After a long decade of growth and international recognition of the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering democracy, advancing social justice and participating in public policies, just to name a few, there are signs …
Relaxing the registration rules for civil society organizations in China
Instead of blogging this month on self-regulation (a topic to which I will return in 2012), it is important at this juncture to discuss a very significant development. At a party working conference held at …
Bellagio Initiative: when measurement becomes our new best friend
What do you get when you convene a conversation with 40 or so philanthropy and development professionals from 20 or so countries about the future of their fields, all over two days? The Rockefeller Foundation, …
Latin America by Latin Americans?
The most recent well-known update about trends in the field of philanthropy in Latin America is almost a year old, and very little reflection has happened since then. The report was produced by the Inter-American …
Putting the ‘citizen’ back in civil society organizations: a final look at the CIVICUS 2011 World Assembly
The 2011 CIVICUS World Assembly has ended. This Assembly – the tenth in the history of CIVICUS – coincided with the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, which brought …
Thoughts after the second day of the CIVICUS 2011 World Assembly
It is late Sunday afternoon and the end of the second day of the 10th CIVICUS World Assembly, being held in Montréal. There is one more day to come. I am a bit weary and …
An issue whose time has come: ICNL holds second global forum
Promoting a ‘legally enabling environment for civil society and philanthropy’ is a niche field of work, recognized by many as essential, yet often unlikely to capture the headlines. However, critical developments over the past year, …
