Nongovernmental Organizations

There are many nonprofit or voluntary groups organized on a local, national, or international level that offer a variety of services by bringing the concerns of the public to the governments of the world. These nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) bridge the gap between leaders and constituents through information gathering and sharing and encouraging increased political participation. Some NGOs focus on specific issues, such as health, the environment, peace-building, technology, or law and justice. Global relationships through the United Nations (UN) allow many organizations to use their research to guide new policies and develop new international strategies.

The concept of nongovernmental organizations designed for the common good is often tied to the beginnings of Amnesty International in 1961. Amnesty International is a global organization that focuses on human ...