You can search the UN's website for their list of NGO's: http://esa.un.org/coordination/ngo/new/index.asp

Thanks for the informative page on civil society organizations, but I have a question.

Is it a problem that some civil society organizations have different agendas than others? If each organization keeps pushing that their issues are the most important, wouldn't they bicker among each other for funding and support, causing argument even just within the cultural realm of the threefold system? To me is seems that opposing views would make it seem difficult for much progress to occur.

Roseanne, different CSOs have different agendas and attempt to address different issues. Having several groups tackle the same issue may not necessarily pose a problem of funding or disallow progress. I see it a different way: it takes more than one person or entity to bring about change. Take the issue of poverty, for instance. I am uncertain what degree of exposure you have to this issue, but understand that the poverty experienced in this country is much different from that experienced in lesser-developed parts of the world. At least, we have the welfare system here. And, when a family says they can only afford 1 square meal a day, it is a square meal. A lot of these other countries cannot boast of that for a majority of their population. The social issues they face are so deep-rooted and complicated, it has to be approached from as many angles as possible. Hence the need for different CSOs. I believe the issue of funding you are referring to reflects the concerns of some about inundating the public with solicitations for funds. I am sure a lot of us say, "Didn't I just send over something for the same reason a few weeks ago?" Whenever we get the same petition for poverty-relief, albeit from different organizations, we feel flustered about the never-ending situation and refuse to send another dollar. It is a concern. But, there are others that understand that it takes more than a few dollars to battle a war that has been going on for decades. It takes more than one organization. It is a multilateral effort. Think of it that way.

Evelyn, fine response. Thank you. ~WH

Evelyn, thanks for the response. I understand the need for different CSOs because they tackle different problems. However, I was thinking more along the lines of CSOs with overt conflicting interests. For example, the Centre for Development and Enterprise NGO in South Africa is pro-globalization, as it aims to take full advantage of economic globalization, viewing it as a "progressive force." There are plenty of CSOs opposed to globalization, even specifically economic globalization, and we obviously have learned the negatives of globalization in class, but many people still firmly hold their beliefs. Each side obviously believes their way is the way to go. Saying which CSO is right and which is wrong (as clear as it may be), would still be a matter of personal opinion to most, so there would be no clear side to support if the interests of such groups conflict that much. It's not a matter of how much money there is to invest in a broad spectrum of groups with slightly different goals, but one of which group is right if their beliefs and goals are completely in conflict.

I also found a website listing NGOs worldwide that was useful and seemed fairly complete: http://library.duke.edu/research/subject/guides/ngo_guide/ngo_links/

Thanks Roseanne and Veronica for the websites. There are hundreds of organizations focusing on global problems.
I think the choices that are made are what the organization feels most storngly about. I especially like that mose of the projects are people based. Creating better living conditions, improving agriculutre, family heath and education. Hopefully the money invested goes where it is supposed to and not into some political pocket. This is an area open to corruption. I know that organizations have their reasons for the hcoices they make. Maybe in the future there will money making investments. Then it will be more money to help some more. I try to see the best possible reason but know that there can be a hidden agenda.

It is personal choice to suppport which every CSO you choose. If you like what they do support them. If not choose some else.

I think the trick is to find the CSO/NGO that really supports what you are interested in. There are so many out there and you can access them easily by the internet. I can across list after list after googling "NGO North America" or "CSO" (you just have to be careful about which one you click on.. there are a lot of things that stand for CSO and NGO) I was a little confused about the funding and whatnot but thanks to Evelyn and the knowledge she provided that seems to have cleared a lot of it up.

I agree; I believe that every system will always be open to corruption in some form, and the best thing that can be done is to support the organization that you believe in. Hopefully, as most CSOs seem to lean towards sustainable practices, the decisions people make will be sustainable ones. I think I originally worded my question poorly and it was taken in the wrong context. However, the comments have helped answer my questions on CSOs. Thanks.

I meant to post this earlier in the week, but many CSOs can also be found here:

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/CSO/0,,contentMDK:20127718~menuPK:288622~pagePK:220503~piPK:220476~theSitePK:228717,00.html

I also used this website while writing my paper. I found it extremely helpful and I have been looking at the many CSOs available. I researched the ActionAid, and I am quite interested in helping. It is reassuring knowing that there are many good people in the world, not involved in businesses or government, that are willing to help. I can see where this course leads many people to think pessimistically, but this definitely is a bright point.

I have done several hours of research for CSOS in Germany and I still do not feel I have something of enough substance to present to the class. Any advice on where to look?