Working with Civil Society Organisations
Key Concepts
Civil Society
In international development the term “civil society” can mean different things. It often refers to that part of society that is separate from the state and the private sector, e.g. associations and groups that operate within society to advance common interests and facilitate collective action. The term ‘civil society’ can be used to refer to the public arena for debate on societal issues, as well as the values and institutions that enable citizens to participate in political and social decision making.
Civil Society Organisations
Civil society organisations (CSOs) take a variety of shapes and forms. Organisations commonly included as CSOs are:
- Non-government organisations (NGOs)2
- Community-based groups
- Women or youth groups
- Professional organisations
- Rights organisations
- Activist groups
- Indigenous people’s organisations
- Faith-based groups
- Media organisations
- Voluntary organisations.
2 Organisations that are legally constituted and/or registered as non-government, not-for-profit organisations.