Quiz: How Much Do You Know World NGO Day?

World NGO Day serves as a valuable occasion to acknowledge the selfless efforts of individuals, including founders, employees, volunteers, and supporters, who contribute to the success of Non-Governmental Organizations (N.G.O.s) globally. It also plays a crucial role in creating awareness for humanitarian causes that often go unnoticed and inspires others to get involved through various means, such as fundraising or volunteering.

The step "Spread the word" recommends spreading awareness about the cause as an action for an NGO. This recommendation emphasizes the importance of communication and outreach in promoting the NGO's mission. Spreading awareness helps attract like-minded individuals who share the passion for the cause, encouraging their involvement and support. This step is vital for building a community of supporters and collaborators who contribute to the organization's goals and impact.

World NGO Day is observed every year on February 27. This day is crucial for individuals and organizations looking to participate in recognizing, celebrating, and honoring the contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. Also, this day focus efforts and initiatives on this dedicated day, fostering awareness and appreciation for the positive impact that NGOs have on various global issues.

The distinguishing factor of NGOs is their independence from the government. This characteristic is essential for understanding the autonomy and freedom that NGOs have in addressing social issues and advocating for the public good. This independence allows NGOs to operate without direct government influence and pursue initiatives based on their mission and objectives, contributing to their effectiveness in addressing diverse societal challenges.

World NGO Day was founded by Marcis Liors Skadmanis and was first observed on February 27, 2014. The founder and the inaugural year of observance provides essential historical context for the establishment of the day. The origins underscores the intention behind creating a dedicated day to honor and celebrate the significant contributions of non-governmental and nonprofit organizations globally.

An NGO has been defined by the United Nations Department of Global Communications as a "not-for-profit, voluntary citizen’s group that is set up at a local, national, or international level to address issues in support of the public good." This definition provides clarity on the essential characteristics that distinguish NGOs from other types of organizations, emphasizing their voluntary nature and focus on serving the public good.

The first step to establishing an NGO is to choose a cause that you're willing to dedicate your time to advocate for. This initial step emphasizes the importance of a clear and compelling purpose for the organization. Choosing a cause sets the foundation for the NGO's mission and activities, guiding its efforts to address specific issues and contribute to the public good. This step is essential for defining the organization's identity and impact in the community or globally.

World NGO Day was officially declared and adopted in 2010 by the 12 member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum, recognized as a partner of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The year of official declaration adds to the historical timeline, highlighting the international recognition and acknowledgment of the day's significance by the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations in 2014.

The term 'non-governmental organization' (NGO) was created by the 1945 Charter of the United Nations and is also referred to as civil society organizations (C.S.O.), emphasizing their role in civil society. This historical context provides insight into the nomenclature used to categorize these organizations and their distinct identity as entities independent of government influence.

According to the World Bank, there are two types of NGOs: operational NGOs and advocacy NGOs. These two categories helps understand the diverse roles that NGOs play. Operational NGOs focus on designing and implementing development-related projects, while advocacy NGOs promote specific causes that impact public policy. This knowledge contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the varied functions NGOs fulfill to address societal issues at both project implementation and policy levels.