As international NGOs are immersing themselves in strategic planning processes during this time of the year, Duncan Green, the Head of Research at Oxfam GB has put forth some interesting (and essential) ideas for integrating them into strategies of organizations involved in undertaking advocacy activities. Although most NGOs in developing countries lack the insight to develop strategic planning processes, they can still learn and adopt from these ideas to improve performance and sustainability of their advocacy campaigns.
Green’s foremost tip is to start using technology. Technology can be cost-effective; it can enable empowerment in an easier and quicker way; and contribute to the environment. He refers to models created by the Washington-based ETC, a small NGO dedicated for the conservation and sustainable advancement of cultural and ecological diversity and human rights and working for the advocacy on science-based issues. Another organization called Light Years IP is specialized “in making the intellectual property work for poor people).
Green further contemplates upon the “Age of Scarcity” since most natural resources are facing their limitations and these now have to be used in an optimal manner so that poor and excluded groups are also able to access them. Here NGOs will play a critical role in ensuring the inclusion process.
“Informal and non-stuff economies” is another topic to shift focus on services. Green also talks about migration which cannot be just a political issue. It is now looked upon as a strong tool of development as the volume of remittances to poor and developing countries surpasses the entire international aid money.
Read more at this link.
