This dissertation examines how contentious collective action in two post communist states, Poland and the Czech Republic, has broadened to include European and international actors. It identifies the emergence of new opportunities for contention brought about by recent episodes of institutional change, specifically EU accession, and questions how they benefit materially or politically weak NGOs. With the intention of determining how three interrelated processes, democratization, Europeanization and internationalization, affect the nature and scope of contentious politics, this dissertation carries out an investigation of several concrete episodes of political mobilization and contention. As shown these 'contentious events' involved a myriad of national, European and international actors, mobilizing to challenge national policy. Data from NGO questionnaires, interviews and newswire/newspaper archives are used to discern the nature and scope of contentious collective action. This dissertation assesses the extent to which transnationalization of advocacy politics has disrupted existing power arrangements at the national level between NGOs and government. Hypothesizing that European Union accession in 2004 changed the nature and scope of contentious collective action in post communist Europe, this dissertation undertakes a comparative empirical examination of three sectors, environment, women and Roma, and twenty-nine representative NGOs. My research identifies three important developments in the Polish and Czech nonprofit sector: first, European advocacy networks and institutions are helping national NGOs overcome power disparities at the national level; second, issues once confined to national political space have acquired a European dimension, and; third, despite Europeanization, a few notable policy issues (i.e. reproductive rights, nuclear energy and domestic violence) remain firmly under national jurisdiction. This dissertation contributes to existing collective action/post communist scholarship in three ways. It applies established theories of contention/collective action to several recent episodes of political mobilization; it confirms that post accession institutional change does offer new political opportunity structures to national NGOs, and finally; it presents new empirical research on post communist collective action.

<p>Corporate Social Responsibility, företagets sociala ansvarstagande, har de senaste åren uppmärksammats mer och mer. Medierna och intresseorganisationer har fått allmänheten intresserad av dessa frågor och trycket på att företag ska ta sitt sociala ansvar har ökat. Det sociala ansvaret ska genomsyra företagens hela organisation och sträcker därför sig även till leverantörer. Att kontrollera att leverantörer arbetar på ett etiskt korrekt sätt är inte alltid helt enkelt då geografiska avstånd försvårar kontrollen.</p><p>Vi har för avsikt att undersöka hur mindre textilföretag kontrollerar sina leverantörer i u-länder med avseende på CSR. Vi vill ta reda på om relationens karaktär har betydelse för kontrollen och jämföra ifall små och stora företag arbetar på olika sätt.</p><p>Vi har kommit fram till att små och stora företag arbetar olika med kontroll av leverantörer. Små företag utövar ingen direkt kontroll utan förlitar sig på nära relationer som bygger på ömsesidighet och förtroende. De större företagen har ett större behov av att utöva kontroll då de har ett större antal leverantörer och inte kan ha tillräckligt nära relationer för att kunna förlita sig på ömsesidigt förtroende. Istället har företagen infört uppförandekoder och standards samt tagit hjälp av en tredje part i kontrollarbetet. Olika typer av relationer har därmed betydelse för hur kontrollarbetet ser ut.</p>

This thesis presents the analysis of environmental movements in Russia.Through a collective memory and discourse framework, this study reviews the overlap and disparity in perceptions of environmental movements in the Soviet Union and Russia.The portrait that emerges from the analysis of the environmental movements suggests that the impact of environmental movements in Russia may be limited in part because it has developed in contravention to existing discourses. More importantly, the context and underlying assumptions of environmental movements are not formulated in ways that are compatible with existing collective identities in Russian society.

This thesis explores state-society relations in China by focusing on the interactions between grassroots NGOs and local government departments. It presents the notion of positive-sum reciprocal engagement as one form of relationship that can emerge between the state and social organizations. Such engagement can be characterized as a dynamic and interactive process implying proximity, communication, joint action, mutual influence, mutual benefit and mutual empowerment, resulting in added value for society. Drawing on fieldwork carried out in six rural or semi-rural Chinese localities, including interviews and questionnaires with local government departments and indigenous grassroots NGOs, this study seeks to identify the conditions under which positive-sum reciprocal engagement is likely to emerge. It finds that the presence of reformist officials, the strengthening of NGO capacity in framing issues to open social spaces and to engage in effective action while communicating the results of such action are particularly important to establishment of reciprocal engagement. Significant structural or contextual factors include positive associational experience and openness in the locality. This study also explores the extent to which grassroots NGOs are able to affect the formulation and implementation of policy at the local level, and finds policy influence to be one of the significant outcomes of positive-sum reciprocal engagement. One mechanism through which policy influence occurs is in the context of a mass-line model of communication, in which NGOs participate in discourses on social issues and act as channels for the conveyance of policy information and suggestions. Grassroots NGOs are also able to model innovations and contribute to policy formulation and reform in carrying out concrete programs, which is made possible by an environment characterized by policy flexibility and amenable to experimental points.

Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS) / This study is an assessment of participatory monitoring and evaluation in NGOs: a case study of SOS Children’s Village,Cape town, South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the process of application of PM&E framework in the SOS Children’s Village Project, with a view to ascertaining its impact on the project and to provide suggestions and recommendations to SOS and NGOs in South Africa. There were four primary objectives of this study: to provide a theoretical and conceptual framework, through the discussion and/or analysis of applicable PM&E theories and concepts; to provide an overview of organizational structure of the project implementation team of SOS; to identify the different stakeholders involved in the monitoring and evaluation process; to empirically assess the process of PM&E in the SOS Project. The theoretical and conceptual framework of participatory development approach and the child rights based approach is used in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research are used throughout the study and measurement of key variables are made. While the systematic random sampling technique is utilised to collect data for the quantitative research, purposive sampling was used to select respondents for semi-structured interviews in the qualitative research. The study identified that the monitoring and evaluation process in SOS Children’s Village, Cape Town, South Africa is participatory in which the relevant stakeholders, especially the beneficiaries i.e. children participate in the monitoring and evaluation process. However, the study recommended that there should be an updated training and seminar for the staff to empower them to enhance their understanding of participatory monitoring and evaluation.

It is a common misconception that the cross-sector partnership between private companies and environmental NGOs purely benefit financing and image possibilities. However, suppositions like these are worryingly out-of-date and do no longer correspond to the actual make-up, ambitions, effort, and functionings of said partnerships. Most companies use a concept called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) when describing their sustainability work, often including partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The term was coined at a time when sustainability work was less refined than what we see today, and while societal awareness and industrial appreciation for the importance of environmental agendas has developed, the term CSR and its definition has remained the same. This study interviewed three environmental NGOs and four private companies in Sweden in order to investigate the structure and outcomes of their current partnerships with the respective actor. The findings underline the need for an updated conceptual definition, that facilitates cross-sector partnership development parallel to societal development rather than to hold it back. With environmental threats winning the attention of both private and public actors in local as well as global settings, the issue of this conceptual misalignment and possible snag in efficiency that it may pose, becomes highly relevant.

A pesquisa realizada procurou analisar quais são as diferentes concepções de educação ambiental (EA) presentes no programa Nascentes Verdes Rios Vivos do Instituto de Pesquisas Brasileiras (IPÊ), realizado em Nazaré Paulista, SP. Buscamos compreender, portanto, como as diferentes concepções de EA: conservadora, pragmática e crítica estão presentes no Programa Nascentes Verdes, Rios Vivos. Para tanto entrevistamos a equipe do IPÊ e aplicamos questionários para os professores do ensino fundamental de rede estadual de Nazaré Paulista. Ao explicitarmos estas concepções para a equipe do programa e para os professores, eles poderão rever seus pressupostos e mudar ou aprimorar suas ações. Apesar de não acreditarmos em uma única educação ambiental possível, concordamos mais com os pressupostos presentes na abordagem da Educação Ambiental Crítica, pois segundo diferentes autores é aquela que pode gerar mudança, transformação social dos envolvidos com esta prática educativa (CARVALHO, 2004a; LIMA, 2004; LOUREIRO, 2004a). É importante ressaltar, que acreditamos que diferentes abordagens podem coexistir, que as contradições estão presentes. De fato, isto foi encontrado, quando analisamos a concepção da equipe do programa e dos professores para a dimensão conhecimento, encontramos a predominância das tendências crítica e pragmática. Já na dimensão valores éticos e estéticos, a equipe do programa apresentou uma tendência mais crítica quando comparada com os professores; no entanto, ao olharmos para as atividades do programa, dois parâmetros não foram encontrados: as discussões das diferenças no acesso a elementos da natureza e na distribuição dos riscos ambientais, bem como uso de elementos estéticos. E finalmente com relação à dimensão participação política, apesar de ambos atores terem uma concepção predominantemente crítica, esta dimensão não é trabalhada pelo programa / The present research sought to analyze the different conceptions of environmental education (EA) present in the Nascentes Verdes Rios Vivos program of the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), held in Nazaré Paulista, SP. We seek to understand, therefore, how the different conceptions of EA: conservative, pragmatic and critical are present in the Nascentes Verdes, Rios Vivos Program. In order to do so, we interviewed the IPÊ team and applied questionnaires to the elementary school teachers of Nazaré Paulista. By making these conceptions explicit to the program team and to teachers, they can review their assumptions and change or improve their actions. Although we do not believe in a only possible environmental education, we are more in agreement with the presuppositions present in the approach of Critical Environmental Education, since according to different authors it is the one that can generate change, social transformation of those involved with this educational practice (CARVALHO, 2004a, LIMA, 2004; LOUREIRO, 2004a). It is important to emphasize that we believe that different approaches can coexist, that contradictions are present. In fact, it was found, when we analyze the conception of the program team and teachers for the knowledge dimension, we find the predominance of critical and pragmatic tendencies. In terms of ethical and aesthetic values, the program team presented a more critical tendency when compared with teachers. However, when we look at the activities of the program, two parameters were not found: discussions of differences in access to elements of nature and in the distribution of environmental risks, as well as the use of aesthetic elements. Finally, with regard to the political participation dimension, although both actors have a predominantly critical conception, the program does not work out this dimension

Thesis advisor: William A. Gamson / This work presents a longitudinal study of greater than 10 years, of all the major peace-building initiatives with an educational encounter-based approach in Israel and Palestine, during times of relative peace and times of acute violence (1993-2008). Interestingly, my results indicated that when the environment became more tumultuous and hostile, the effectiveness and even survival of these organizations depended to a significant degree on the ability of the organizations to manage the power asymmetry between the two sides and work as equally as possible. Organizations which failed to deal effectively with matters of equality, and the needs and desires of both sides, ended up struggling to maintain commitment, or were doused in conflict that could have been tempered if they strived for more equality. This study, which involved fieldwork, participant observation, and interviews with Palestinian and Israeli peace-builders prior to, during, and post-the 2nd Intifada, is in many ways a natural experiment of peace-building organizations operating in radically different contexts. Involving various fields, this research contributes to the broad fields of conflict resolution, peace studies, and organization studies. It offers critical insight into how organizations adapt in radically changing environments, what is problematic, what are their possibilities, and what allows some to survive while others do not. Practically speaking, this study also has political import as it suggests ways to strengthen and sustain peace-building efforts in different contexts and strengthen peace-building's symbolic, cultural, and political worth and value. In addition, it has significance for building sustainable coalitions across an arena of inequality, asymmetry, and difference. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Sociology.

Thesis advisor: David Hollenbach / Transnational Catholic nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are among the most active agents in the promotion of the global common good as they seek to overcome the structures of sin that divide the human family. This dissertation investigates the theological and ethical significance of Catholic NGOs by developing a critical framework that uncovers the relationship between these organizations and the church's mission. Part One considers the global context and theoretical foundations of Catholic NGO action by examining social scientific literature (Chapter One) and modern Catholic teaching on the relationship between mission and justice (Chapter Two). Part Two places the theoretical foundations into dialogue with two case studies--the International Movement of Catholic Students-Pax Romana (Chapter Three) and the Jesuit Refugee Service (Chapter Four). This critical investigation of both theory and praxis illuminates several missiological, pneumatological, and ethical conclusions that are addressed in the final part (Chapter Five). This dissertation asserts three conclusions regarding the theological signifigance of Catholic NGOs. First, in contrast to some interpretations of the role of the church in the world, the actions of Catholic NGOs for the global common good are an integral part of the church's mission. Second, these organizations can be described as structures of grace as they embody charity and charism in their efforts to overcome the divisive effects of structural sin. Finally, a more robust awareness of the theological dimensions of their work can aid these and other organizations respond more effectively and ethically to the demands of the global common good today. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2013. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Theology.

O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender as mudanças históricas ocorridas durante o período de redemocratização do Brasil, por meio da avaliação da expansão das organizações-não-governamentais (ONGs) no país. A partir da década de 90, dada a consolidação da democracia, notou-se uma explosão de criação de organizações não governamentais e um refluxo ou desaparecimento dos movimentos sociais. Utilizando-se uma ONG inserida no campo democrático participativo como modelo destas instituições, verificou-se o que estes atores, relativamente novos no cenário político e social, construíram e representam hoje na atual sociedade brasileira. Utilizando-se de entrevistas como principal artifício metodológico, observou-se claramente que esta ONG reproduz em sua organização, a mesma lógica hierárquica e divisão de classes da sociedade na qual está inserida. Verificou-se também a relação da entidade com o partido dos trabalhadores. Destaca-se principalmente a maneira subjetiva e pessoal com a qual a relação ONG/sociedade é instituída. A pessoalidade é algo muito forte nessa relação, no entanto, se avaliarmos historicamente as relações que pautam nossas origens enquanto Estado, forjado desde seu nascimento nas relações de personalismo, de afetos e de favorecimentos, então a relação ONG/Partido/Movimento social torna-se plausível dentro deste contexto. A explosão de surgimento de ONGs no final do século XX, pode ser caracterizada segundo Guattari(1987) como uma revolução molecular e em terras tupiniquins transformam-se naquilo que Oliveira(2003) descreveu como o ornitorrrinco. As ONGs são importantes agentes de prestação de serviços, e estes serviços, por sua vez, são importantíssimos para a consolidação do sistema capitalista firmando-se como mercadoria. Estas são as contradições e as ambigüidades que formam o Estado que somos hoje. / The objective of this study is to understand the historical changes after the outcome of new democracy in Brazil, through an evaluation of non governmental organizations (ONGs). In the last twenty years, occurred an explosion in births of ONGs and a slow disappearing of political manifestations in the society. Taking one determined ONG as a model, we were able to see what these institutions had modified in our social and political environment. Using interview as our major method, we could observe that ONG´s organization obeys the same hierarchy logic of the brazilian society. We also investigated the relationship of this ONG and the actual government party. This work highlights the way this relationship is built and formed. It becomes very clear that the majority of relationships are made through a subjective criterion and actually, it is not a surprise in such a country that has the tradition of always take personal sides in its political context. The explosive appearing of ONGs at the end of XX century could be characterized as a molecular revolution agreed the author Guattari(1987) and is described as an ornitorrinco by the author Oliveira(2003) ONGs are now important agents to the solidification of capitalistic system. These ambiguities and contradictions are forming the political State that we have today in this country.