RESPONSES TO LEGACIES OF HISTORICAL GLOBALIZATION BY ORGANIZATIONS

WHAT IS AN ORGANIZATION? A group of people who work together to achieve a specific goal. Examples: NGOs Churches Corporations Armies Schools Hospitals Clubs Political Parties

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS An organization established by groups of people to work toward specific goals and to gain public support in achieving these goals. NGOs depend on volunteer workers and donations., but they may also receive grants or contracts from governments. They may influence government policies at national and international levels. They are not in the business of making money (also called Not-For-Profit Organizations) Greenpeace International – tries to persuade governments to take action against climate change and environmental destruction and to protects the earth’s forests and oceans. Human Rights Watch – investigates and exposes human rights violations in order to persuade governments and the public to end these abuses. Doctors Without Borders – provides emergency health care to people in areas of conflict. ShelterBox – provides food, shelter and emergency relief in times of natural disasters.

Rebuilding Communities: Promoting agreements Environmental Arms control Disarmament Strengthening indigenous and women’s rights Providing direct aid Pooling Resources Third World Network Influencing Government Decisions International Campaign to Ban Landmines NGO’S RESPONSES TO LEGACIES OF HISTORICAL GLOBALIZATION

Some critics say… QUESTIONING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NGOS The focus of NGOs is too narrow to solve the complex problems of the legacies of historical globalization.

Some critics say… NGOs are sponsored by groups that want to undermine or overthrow governments. Eg. In 2003, the Indian government blacklisted 800 NGOs that it said were funding separatist rebels. Local grassroots organizations are harmed when international NGOs move in. NGOs as a new form of imperialism. Can NGOs, with wealthy headquarters based in Europe & North America, really understand and respect the needs and wishes of people in local communities. In light of these critiques, should NGOs respond to the legacies of historical globalization?

MUHAMMAD YUNUS & THE GRAMEEN BANK Based in Pakistan – Gained independence from colonial Britain in 1947 Split into East Pakistan and West Pakistan East Pakistan wanted independence (Now Bangladesh) Civil War – Hundreds of thousands of people killed, millions became refugees. Farms, roads, towns, and villages were destroyed. Gained independence in The area is also prone to natural disasters – floods and cyclones destroy food resources which results in famine and malnutrition. Muhammad Yunus – Economics Professor in Bangladesh Gave ‘micro-loans’ to 42 people in need; a total of $27 Tried to convince local banks to give micro-loans without credit but they weren’t receptive so he started his own bank.

MUHAMMAD YUNUS & THE GRAMEEN BANK By 2006, the Grameen Bank had lent an average of $8 US to 7 Million people in Bangladesh ( 97% of whom were women). Repayment rate is 99% These small loans are enough to buy raw materials to buy materials or equipment to start a business, supplies to build a home, mosquito netting to protect against malaria, or to send children to school. The bank has also awarded scholarships for deserving students. Of the over 7 million people who have borrowed from the bank, 58% have since risen above Bangladesh’s poverty line, and the micro-credit model has been replicated successfully around the world. Ending Poverty as a Means to Peace – Yunus believes that terrorism can be ended only if the lives of poor people around the world are improved. “Peace is threatened by unjust economic, social and political order, absence of democracy, environmental degradation and absence of human rights. Poverty is the absence of human rights.” – Muhammad Yunus