Civil Society Organizations

I. Introduction

For the most parts of the globe nowadays, there is a kind of civic groups that has contributed such a great influence on people’s lives. Civil society, in particular the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has undergone a substantially long road of progress until it reaches its present position. From a historical view, the current concept of civil society has changed twice from its original, classical form. Until the modern times, the definitions of civil society are still remaining various. According to leading research centers of World Bank, the term is used to refer to a number of non-governmental and non-for-profit organizations that exist in public life, representing for interests and values - which should be in accordance

The strong development of modern society indicated that regardless of how much attempt put by the government agencies on promoting civilian’s life , they are not able to anticipate what public goods and services citizens are looking forward to use. As a result, the work of civil associations/NGOs appears to fill the gap. Moreover, the personal demands are increasing significantly, result in a closer and wider connection between community and individuals. In other word, the government should not take direct actions in order to fulfill people’s demands. In many cases, vesting the management in social organizations may bring about better outcomes owing to their sense of reality, equity and flexibility to the public (E.g: in the field of consultancy, criticism, and social verification). These drawbacks from the operation of nation states can only be reduced efficiently by promoting the importance of civil society, which means the mobilization of community in social deeds. Generally, CSOs in Vietnam are launching for three main purposes. First, it is an aggregation of personal or communal demands which later constitute social demands and create an appropriate social atmosphere for promoting both knowledge and managing skills of all members. In fact, this process is also known as building people resources to fight against corruption, environmental destruction,

The increasing role of civil society and non-governmental organizations/associations toward the progression of our country has been being gradually acknowledged by both the government and society of Vietnam. Up to now, there have been hundreds of Vietnam-based associations working for the aim of saving the environment, particularly in the local level. According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dap – Ministry of Resources and Environment, a vast number of NGOs are now taking part in consultancy and social opposition on environmental policy, laws and projects. Furthermore, medical associations are launching to help Vietnamese patients, for example, the Australian NGO supporting children who suffer from chronic diseases. In addition, the Centre of Sustainable Rural Development (SDR) which is a professional agency supporting poor rural groups to adapt to new environment and well manage their own livings, or CARE Climate Change Information Centre which attempts to eradicate poverty and provide a climate change network in global scale are other typical names of CSOs that play as essential part of Vietnam’ social development. Moreover, CSOs can also promote the effect of democracy regime, assist in surveillance and formation of decision making process of the