democratization of the development process. Efforts, however, should be made to screen prospective agents of change to allow the genuine ones to be identified. A way forward may be through the creation of
more umbrella organizations to monitor the interests of existing NGOs, to avoid replicating efforts and to foster greater collaboration. Ideally, this would result in a network of functioning, trustworthy and legitimate NGOs, which will in turn lead to better coordination in addressing issues and improved methods of targeting communities. It will also make for effective strategic planning and communication and for a more efficient distribution of resources. I am not proposing that these individual groups
stop their respective efforts in support of a common agenda. Rather, by belonging to a network, a small NGO would stand a better chance of survival since it could
tap into a formidable support base. For example, all small organizations working in certain thematic areas or in particular geographic spaces can come together under one banner to bolster their success. The success of development rests on an array of
factors, and without a doubt, one of these is ensuring that passionate individuals and small dedicated organizations are brought into the fold. It is through their small meaningful contributions that the real change which we seek will take place. These small groups can help their situation by entering into alliances that will strengthen their effectiveness. The creation of such partnerships and coalitions will grant them some form of credibility and consequently allow them to achieve their development aims and objectives.
Eugene Amoako is a graduate student of Development Studies at York University.
iAM March 2011 13 by Ruthanne Henry Ruthanne Henry is a landscape architect, arborist and mother as well as an artist. This painting in her
Landscape Ironies series focuses on the vulnerable nature of the landfill site in the Don River Valley in Ontario, similar to most areas where communities are marginalized and most vulnerable to climate change symptoms such as erratic storm conditions, poor water quality, and increased desertification.
iAM March 2011 25
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