By Melannie Bonilla Montero - International Relations Student 

Nonprofits play a vital role in building healthy communities by providing critical services that contribute to economic stability and mobility, they also strengthen communities in other important ways. In addition, nonprofit leaders are the voice of the people they serve, thanks to the combination of strong community relationships and intimate local knowledge. Importantly, these organizations understand better than anyone the needs of their communities and the best ways to meet them.

Why is the development of non-profit organizations important in our day to day? They provide programs and services to the community. When there is a need in the community, these organizations are formed to help society. Non-profit organizations are formed for the purpose of providing a public or mutual benefit other than the pursuit of accumulating profits. Strong well-resourced nonprofits that are connected to the decision-making infrastructure in their communities can catalyze growth and opportunity.

The National Council of Nonprofits (2017) mentions that: Nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities.

As mentioned before, nonprofits play a growing role in social and economic well because they tend to act faster than the government when there is a major problem, as they work closely with people in the immediate area. They do not have to wait for a majority vote for a change or issue, instead, they can provide independently to a small group of citizens.

A fundamental function of these organizations is the fact that they provide a mechanism to promote individual initiatives for the public good. These organizations provide relief to people when it is difficult to find it elsewhere, whether it's for health, education, simple arts, or humanities, they are by the people for the people. All people at some point in their lives benefit from the work of nonprofits in one way or another, whether they realize it or not. That is why nonprofits play a critical role in creating more equitable and prosperous communities, and do much to protect both their legacy and their indispensable role in the community.

Non-profit organizations receive part of their income from donations. In today's economy, it is very important to stay involved and stay up to date on everything around society. With everything changing so fast, it is crucial to stay informed and understand what you can do to help your community and your country. Therefore, the role of nonprofit organizations is present in our day to day. "It’s nonprofits, after all, that spurred some of the most significant and sweeping changes in modern history, from the Voting Rights Act to welfare to campaign finance reform.” (Gibson, C, 2017).

Nonprofits are a safe place where people who share mutual interests and concerns find support and collaborative problem solving. Through non-profit organizations, people deepen their connections with others and build a better community. Passion for community growth is the main reason nonprofits start, and volunteering is a key part of growth. Volunteers bring diversity and personal experience to improve organizations. There are many reasons to support local nonprofits, whatever the reason, go for it. Get involved, donate and be part of the reason the community improves.

Furthermore, nonprofits are leadership laboratories because people are constantly learning, practicing, and sharpening their leadership skills, not through formal instruction. Leadership is something that is constantly worked on nonprofits, is practiced whether as board members, volunteers who organize events, recruiters, among other goods. In conclusion, nonprofits are problem solvers, innovators, job creators, trusted advisors, major employers, and income generators. More than that, they are the connectors, links, and leaders that make towns and cities true communities, that is why the role of non-profit organizations is always present in our day to day.

 

MOXIE es el Canal de ULACIT (www.ulacit.ac.cr), producido por y para los estudiantes universitarios, en alianza con el medio periodístico independiente Delfino.cr, con el propósito de brindarles un espacio para generar y difundir sus ideas.  Se llama Moxie - que en inglés urbano significa tener la capacidad de enfrentar las dificultades con inteligencia, audacia y valentía - en honor a nuestros alumnos, cuyo “moxie” los caracteriza.

References:
  • Gibson, C. (2017, August 16). Nonprofits: The DNA of Democracy. Nonprofit Quarterly. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/nonprofits-the-dna-of-democracy/
  • National Council of Nonprofits. (2019). Nonprofit Impact in Communities. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofit-impact-communities