Introduction Reader for Nonprofit Organizations

A Reader for Non-Profit Organisations, which we have published twice, and A Reader for Advanced Non-Profit Organisations, which we published a year ago, have been the subject of exceptional interest, not only in Slovakia, but also in the Czech Republic. A number of positive responses have indicated the appetite for this type of publication. And no wonder. The civil sector is one of the most rapidly developing elements of society in post-communist countries, and is enjoying a growing influence. The non-profit organisations of today are very different to their antecedents, established decades ago. The people who make up non-profit organisations are maturing; the level of education and demand for information possessed by people whose professional and human interests correspond to those of the third sector are increasing markedly.

This publication is intended primarily for the community of people working in the civil sector of Central and Eastern European countries. It is a book for both beginners and experts. It is intended for people who are curious, who like to think independently, and who value questions as much as they do answers. This is not recommended reading for a lazy reader – it rarely provides complete solutions. More often, as a kind of extension to an overview of the facts, it presents opportunities and invites you to contemplate them; on occasion, it also presents stimulating questions or pointers that may lead to other findings and further questions. It is concerned with crucial and sometimes rather intricate issues, and this is reflected in its style and occasionally sophisticated language. Even the illustrations are intended to pose stimulating questions, rather than provide all-inclusive answers to them.

Every chapter essentially forms a compact whole; each of them may be read individually and in any particular order. However, reading this book from top to bottom is recommended, because it gives the reader the opportunity to discover the parallels that emerge from the clarification of the same phenomena as viewed from different angles. Most of the chapters contain a 'Terminology Corner'. This book has no ambitions to be an encyclopaedia; however, the usage of certain terms in the third sector is so diverse that the explanation of terminology by way of introduction is essential to ensure the book's overall intelligibility. The lists of recommended publications at the end of some chapters are aimed at those who are interested in learning more about specific approaches or obtaining further information. The four documents listed in the appendix, are cited for similar reasons.

Those sections of the book that provide specific examples, case studies, and key charts have been set out in boxes. Exercises designed to stimulate discussion have been set out in boxes with a grey background. Some people will only read the boxes, while others will skip over them completely. The text and the boxes are set out in such a way to ensure that even unsystematic readers will be satisfied. On the other hand, the following overview and justification of the system according to which individual chapters have been arranged will also satisfy our more systematic readers.

A Reader for Non-Profit Organisations comprises four main themes. The first is analytical in nature, dedicated to the roots of philanthropy throughout the world and in Central and Eastern Europe. The second theme is dedicated to cross-sector relations, where we map out the relation of the third sector to the state, local government, business, and to the third sector itself. The third theme is of an instructive nature; it describes how ordinary citizens may become involved in public decision-making and defend the public interest, and how knowledge of the law may help them in this. The fourth theme is directed towards the very heart of non-profit organisations themselves, and is dedicated to issues that influence their development – organisational development, strategic planning, teambuilding, leadership, and democratic decision-making.

The introductory chapter, Non-Profit Organisations Throughout the World and in Central and Eastern Europe, offers a basic insight into the world of the third sector, as well as its mission, function, and position in the efforts to develop long-term, sustainable democracy. This chapter sets out the framework used throughout the book in regard to terminology, research methods, and interpretation guidelines related to the functioning of the third sector.

The next chapter, The Global Associational Revolution, explains what is happening to the third sector in global terms. With hindsight, and from a long-term perspective, it describes the four crises and two revolutions that stimulated the global rise of the third sector. This chapter analyses the challenges and consequences of third sector development, and attempts to present an unromantic, demystified, objective interpretation of the third sector's position throughout the world. It is perhaps the most wide-ranging chapter, and thus the most demanding. Subsequent chapters contain much less philosophy.

The chapter entitled Charity and Philanthropy provides a historical, sociological, and in part, political overview of charitable work from ancient times to the present day. On the basis of case studies and statistical overviews, we consider the differences between philanthropy in the USA, Europe, and post-communist countries. We also discuss relations between the church, charitable organisations, and civil society.

A more general chapter entitled Three Sectors in Society: Competition or Co-operation introduces a theme that is discussed more fully in subsequent chapters devoted to relations. Having defined the third sector and civil society, we go on to explain the three-sector model of society. We present various roles which the third sector plays in the society. We describe in detail how to set about the process of cross-sector co-operation and partnership development.

The chapter entitled The Third Sector and the Third Sector is a kind of critical gaze into the mirror. We present the various types of non-profit organisations for those who take the third sector (too) seriously, as well as for those who do not take it (too) seriously. We consider the directions in which the third sector is developing, and what this may mean for its sustainability. This is followed by a great deal of information concerning the various ways and means of encouraging ethical behaviour on the part of non-profit organisations.

The chapter entitled The Third Sector and Business is jam-packed with information. We have concentrated on phenomena that are not particularly well-known within the third sector. Information and the employment of some innovative practices will prove to be crucial for the long-term sustainability of the third sector in Central and Eastern Europe. This chapter investigates trends in fundraising for non-profit organisations and explains the possibilities and limitations of self-financing. In addition, attention is also paid to endowments and fundraising via the internet. The chapter concludes with an overview of different types of partnership between non-profit organisations and business, and with a reflection on the perspective of partnerships and the future of socially responsible entrepreneurship.

The chapter entitled The Third Sector and the State is written in a somewhat of a textbook style. It contains a delimitation of the characteristics of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, the structures and functions of such a state, and a definition of the framework that delineates relations between the state and the third sector. Any partnership between the state and the third sector involves potential dangers, in addition to clear benefits. This lies at the heart of the considerations presented at the end of the chapter.

The Third Sector and Local Self-Government is the last of the chapters devoted to relations. It stems from the new social situation in this region, which is leading to the decentralisation of power and creating space for citizen self-actualisation. This chapter explains how to apply civic influence through the development of relations between local self-government and the third sector. After characterising the status, structures, and decision-making processes of local self-government, this chapter, using practical examples, explains specific measures that must be employed when co-operating with local self-government.

The chapter entitled The Citizen and Public Decision-Making introduces the third theme, which is dedicated to public decision-making, the legal aspects of citizens activism, and advocacy. In this chapter, we seek answers to the following questions: What is public decision-making, and why should citizens take part in it? How can we even out the imbalance of power between citizens and public officials? What forms can the participation of citizens take? This chapter takes us from general philosophical principles to very specific and practical approaches. It also describes the legal aspects of organising specific civil activities, such as petitions, self-expression in the form of public feedback and complaints, the organisation of public gatherings, and other forms of civic activism.

The chapter on Advocacy deals with the basic aspects of this activity. Step by step, and using practical exercises, it explains how to prepare and plan advocacy activities, whilst also devoting a great deal of attention to the instruments available, coalition ethical guidelines, and crises during campaigns.

The fourth theme dealt with by this book takes an introspective look into non-profit organisations themselves. In the chapter entitled Organisational Development and Types of Non-Profit Organisation, we turn our attention to the development of non-profit organisations and the forms that they frequently take. This chapter also provides information detailing ideal relations, their possible structural arrangement, and the rights and obligations of non-profit organisations.

The chapter entitled Strategic Planning in Non-Profit Organisations clarifies the various approaches that may be taken toward strategic planning. The reader is invited to review the steps involved in strategic planning, whilst outlining three practical approaches in greater detail – the 'SWOT', 'STEP', and 'Force Field' analyses.

The book concludes with the chapter on Teambuilding, Leadership, and Democratic Decision-Making in Non-Profit Organisations. It describes the team roles that can be found in every team. It speaks about the consequences arising from too little or too much solidarity in non-profit groups or teams, as well as team effectiveness. It presents practical models for the leadership and management of people in organisations, and acquaints the reader with the principles of situational leadership. This chapter is also dedicated to the exceptionally serious issue of power and decision-making within organisations.

This book was written over a period of two years with the direct participation of fourteen co-authors, ten contributors to individual chapters, and three reviewers of the entire publication, along with dozens of people who added their observations to its various sections. It is clear that all these people have contributed not only their expertise and opinions, but also the joy of discovery and knowledge. We would be delighted if, thanks to this book, such joy were to emerge in the much more wide-ranging discussions of both its authors and readers.

Bratislava, 25th October 2003

Dušan Ondrušek and Mária Zelenáková