Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

Community based organizations (CBO’s) are nonprofit groups that work at a local level to improve life for residents. The focus is to build Equality across Society in all streams – Health care, Environment, quality of Education, access to technology, access to spaces and information for the disabled, to name but a few. The inference is that the communities represented by the CBO’s are typically at a disadvantage. CBO’s are typically, and almost necessarily, staffed by local members – community members who experience first hand the needs within their neighborhoods. Besides being connected geographically, the only link between staff members and their interests is often the desire and willingness to help. Occupational skill sets and experience are greatly diverse.

The tightrope upon which stability balances in this type of organization is being stretched taut, as the role of the CBO is extended to new lengths. Governments are increasingly delegating responsibility to CBO’s and relying on them to gather local concerns, develop, plan, and help deliver solutions. CBO’s are storehouses, gatekeepers, of local information obviously valuable for their own purposes, but this data is also useful to other organizations and government agencies. The role of CBO’s is becoming knowledge management – to compile, sort, store and retrieve local data. Technology is increasingly becoming more important to this function, to manage daily business operations, but also to develop innovative solutions, given restrictive budgets, limited personnel available, and new demands for Services and information. Technology is being used to bring in the voice of the community members, through public participation and input. Applications include mapping of community landmarks and services by locals, providing environmental baseline and change measurements, and identifying concerns common throughout the community.

Work conducted by CBO’s generally falls into the themes of human services, natural environment conservation or restoration, and Urban environment safety and revitalization. Examples include:

neighborhood revitalization
affordable housing
Food Security
accessible transportation
senior citizens associations
environmental protection/conservation
community sustainability
humanitarian/disaster response
medical relief funds
youth homes and centers

Community based organizations (CBO’s) use technology for managing daily business operations and administrative functions, but also require specific technology for mission-critical programs. Neighborhood or geographic information systems (NIS or GIS) are emerging technologies in the nonprofit sector generating custom solutions for CBO’s.

The value of using this technology for CBO’s lies in:

the capacity for efficient data management,
increased information that can be extracted from already collected data,
the ease in sharing data and incorporating other similarly referenced data (to generate additional information),
the sophisticated analysis and presentation it affords, which is critical in securing further support and funds for the organization, and
allowing for active participation and collaboration with community members.

Important CBO’s working in india

SEWA

Self Employed Womens Association is a membership-based community organization which has been working for the Economic Development of poor Women over the last 25 years. Work is focused on local income and EMPLOYMENT generation needs. SEWA identifies local women leaders and links up poor women by promoting peoples organizations. This enhances the access of poor women to urban Resources, policies and programs. SEWA also builds capacity of CBOs through training, organizing support services, Savings, credit, and policy development.

Mahila Housing SEWA Trust (MHT) evolved as a subsidiary organization of SEWA in order to build further capacity to meet the increasing need for housing-related services. The main objectives of MHT are to improve the housing and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE conditions of SEWA members, create improved access to housing finance, legal and technical assistance and to influence housing policies so that they may be more effective in reaching the poor, informal sector community. MHT has developed a special tool called Housing Clinics, held for the community, which facilitate easier access to housing finance and social security schemes, raise awareness about housingrelated schemes and initiate participatory capacity-building within the community.

Foundation for public interest (FPI)

Foundation for Public Interest (FPI) has dual experience in small towns such as Idar and large cities such as Ahmedabad. Linking up of CBOs with the state and city governments is FPIs main focus along with the joint CBO-NGOgovernment policy formulation.

CHETNA

CHETNA imparts training and develops training materials for CBOs for health and education activities. It focuses on coordination between CBOs and the government and sensitizes CBOs to local urban issues, particularly health, education and women. CHETNA also advocates SIMPLIFICATION of policies which affect women and their economic status.

SAATH

SAATH has formed CBOs in several Ahmedabad slums. It concentrates entry on youth development and focuses on the creation of social awareness. SAATH supports activities for savings and credit, and disseminates information to communities.

Despite the above, the AMC has been successfully working with the CBOs involved in Parivartan and is planning to involve more CBOs in future urban management programs.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are non-profit organizations that are formed to address the needs of a specific community. CBOs can be found in all areas of the country, and they serve a wide range of purposes. Some CBOs focus on providing social services, such as food banks or homeless shelters. Others focus on advocacy, working to improve the lives of their members through policy changes or community organizing. Still others focus on community development, working to improve the physical and economic conditions of their communities.

CBOs play an important role in our society. They provide essential services to those in need, and they help to build strong and vibrant communities. If you are interested in getting involved in your community, consider volunteering or donating to a CBO.

Here is a more detailed look at some of the key areas that CBOs work in:

Advocacy: CBOs often advocate for the needs of their members and communities. This can include lobbying for policy changes, organizing protests, or educating the public about important issues.
Capacity building: CBOs can help to build the capacity of other organizations and individuals in their communities. This can include providing training, technical assistance, or funding.
Community development: CBOs can work to improve the physical and economic conditions of their communities. This can include building affordable housing, creating jobs, or improving public safety.
Economic development: CBOs can help to create jobs and improve the economic conditions of their communities. This can include providing job training, starting businesses, or attracting new businesses to the area.
Education: CBOs can provide educational services to their members and communities. This can include tutoring, after-school programs, or adult education.
Environment: CBOs can work to protect the environment and improve the Quality Of Life in their communities. This can include recycling, planting trees, or advocating for environmental policies.
Health: CBOs can provide health services to their members and communities. This can include providing health screenings, counseling, or transportation to medical appointments.
Housing: CBOs can help to provide affordable housing to their members and communities. This can include building affordable housing, providing rental assistance, or advocating for policies that support affordable housing.
Immigrant services: CBOs can provide services to immigrants and refugees. This can include providing language assistance, legal assistance, or job training.
Income maintenance: CBOs can help to provide income support to their members and communities. This can include providing food assistance, housing assistance, or cash assistance.
Job training: CBOs can provide job training to their members and communities. This can include providing training in specific skills, helping people find jobs, or providing job placement services.
Legal services: CBOs can provide legal services to their members and communities. This can include providing free legal advice, representation in court, or education about legal rights.
Mental health: CBOs can provide mental health services to their members and communities. This can include providing counseling, support groups, or medication management.
POVERTY alleviation: CBOs can work to alleviate poverty in their communities. This can include providing food assistance, housing assistance, or job training.
Public safety: CBOs can work to improve public safety in their communities. This can include providing security, organizing neighborhood watch groups, or advocating for policies that support public safety.
Recreation: CBOs can provide recreational activities to their members and communities. This can include providing Sports leagues, arts programs, or summer camps.
Social services: CBOs can provide a variety of social services to their members and communities. This can include providing food assistance, housing assistance, or counseling.
Transportation: CBOs can provide transportation services to their members and communities. This can include providing bus service, van service, or taxi service.
Youth services: CBOs can provide services to youth in their communities. This can include providing after-school programs, mentoring, or job training.

What is a non-profit organization?

A non-profit organization is an organization that does not operate for the purpose of making a profit. Non-profit organizations are typically formed to provide a service to the community, such as education, healthcare, or social services.

What are the different types of non-profit organizations?

There are many different types of non-profit organizations, but some of the most common include:

Charitable organizations: These organizations provide a service to the community without expecting anything in return.
Social service organizations: These organizations provide assistance to people in need, such as food, shelter, or job training.
Educational organizations: These organizations provide educational services, such as schools, libraries, or museums.
Religious organizations: These organizations provide religious services and promote religious beliefs.
Advocacy organizations: These organizations work to promote a particular cause, such as environmental protection or animal rights.

What are the benefits of working for a non-profit organization?

There are many benefits to working for a non-profit organization. Some of the most common benefits include:

The opportunity to make a difference in the world: Non-profit organizations are often working to address some of the most pressing issues in the world, such as poverty, hunger, and disease. Working for a non-profit organization can give you the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.
A sense of purpose: Non-profit organizations are often driven by a mission to make the world a better place. Working for a non-profit organization can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction in your work.
A collaborative work environment: Non-profit organizations are often staffed by passionate and dedicated individuals who are working towards a common goal. This can create a positive and supportive work environment.
Flexible work arrangements: Many non-profit organizations offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or part-time work. This can be a great option for people who want to balance their work and personal life.

What are the challenges of working for a non-profit organization?

There are also some challenges to working for a non-profit organization. Some of the most common challenges include:

Low pay: Non-profit organizations often have limited resources, which can lead to low pay for employees.
Long hours: Non-profit organizations are often understaffed, which can lead to long hours for employees.
Lack of job security: Non-profit organizations are often dependent on grants and donations, which can make their funding unstable. This can lead to job insecurity for employees.

How do I find a job at a non-profit organization?

There are many ways to find a job at a non-profit organization. Some of the most common ways include:

Searching online job boards: There are many online job boards that list jobs at non-profit organizations.
Networking: Attending events and meeting people who work at non-profit organizations can help you learn about job openings and make connections.
Contacting non-profit organizations directly: You can also contact non-profit organizations directly to inquire about job openings.

What are some tips for interviewing for a job at a non-profit organization?

When interviewing for a job at a non-profit organization, it is important to be prepared to discuss your passion for the organization’s mission and your commitment to making a difference in the world. You should also be prepared to discuss your skills and experience that are relevant to the job.

What are some tips for succeeding in a job at a non-profit organization?

Once you have been hired for a job at a non-profit organization, there are some things you can do to succeed in your role. Some of the most important things include:

Be passionate about the organization’s mission: Your passion for the organization’s mission will help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.
Be committed to making a difference: Your commitment to making a difference will help you stay focused on the organization’s goals.
Be a team player: Non-profit organizations are often staffed by small teams of dedicated individuals. It is important to be a team player and work well with others.
Be flexible: Non-profit organizations often face challenges, such as limited resources and funding instability. It is important to be flexible and adaptable in your work.
Be patient: Making a difference in the world takes time and effort. It is important to be patient and persistent in your work.

Which of the following is not a type of community-based organization?
(A) Nonprofit organization
(B) Government agency
(C) Social enterprise
(D) Faith-based organization
Which of the following is a goal of community-based organizations?
(A) To provide social services
(B) To advocate for Social Change
(C) To promote economic development
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a challenge faced by community-based organizations?
(A) Lack of funding
(B) Lack of volunteers
(C) Lack of coordination with other organizations
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of community-based organizations?
(A) They can provide services that are not available from government or other organizations.
(B) They can build community and social cohesion.
(C) They can empower people to take action on issues that affect them.
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a way to support community-based organizations?
(A) Volunteer your time.
(B) Donate Money.
(C) Advocate for policies that support community-based organizations.
(D) All of the above