Global and Multicultural Public Relations

6Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), Multilateral Organizations (MOs), and Activist Networks

Keywords

nongovernmental organizations; multilateral organizations; activist networks; United Nations; transnational advocacy; digital advocacy; grassroots; public interest communications; activism

Central Themes

• The world is polarized by the participation of a variety of interest groups and all types of organizations with social, environmental, human rights, and political agendas.
• Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) often seek to cultivate public awareness, support, and involvement in their activities.
• NGO public relations tend to engage heavily in relationship‐building activities.
• NGOs are helping reshape global politics by putting pressure on decision‐makers through various communications campaigns.

Introduction

Strong, influential voices are competing for attention with big global players, such as multinational corporations (MNCs), in the international public marketplace. The organizations and groups that promote social or environmental causes, or economic development and media freedoms, are involved in the major issues, initiatives, and controversies of the day. Global public relations professionals offer their services and talents to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral organizations (MOs), and activist networks. If they work for MNCs, they monitor their activities and, ideally, cultivate relationships that benefit their organizations, industry sectors, ...