AGS Network - A Paradigm shift for Positive Change with Collective Efforts

Networking – A paradigm shift for positive change

(Connecting individuals, groups, NGO collectives for common goal and addressing social issues facilitate handling scale.)

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Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations - NGOs have long played an important role in forcing policymakers to act on issues of public concern through collective advocacy efforts.  Their activities have grown steadily and today they address every conceivable issue and operate in virtually every part of the area.  Coalition building is a process that accommodates the group of NGOs desirous of coming together to respond to a common cause with collective approach.  It is always desirable to seek change through collective strength or to resist adverse impacts on an individual or group.  Such Process results in creation of a Network - whether for a specific issue or for expanded bargaining power in accessing rights to knowledge, skills and other resources.  In some cases, building of Coalitions is to effectively address a specific issue where, the solution requires a long-term relationship to ward off further constraints.

As NGOs have long interacted with Governments, Intergovernmental institutions, International Donors and the corporate sector on public policy issues, the analysis of the role of this diverse group of actors provides us with a useful angle to understand the transformations that are taking place in the way multilateral cooperation is conducted, as well as the implications for transactional problem-solving in general.

The proven advantages of working with Networks are…

• Networks are flexible in adapting uniform methodology, uniform process in project implementation to local situations and responding to local needs and therefore able to develop integrated projects, as well as sectoral projects.
• Networks have the ability to experiment freely with innovative approaches and, if necessary, to take risks.
• It is able to cover huge area of operation and can implement same ideological programme at different places at the same time.
• Networks can communicate at all levels amongst the partner NGOs reach the unreached areas
• Networks enjoy good rapport with people and can render micro-assistance to very poor people as they can identify those who are most in need and tailor assistance to their needs.
• Networks have the ability to communicate at all levels, from the neighborhood to the top levels of Government.
• Networks are able to recruit both experts and highly motivated staff with fewer restrictions than the Government.
• Networks better utilize the human resources and maintains good administrative mechanisms.
• Networks are committing to Accountability and Transparency in all ways.
• The collective response from Coalition pressurized Policy makers in implementing programmes with best quality services, to issue of Government orders – G.O’s on issues like Right to Education - RTE, Anti-Human Trafficking, Ban on Corporal Punishments etc.,
• Democratic approach is seen among the Coalition partners during the decision-making.
• The Coalition approach among the people's organizations gains from the elements of social mobilization, activated as part of the grass root development strategy. 
• Networks are keen in ensure to enhance the capacities of Team, Partner NGOs and targeted Stakeholders.
• A tangible outcome is possible in terms of construction of school buildings, additional rooms for schools, concrete livelihoods for Poor, vehicles, construction of Toilets is resulted through convergence efforts made by active Coalitions in many places of Andhra Pradesh.

This is a fairly strong and stable base for coalition building, supportive of advocacy work at the level of the village, block, district or State, forcing a change in many socially undesirable practices and in building pressure for a responsive local self-government viz., prevention of child trafficking, prevention and eradication of Child labour right to education, stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, disaster preparedness and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, poverty alleviation, right land and work and some of the impacts of MFRA, CRZ, SEZs, Coastal Corridor issues and to protect the rights of deprived community.

Limitations / Areas of Improvement among Networks

·         Paternalistic attitudes restrict the degree of participation in programme /project design.

·         Restricted/constrained ways of approach to a problem or area.

·         Reduced replicability of an idea, due to non-representativeness of the project or selected area, relatively small project coverage, dependence on outside financial resources, etc.

·         "Territorial possessiveness" of an area or project reduces cooperation between agencies (NGOs around), seen as threatening or competitive.

The Model Network in AP: AGS

A diversity of Networks has emerged in Andhra Pradesh and in India as well since many years ago based on Issues and Projects to combat collectively as such classical example is AGS. 

Academy of Gandhian Studies (AGS) is a Non Profit Voluntary Organization established in the year 1976 with a philosophy of “awakening of marginalized People.  The key areas of intervention during the last three decades include peace initiatives, programmes for gender equity in six states, environmental awareness campaigns and Networking at district levels in three states, Youth for development. 

During its developmental journey in reaching the unreached, it has formed a Network in the year 1998 by all means of safeguarding Rights of Children and Human.  The Network formerly called as AGS Coalition, providing leadership to 28 Partner NGOs in four States i.e., Tamilnadu, Maharastra, Orissa, including Andhra Pradesh working against the alarming issues in these areas.  AGS is a platform of knowledge base partners, does have a reservoir of qualified, Committed staff and volunteers with multiple experiences in child rights protection; child/woman rights, Advocacy and Community Mobilization, Educational programs and Programme Management.  It is a hub of working community with varied experiences. 

 In recent past AGS has more focused on HIV/AIDS, Trafficking in women and children, Prevention of Child Labour, Disaster management, raising collective voice against modern emerging issues like SEZ’s and Coastal Corridors. 

Conclusion

Coalition approach is proved as a successive model in implementing any such community based projects with its entire diversified efficacy; it will be a more efficient body to advance the goal of improving disadvantaged sections. The collective strength of a large Network will definitely be in a better position to do Advocacy at different levels, identify the needs, and evolve better strategies to improve the situation of the people. With a common agenda, the network can negotiate better with the government, donor organizations and other stakeholders.

There are benefits in the current system where the State level Networks are bound by a common core agenda and an equal role to give for all of its partners in the Network.   There is larger scope for knowledge sharing, exchange of experiences, and replication of good practices in the Network approach for effective immediate results when compare to any other individual community based organisations. Yet, there is need for more robust support to the level of Network to operate smoothly, specially the fledgling ones so that they are able to firmly plant their feet on the ground using the strength and experience of the existing Networks to grow.

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