Community Organizations' are groups that attempt to influence government, corporations and institutions, seek to increase direct representation within decision-making bodies, and foster social reform more generally.

Where negotiations fail, these organizations seek to inform others outside of the organization of the issues being addressed and expose or pressure the decision-makers through a variety of means, including picketing, boycotting, sit-ins, petitioning, and electoral politics. Organizing groups often seek out issues they know will create a change or would make a difference in their community or society.

This allows them to draw in and educate participants, build commitment, and establish a reputation for winning. Thus, community organizing is usually focused on more than just resolving specific issues. In fact, specific issues are often vehicles for other organizational goals as much as they are ends in themselves.

Typical community organizations fall into the following categories: community-service and action, health, educational, personal growth and improvement, religious, social welfare and self-help for the disadvantaged.

Community Organizations or NGO`s have done many things to change the current conditions within a community and it indeed needs the community`s involvement to make a positive change.

If you feel that you have the drive, energy and commitment to assist your local community, ask if you can volunteer at a school, hospital or NGO within your area.

Libraries are also good places to find out what is happening in your area and many organizations need the assistance of a library to create awareness of their cause.  

We have found a good resource of organizations operating within Cape Town which you can contact if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. If you know of NGO`s that need the community`s help or volunteers, please email us on: info(at)smartcape.org.za and we will place them on our list.

Click here for the list of NGO`s within Cape Town.
Click here for a list of NGO`s within the Western Cape. 

List of Other Organizations not listed above:

• http://www.health4men.co.za/
• http://www.molosongololo.com/home/
• http://www.cwd.org.za/
• http://www.salvationarmy.org.za
• http://www.lifeline.co.za/
• http://www.cansa.org.za/
• http://www.childlinesa.org.za
• http://www.triangle.org.za
• http://www.tac.org.za
• http://www.desmondtutuhivcentre.org.za
• http://www.lovelife.org.za/
• http://www.tcoe.org.za/
• http://www.famsawc.org.za/

Page Created by Thurlo Cicero on 2 September 2010
Page updated: 26 January 2012