I am trying to understand how formal institutions (like State ones, Governments, municipalities, etc.) might be able to promote the social capital and networks of social activists, human rights defenders, communities, etc. For example, as part of a protection policy for human rights defenders.
Hello Luis, this is an interesting question because traditionally the reverse has been the case-do you also refer to the private sector? I would like to recemmend one of my own works in regard to health activism which I feel covers some of the points associated with your question:
Laverack, G (2013) Health Activism: foundations and strategies. London. Sage Publications.
- I would like to cite the example of Mahila Samakhya started under a progressive regime in India which is a government funded women's empowerment programme in India implemented by autonomous societies in 8-10 states. The women's groups fought against gender, caste, class and religion based injustices Over time, the funding agency changed from Netherlands Embassy to the World Bank. Log Frames came and rigid outcomes were expected. With the emergence of a right wing government In India there is a proposal to close the programme. So my response: It is possible for the state to initiate such promote social capital and rights based work, provided the regime is progressive. Regime change towards a right wing one may negate/reduce the impact.
Even, Social networks are useful channels to promote social capitals special mobile devices. Financial inclusion is taking place in India.
Bo Rothstein has written some interesting articles on governance and social capital. His book The quality of government: Corruption, social trust, and inequality in international perspective is good too.
I am not sure I fully understand your question, but I think one of the most important things government can do to support those people working for human rights, democracy and social justice is support creation of durable organizations. Unions based on the legal right to organize are one example, and in the USA gradual loss of aspects of this right has accelerated the rise in economic inequality.
Social housing owned by not for profit cooperatives and similar organizations are another form of durable organization, since the ownership of real property gives them a high level of stability and permanence, while the fact that they are not government owned gives them greater independence. A lot of my own work focuses on efforts to channel more government support into developing such non-profit housing.
New York City has an elected office called the "Public Advocate", whose job is to assist members of the public to be heard and protected from retaliation. The current Mayor previously held that office.
My answer is specially targeted to instances where the country operates under the rule of law. At the risk of stating the obvious, the most important support that government can provide to human rights and social justice organizations is freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. Assuming this is possible, and assuming the country's constitution is supportive of human rights and social justice concerns, these organizations have the legitimacy to bring these issues to the government and seek support.
Funding is most likely to occur when there is a two-pronged approach. (1) The organization establishes a strong grassroots presence whereby members work through governmental channels to advocate for their cause (these volunteers can also promote the organization and seek funding from private donors), and (2) the organizational leaders work with highly placed governmental and private sector leaders to generate support.
Ideally support for the NGOs would: (1) flow through an agency that has established an expert advisory panel to identify effective guidelines and metrics, and (2) be channeled through a grants program based on the same peer-review model that is used to provide grants for scientific research.
Both Community Based &Non-Governmental Organisations could help.Also Donor agencies should tie funding to accountability and Rule of law. Community mobilisation is needed using Bottom-Top Approach