Globalisation and local NGOs

The globalisation process has brought about the convergence of economic and political decision-making around the twin themes of neo-classical economic doctrine and neo-liberal political ideology. Contemporary social service delivery to people in poverty occurs within this context. Non-government Organisations (NGOs) concerned with poverty alleviation cannot ignore how the pursuit of this agenda creates poverty or the international context within which this occurs. However, many local NGOs do not have the economic or political reach to influence international bodies. Consequently, they must turn to their counterparts and allies in the global environment-international NGOs. By interacting with international NGOs, local NGOs can bridge the distance between international forums (such as the UN and its agencies) and grassroots poverty issues. But what sort of interactions create that bridge between local and international NGOs? How is that bridge used to empower people in poverty to take action on their own behalf? These questions guided the South Australian study reported in this paper.