Nonprofit Voluntary Organizations Research Articles

Technology Adoption for NGO Management: a Case Study of Atma Foundation

Mammoth leaps in technology in recent years have revolutionized industry like never before, leading to what is referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. The digital transformation of the world has lent new scope to automation, collaboration and man-machine interfaces. According to Haleem et al. (2023)1, Management 4.0 increases efficiency and reduces human error in management processes, through the use of technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Robotics etc. In this background, it is relevant to study how Non-Governmental Organisations are adapting, and how well they are poised to harness the possibilities of management 4.0. In India, new regulations by the Government have brought the onus on Non-Governmental Organisations to streamline their management especially with regard to financial transactions, compliance, monitoring etc. This increases the relevance of digital transformation for NGOs in India, and a study on its possibilities and challenges will help NGOs prepare a sustainable roadmap. This paper uses the single case study method to explore how the technological advancements of industry 4.0 are playing out for Non-Governmental Organisations. According to Gilgun, (1994)2 and Takahashi & Araujo, (2019)3 when it is required to do an intensive study of a phenomenon with the aim of understanding its various aspects and repercussions, a single case study method is a useful tool. The organisation chosen here as the ‘case’ is ATMA Foundation, a non-profit voluntary organisation with 17 years’ history, working on different verticals, and hence having a wide scope for adopting better management systems. The methodology used here consists of interviews, observation and review of organisational documents. A checklist of digital tools commonly used by NGOs was prepared, and it was found that ATMA Foundation already uses or is exploring the use of more than 75% of these. The leadership team also expressed their willingness to adopt new technology. The organisational processes were reviewed and a general framework of management needs was prepared. After consultation with experts in digital technologies, the researcher identified new tools which would greatly enhance the efficiency of the organisation. It was found that the organisation is currently making good use of many tools like MS office, cloud storage, emails, Zoom, Google meet, WhatsApp, Tally Prime, Systools and OneDrive. Some of the new and/or AI powered tools identified as suitable for this organisation include Zoho Creator, Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Workday, Big Data, MS Office with copilot, Open AI, Bing and Bard. Challenges identified include initial cost, upskilling of employees, realigning management processes and ethical issues. Solutions to overcome these barriers ranged from software donations and pro-bono consultations to conducting change management sessions for leaders and employees. The study concluded that even small NGOs had huge potential to harness technology for Management 4.0, and the challenges involved could be overcome with foresight and planning.

Vaccinating The Invisibles, the COVID-19 vaccination of irregular migrants in Rome

Abstract Background The death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has been hugely downsized by the advent of the currently available vaccines, at least in high-income countries. Nevertheless, there is a huge gap between countries and within countries with respect to vaccination access and coverage. In June 2021, several non-governmental non-profit organizations responded to a call issued by Regione Lazio to help organize and enrol for vaccination vulnerable people such as irregular migrants and migrants living in temporary or informal settlements. Through a huge effort, non-profit voluntary organizations Nonna Roma and Intersos enabled the vaccination of thousands of immigrants from different countries, age and residence status. Methods We obtained a dataset regarding part of the people these NGOs facilitated in accessing the vaccination booking. We had information regarding age, sex, country of origin, nationality and type of document. Results These populations were from different ethnic backgrounds, in majority males and below 50 years old on average. We found an association between the continent of origin and holding any document and between age and holding any document, both at a significant level (p < 0.05). Coming from Asia, as opposed to coming to any other continent, and being younger, i.e. under 25 years of age, were associated with holding any type of document. Conclusions We reflect on the need of rethinking the services for this population, having in mind article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also, more practically, that often these people work in our elderly homes as caregivers or as cleaners in our offices. Therefore, making it easier to access health services would be in any country’s interest, especially during a pandemic. Policy efforts directed at facilitating migrant access to health services would ultimately help create a safer community for both migrants and residents, for whom migrants often work as strategic employees. Key messages • Irregular migrants have not been included in national vaccination plans everywhere, despite WHO and other entities recommendations. • An integrated national plan for irregular migrants vaccination would be useful for protecting other vulnerable populations such as elderly.

Psychosocial rehabilitation:a model by Rajah Rehabilitation Centre

‘Thanal’- Rajah Rehabilitation Centre (RRC) is a nonprofit voluntary organization established in 2001 dedicated to the people suffering from psychiatric illness. RRC adopts an interdisciplinary team approach for the upliftment of the disabled. RRC follows the recovery model of psychosocial rehabilitation. The psychiatric rehabilitation program is initiated with the assessment and trial stay under the supervision of the multidisciplinary treatment team. Rajah Rehabilitation Centre provides the following programs for the service recipients of sheltered workshop; individual consultations, activity scheduling, psychoeducation classes, living skill training, culinary skill training, social skill training, cognitive retraining, yoga training, recreation therapy, music training & therapy, dance training & therapy, work skill training, craft & artwork training, computer training program, on-job training, supported employment, supported housing etc. RRC also offers treatment for substance abuse, SS & Al-Anon groups and peer support groups for patients with mental illness, and crisis intervention program for elderly women with distress (Shanti Bavan) etc. Services at RRC facilitate individuals with psychiatric disability to increase their level of functioning and quality of life.

Psychosocial rehabilitation:a model by Rajah Rehabilitation Centre

‘Thanal’- Rajah Rehabilitation Centre (RRC) is a nonprofit voluntary organization established in 2001 dedicated to the people suffering from psychiatric illness. RRC adopts an interdisciplinary team approach for the upliftment of the disabled. RRC follows the recovery model of psychosocial rehabilitation. The psychiatric rehabilitation program is initiated with the assessment and trial stay under the supervision of the multidisciplinary treatment team. Rajah Rehabilitation Centre provides the following programs for the service recipients of sheltered workshop; individual consultations, activity scheduling, psychoeducation classes, living skill training, culinary skill training, social skill training, cognitive retraining, yoga training, recreation therapy, music training & therapy, dance training & therapy, work skill training, craft & artwork training, computer training program, on-job training, supported employment, supported housing etc. RRC also offers treatment for substance abuse, SS & Al-Anon groups and peer support groups for patients with mental illness, and crisis intervention program for elderly women with distress (Shanti Bavan) etc. Services at RRC facilitate individuals with psychiatric disability to increase their level of functioning and quality of life.

Adventure-based training to promote physical activity and reduce fatigue among childhood cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCancer-related fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms reported by childhood cancer survivors. Despite the body of evidence that regular physical activity helps alleviate cancer-related fatigue, insufficient participation in physical activity is frequently observed among childhood cancer survivors. ObjectivesThis study examined the effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting physical activity, reducing fatigue, and enhancing self-efficacy and quality of life among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. DesignA prospective randomised controlled trial. SettingsA paediatric oncology outpatient clinic, a non-governmental organisation, and a non-profit voluntary organisation. ParticipantsHong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors aged 9–16 years who reported symptoms of fatigue and had not engaged in regular physical exercise in the past 6 months. MethodsThe experimental group underwent a 4-day adventure-based training programme. The control group received a placebo intervention. The primary outcome was fatigue at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels, self-efficacy and quality of life at 12 months. Data collection was conducted at baseline, and 6 and 12 months after the intervention began. We performed intention-to-treat analyses. ResultsFrom 6 January, 2014 to 8 June, 2015, we randomly assigned 222 eligible childhood cancer survivors to either an experimental (n = 117) or a control group (n = 105). The experimental group showed statistically significantly lower levels of cancer-related fatigue (P < 0.001), higher levels of self-efficacy (P < 0.001) and physical activity (P < 0.001), and better quality of life (P < 0.01) than the control group at 12 months. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that adventure-based training is effective in promoting physical activity, reducing cancer-related fatigue, and enhancing self-efficacy and quality of life among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. These results may help inform parents and healthcare professionals that regular physical activity is crucial for the physical and psychological wellbeing and quality of life of childhood cancer survivors.

Helping abused children from various minorities in the Greek context

IntroductionChildren's abuse and neglect is widely studied as a major risk factor for emotional and behavioural disorders, various somatic and psychiatric problems during adulthood.ObjectiveMental health is fundamental to health. Mental illnesses are real, disabling conditions affecting all populations regardless of race or ethnicity but disparities in mental health services exist for racial and ethnic minorities, and thus, mental illnesses exact a greater toll on their overall health and productivity.AimThe most important aim when working with ethnic minorities is to better understand the roles of culture, race and ethnicity, and overcome obstacles that would keep anyone with mental health problems from seeking or receiving effective treatment.MethodsThe Day Centre “The House of the Child” is a community unit which provides customized clinical mental health services for therapeutic treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation of children victims of abuse, neglect or domestic violence. The Day Centre was founded by the non-profit voluntary organization “THE SMILE OF THE CHILD”. The services are based on the bio-psycho-social model approach and treatment, which aim at early detection, and treatment of possible mental disorders and the overall psychosocial rehabilitation of victims of abuse/neglect and the support of their carers.ResultsBy identifying the many barriers to quality care faced by racial and ethnic minorities, the Day Center provides mental health services also to children who come from minority populations.ConclusionsDifferent case studies highlight challenges and various levels of difficulties in this specific scheme of cooperation aiming to open an interesting dialogue on the topic.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

An innovative day centre in Athens with expertise in children neglect and abuse. A unique therapeutic intervention through the fog of economic crisis

The Day Centre “THE HOUSE OF THE CHILD” is a unique in Greece community unit providing customized clinical mental health services for therapeutic treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation of children and adolescents victims of abuse, neglect or domestic violence, as well as children or adolescents involved in cases of bullying. The Day Centre was founded by the non-profit voluntary organisation “THE SMILE OF THE CHILD”. The Day Centre's services are addressed to children and adolescents up to age of 18 who live either in residential care or in the community having a documented history of exposure to violence of any kind. Services are free of charge and are expanded to the following areas:– early intervention-evaluation-counselling;– diagnosis and treatment of the full range of child psychiatry disorders and issues of clinical attention;– diagnosis and treatment of specific learning deficits and provision of speech therapy, οccupational therapy and special education support when needed;– counselling for parents and carers of victimized children and adolescents;– registering and statistical analysis of psychosocial rehabilitation needs arising from the child abuse incidents.More general activities for raising awareness and sensitivization of the wider community in order to prevent all forms of child abuse and victimization.The Day Centre's personnel comprises from a psychiatrist–scientific coordinator, three child psychiatrists, three clinical psychologists, a special educator, a speech therapist, a social worker, an occupational therapist and two administrators. This interdisciplinary therapeutic team undertakes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention scheme to address the complex disorders and wider psychosocial needs of children – victims.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Global Emergency Care Skills. Does it work?

Global Emergency Care Skills (GECS) is a non-profit voluntary organisation founded in 2008 with a core objective of providing emergency care and trauma skills training to doctors and nurses in countries where Emergency Medicine is a developing speciality. This is accomplished through the provision of skills based courses in trauma care, resuscitation skills and major incident management. Since its foundation, GECS has run its course in Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. We sought to establish the effectiveness of the training courses in a rigorous quantitative manner. We measured the participant’s core knowledge and improvement therein by comparing the results of pre-course and post-course multiple choice questionnaire exams. We performed Student’s t -test of pre- and post-course results. The mean improvement in percentage terms across candidates from Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania was 11.41%, 28.00%, and 23.22% respectively. This multi-national improvement reached statistical significance at p < 0.005 at all centres. None of the 95% confidence intervals for the difference between pre- and post-course scores crossed (or even approached) zero. This difference was also significant when all countries were combined. Comparison of results in each country separately and cumulatively demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in participant’s knowledge after completing a Global Emergency Care Skills course. This improvement mirrors the qualitative improvement in psychomotor skills, knowledge and attitudes seen in candidates who participated in the course. Global Emergency Care Skills (GECS) est une organisation bénévole à but non lucratif fondée en 2008 avec pour objectif principal de fournir une formation en compétences de prise en charge d’urgence et des traumatismes aux médecins et infirmiers dans des pays où la médecine d’urgence est une spécialité en développement. Ceci est réalisé par la fourniture d’une formation en compétences liées à la prise en charge des traumatismes, en compétences de réanimation et en gestion d’incident majeur. Depuis sa création, GECS a proposé des formations au Kenya, en Zambie, au Malawi et en Tanzanie. Nous avons cherché à établir l’efficacité de la formation d’une manière quantitative rigoureuse. Nous avons mesuré les connaissances fondamentales du participant et l’amélioration de ces dernières en comparant les résultats des examens à un questionnaire à choix multiples avant et après la formation. Nous avons réalisé un test- t de Student des résultats avant et après la formation. L’amélioration moyenne en pourcentage sur tous les candidats de Zambie, du Malawi et de Tanzanie était de 11,41%, 28,00% et 23,22% respectivement. Cette amélioration multinationale a atteint une importance statistique à p<0,005 dans tous les centres. Aucun des intervalles de confiance de 95% pour la différence entre les notes avant et après la formation n’est passé au-dessous de zéro (ou a meme approché zéro). Cette différence était également significative lorsque tous les pays étaient combinés. La comparaison des résultats dans chaque pays séparément et cumulativement a montré une amélioration statistiquement significative des connaissances des participants après avoir suivi la formation de Global Emergency Care Skills. Cette amélioration reflète l’amélioration qualitative des compétences psychomotrices, des connaissances et attitudes constatées chez les candidats ayant suivi la formation.

Tzu Chi's Organizing for a Compassionate World: Insights into the Communicative Praxis of a Buddhist Organization

Scholars have recently begun to reflect on the potential benefits of “Buddhist organizing” for organizational theory and practice. However, relatively few scholars have empirically studied what people actually do to put a Buddhist philosophy into organizational action. To address this issue, this study examines how Mahayana (Madhyamaka) Buddhism is translated into everyday organizing practices by investigating the interactions in which people engage to organize the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese Buddhist nonprofit voluntary organization. The results of this research offer important insights for the study and practice of Buddhist compassion and wisdom in an organizational context.

Internet Organ Solicitation, Explained

The growth of internet-based communications and the increasing demand for living organ donors are resulting in more use of Web sites for organ solicitation. Web resources have the capacity to improve public awareness about both organ donations and transplant outcomes. Rules for organ donation and fair allocation must follow legal principles regarding organ solicitation. Categories of internet recipient/donor matching services include "clearing house," "membership," and "individual" sites. All these raise ethical concerns related to the individual recipient/donor relationship and to the current system of organ allocation. However, a lack of rules and regulations regarding internet solicitation exists. Several pragmatic steps are proposed.

Volunteers' Life-Styles: Market Segmentation Based on Volunteers' Role Choices

This study applies market segmentation techniques to the problem of volunteer recruitment and retention in nonprofit voluntary orga nizations. Four types of volunteer roles are studied: direct service, leadership, general support, and member-at-large. A mail survey is analyzed, and the conclusion is reached that the volunteer market can be meaningfully segmented and that knowledge of volunteers' differing life-styles can lead to the effective targeting of particular groups.

An Image Scale for Nonprofit Voluntary Organizations

An inventory of scale items for a tailormade semantic differential is developed to measure the image of nonprofit voluntary organizations. The sixty-three items yield twelve first-order factors. Second-order factor analysis provides unifying constructs within the domain of voluntary organizations’ image. Coefficient alpha reliability estimates indicate a highly reliable measurement scale.

An Image Scale for Nonprofit Voluntary Organizations

An inventory of scale items for a tailormade semantic differential is developed to measure the image of nonprofit voluntary organizations. The sixty-three items yield twelve first-order factors. Second-order factor analysis provides unifying constructs within the domain of voluntary organizations' image. Coefficient alpha reliability estimates indicate a highly reliable measurement scale.

Community-Level Nutrition Interventions in Sri Lanka: A Case Study

This study describes 3 nutrition intervention programs in Sri Lanka; Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Samgamaya; Redd Barna the Norwegian Save the Children Program; and the US Save the Children fund. The Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya is a private nonprofit organization that began in 1958 devoted to mobilizing voluntary labor for village reconstruction. It is now engaged in a series of development projects in over 2000 villages. One of its main objectives is to mobilize community resources for development. The childrens service now integrates pre-school nutrition and community health services. There are an estimated 86 day care centers. The main service available in these day care centers apart from physical care is the provision of nutrition. Pre-school nutrition programs are also administered. The program costs about Rs230/beneficiary per year. The International Council of Educational Development from the United States was invited to review the program. Recommendations are given. The Norwegian Save the Children (Redd Barna) program in Sri Lanka was started in 1974. Projects are of 2 types: 1) settlement projects; and 2) integrated community development projects which aim to improve the standard of living with particular attention to child welfare. The US Save the Children Fund (SCF) a private nonprofit voluntary organization began its 1st project in Sri Lanka in urban community development in a slum and squatter settlement within Colombo. It focused on housing but also includes other programs such as health and nutrition. These activities are carried out through a pediatric clinic a home visits register a nutritional status survey a supplementary feeding program nutrition education and a day care center. The approximate cost of the nutrition program would be Rs7700/month for an average of Rs13/month or Rs156/year/beneficiary.

MEDICAL CARE: ITS SOCIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS. THE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL.

WHAT is a hospital? It is easy to delineate a as one directly associated with a university medical school. Most community hospitals lack this affiliation. Usually, they are nonprofit voluntary organizations providing primary and general medical care to a geographically defined surrounding area. Of the nearly 6,800 general hospitals in the country, some 1,600 have fewer than 25 beds, and only 2,300 have more than 100 beds.1 The vast majority have no university affiliation. A 50-bed hospital staffed almost entirely by general practitioners in a town of 5000 is a for that community. It may . . .