by somebodylovesme 7 Replies latest jw friends
This question actually came up because I was thinking about independent charities and the potential advantages of them teaming up with the UN. Then I thought... hmmmm if they could get funding... If NGOs could get funding, that might explain why the Watchtower would join.
What other benefits could there possibly be? I just can't figure out WHY they joined. It doesn't make sense.
SLM
I need to do some deeper digging, but this is what I have so far...
NGOs rely on funding from individual donors, foundations, corporations and governments. Critics charge that funding sources can seriously affect NGO policy, making these organizations potentially the creatures of special interests. Such charges challenge NGO legitimacy especially when funds come from "outside" - including rich foreign governments, corporations or foundations.
That's from http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/fundindx.htm
It is my humble opinion that the reason that the Society became a N.G.O. attached to the U.N was fairly simple - they needed credibility as an acceptable form of religion. Without this credibility there are numerous countries in which they would find it very difficult to practice or expand. By being able to say "we are members of the U.N" they were able to put off the governments of some of the more backward countries from exercising open hostility to them. Some governments probably believed that this would be disrespectful to the U.N.
link
Political credibility for tax exemptions.
the power possibilities with being known as an NGO is incredible. you have power to international politicians, lawmakers and whatnot. and you also have HUGE influences in 3rd world developing countries. its all about politics and power and MONEY. As an NGO you don't get money from the UN, you just get a good place in the world to do some major promotions and public speaking. I don't know how easy it is to explain, but if you're banging the presidents daughter, then you are in pretty good w/ the prez himself which = power and money.
Hi Somebodylovesme: NGOs do not receive funding from the UN. There are indirect ways where the UN gives support to a program that an NGO may be involved, or have sponsored. Rather, the NGO pays to be a member of the UN. So, the Watchtower Society would have had to pay a fee to the UN to have their membership accepted. The Watchtower Society also had to sign a document in their membership package that stated they agreed with and supported the mission and goals of the United Nations.
Hi Link: I agree with your assessment that the Watchtower Society joined the Un for credibility is 100% accurate. They saw that it would be useful in situations like Malawi, where persecution against the JWs was rampant, and the government of malawi might bend to Un pressures to stop the persecution. had the Watchtower Society openly stated this when they were caught, they would have retained some respect ... but to claim that they joined the UN to get a library card made them look like fools.
Jim W.
Thanks all!! The power and access explanations make sense. I love this site. You can always get a quick and well-thought out answer.
Re: benefits for NGO members:
I have a friend who provided me the following information:
In 2001 following East Timor independence, Australian JW's travelled on UN aircraft between Dili in East Timor and Darwin, Australia to attend circuit conventions there among other things. I assume the flights were free. I don't know under what 'treaty' the UN offered flights to 'missionaries', maybe its a general UN humanitarian thing or else the JW's played the NGO card. Its possible the flights were paid for but I don't know what travel agent sells tickets on UN Air.
When I heard this story I assumed it was a benefit offered to an NGO...
Pope
