Challenging The Third Sector

This book provides a critical account of the third sector and its future in Europe. It offers an original conceptualization of the third sector in its European manifestations alongside an overview of its major contours, including its structure, sources of support, and recent trends. It also assesses the impact of this sector in Europe which considers its contributions to European economic development, citizen well-being and human development. The Third Sector As A Renewable Resource for Europe presents the findings of the Third Sector Impact (TSI) project funded by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7). It recognises that in a time of social and economic distress, as well as enormous pressures on governmental budgets, the third sector and volunteering represent a unique ‘renewable resource’ for social and economic problem-solving and civic engagement in Europe.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the role of the third sector--voluntary or nonprofit groups--in the delivery of public services in the United Kingdom. It details the historical development of the relationship between the government and the third sector, reviews major debates and controversies that have accompanied the increasing reliance on third-sector work in recent years, and explores the various fields in which third-sector activity is prominent.

This is the first book to explore the different relationships between active citizenship and civil society, particularly the third sector within civil society. In what ways can the third sector nurture active citizenship? How have the third sector and active citizenship been constructed and reconstructed both locally and internationally, over recent years? To what extent have new kinds of social connectedness, changing forms of political engagement and increasingly complex social and environmental problems influenced civil society action? Written by experts in the field, this important book draws on a range of theory and empirical studies to explore these questions in different socio-political contexts and will be a useful resource for academics and students as well as practitioners.

The third sector, or the voluntary, civic sector of society, is taking on increasing prominence in the face of retrenchment, austerity, and decreasing confidence in government. This book is the first to offer an up-close look at the relationship between active citizenship and civil society and how that relates to third-sector activities. Drawing on a wide range of theory and case studies, it explores questions of social connectedness, changing forms of political engagement, and the increasing complexity of the social and environmental problems that the third sector confronts.

Addressing a key social policy problem, this book analyses modern voluntary organisations through the lens of a new theory of hybrid organisations, which is tested and developed in the context of a range of case studies. Essential reading for all interested in the future of the third sector.

This text presents a perspective on the third sector. Rather than considering non-governmental development organizations and voluntary agencies separately, it explores the similarities, differences and growing connections between them in both northern and southern contexts. Authors in the field consider the differences in scale and priority that exist between different types of third sector organizations in different settings, as well as the common challenges of accountability, legitimacy, effectiveness and governance. Models of learning and communication, including southern ideas such as micro-credit provision, are also examined, as are the continuing barriers.

'Not for profit' enterprises provide services enjoyed or depended upon by many Australians. But the charities, sports clubs, churches, community organisations, welfare groups, associations, unions, and foundations that draw on our support - and comprise the third sector - also make a significant contribution to our society. They promote social change and defend traditional values; they express our capacity to work together without being ordered by government or lured by profit. Third Sector provides the first overview of Australia's non-profit enterprises. It describes how this vital part of our economy developed and how it operates today, including interaction with the government and business sectors. As well as documenting the third sector's contributions, it warns of the threats it faces from massive economic, technological and demographic changes. Third sector organisations must now adapt to new circumstances, and prove worthy of continuing support. For community leaders, this book is essential reading. For politicians, public servants and anyone else who interacts with the third sector, it will be an invaluable resource. As the most comprehensive reference available, Third Sector will be useful to students and teachers of politics, public policy, and welfare studies.