New: NGO Ethics
Since there is an aof on Corporate Ethics, I think there should be one on NGO Ethics as well.
This would be an interesting topic for WiserEarth users to address and take the lead on, since it provides a global directory of NGOs. While browsing these profiles I frequently find myself asking, how can I be assured that what I'm looking at is "legit"? Can someone reading an organization profile be misled by what they read on WiserEarth and mistake an entry as an implicit endorsement of its credbility?
So I think it'd be very helpful to attract some attention ...discussion or resources on this topic. Perhaps further understanding can help the site improve for the benefit of all.
Credibility and Legitimacy of NGOs from Global Policy Forum
According to reports, 30 fake NGOs operating in remote villages in Natore, Rajshahi and neighbouring districts, swindled about 10 lakh poor people who trusted them to get weekly dividends. People, enthusiastic about making quick money, invested with them even after selling all their belongings or taking loans.
People in Bangladesh tricked by fake NGOs
I agree Mike that there needs to be some sort of process by which the validity of an NGO can be checked, so NGO ethics would be a valuable additional entry. On the WiserEarth directory, perhaps an additional field should be provided to either (or both) 1) Vouch for the work of this nonprofit 2) Add the 'Charity registration number