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Nonprofit groups can help move a nation

The nation's democratic politics entered a new stage following the advent of a wholly-elected legislature and direct elections for president. Such formal emancipation and liberation should give our democratic process a more proactive role, and energize it, in order to truly improve society. I believe that the impetus for political reform during this next stage depends heavily on the efficiency of nonprofit organizations.

When turning on TV, we see never-ending political talk shows. Nobody can deny the progress that has been made since the 1980s -- the lifting of martial law, the establishment of a single legislature, presidential elections, press freedom, educational reform and the reform of financial institutions. The nation has promoted and made breakthroughs on almost every major public issue. The ruling party and other political groups, however, should not think that this is sufficient -- or view these democratic achievements as their "private assets" or even an excuse to consolidate power.

Democracy, after all, is a collaborative achievement by all the people. The president and his or her ruling party should respond to social change and propose public policies that more closely meet public needs. Calling for more activities and cooperation between nonprofits and other social forces is a way for the nation to transcend competition for resources and wars of words and head toward a bright future with confidence -- despite its disadvantaged diplomatic situation and economy.

In recent years, the country's nonprofits have gone through a structural change both qualitatively and quantitatively. The diverse multitude of nonprofits has won special esteem from the public for their efforts and contributions -- such as helping the disadvantaged, disaster relief, education and integrated community development.

But, social progress also includes setbacks and risk. The country today confronts multiple crises, such as cross-strait tensions, globalization, an increasing gap between rich and poor, a right-leaning government, a shift in population structure and natural disasters. This shows that forming a "Switzerland in the east" requires a continuous effort.

Some friends have expressed concern that amid so much factionalism and internecine political struggles, how could they have any hope for this country? In my opinion, the "five powers" of the nation must advance with the times in order to fulfill their functions. Three of them -- the executive, legislative and judicial powers -- are a part of political reforms, while the fourth estate (the media) and the fifth estate (civil rights) are the inescapable rights and responsibilities of civil society.

We have, in fact, sown the seeds of a growing civil society in the past few years -- and we have also seen the role women have played in social reform. In addition, there are diverse and growing numbers of nonprofits deepening and widening their services. Because of these efforts, nonprofits provide the government with a clear direction in political reform and a foundation of effectively supervised and motivated support.

I believe the strength of the nonprofit sector will help improve the quality of politics. Nonprofits will intensify the search for humanitarianism, fairness, justice and sustainable environmental development. Nonprofits will have a significant effect on the accumulation of social capital and national development. We urge nonprofit leaders and members to possess a sense of self-actualization and strength when participating in social reform, just as the mission statement of CIVICUS -- the World Alliance for Citizen Participation -- calls for everyone to take "action together for a just world."

Chi Hui-jung is chief executive officer of the Garden of Hope Foundation.

TRANSLATED BY LIN YA-TI
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