Northern Illinois University and DePaul University are teaming up to offer an anthropology of NGOs conference Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Wednesday, Nov. 20, at DePaul University’s Loop Campus.
The purpose of this conference is to assess, define, refine and invigorate the field of NGO studies as it applies to the anthropological community. More than 130 scholars and practitioners from around the world already have registered for the two-day event.
The conference is sponsored by NIU’s Center for Non-Governmental Organization Leadership and Development (NGOLD) and DePaul University’s Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning, Anthropology Department and School of Public Service.
Organized with concurrent sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to select from 13 different panels on topics ranging from non-governmental politics to the ethical culture of NGOs.
Mark Schuller
The conference schedule also includes networking events, an evening plenary session with five senior scholars and mentoring opportunities. The conference concludes with a discussion charting next steps in the development of the field, institutionally as well as theoretically.
Working with colleagues from the American Anthropological Association’s interest group on NGOs and Nonprofits, NIU professor Mark Schuller initiated the conference. It is being coordinated by committee members from outside NIU. Schuller holds a joint appointment at NIU with the anthropology department and NGOLD, which oversees the community leadership and civic engagement major, minor and certificate.
“We were totally blown away by the response to our call. We continue to receive supportive feedback,” Schuller said.
“This shows that the field of NGO studies is gaining a critical mass within anthropology and the field is maturing. This conference represents a vital and diverse set of theoretical, methodological and practical engagements. It will also be an important step in charting new foundations. I’m honored that NGOLD is able to play a role in helping make this happen.”
Those interested in attending can still register for the conference.
Nancy M. Castle
“This conference marks the first time that anthropologists from around the world will meet to discuss the role and status of NGOs and chart a course for future meetings, collaborations and a shared vision for research to be conducted,” said Nancy Castle, professor and director of NGOLD. “NGOLD is pleased to be a sponsor of this first formal gathering.”
Established in 2010, NGOLD’s purpose is to enhance civil society through academics, research and programming related to non-governmental organizations, nonprofits and other avenues of public service. To do this, NGOLD provides comprehensive programs and services to students, faculty, researchers and organizations.
NGOLD offers the interdisciplinary community leadership and civic engagement (CLCE) undergraduate major, minor and certificate.
For more information, call (815) 753-4410 or email ngoldcenter@niu.edu.
