ABSTRACT
In Central America, the 1980s were characterised by political negotiations in search of peace, while the 1990s witnessed initiatives aimed at the consolidation of emerging democracies and governability. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are playing an important role in the consolidation of democracy through the development of organised civil society, along with the emergence of popular social forces and broader citizen participation in the decision-making process. This chapter considers their effectiveness in terms of both their traditional welfare roles as service providers, and in influencing the socio-economic and political development of the region through their policy advocacy roles. It focuses geographically on the Central American region, and more specifically, on the evolution and characteristics of civil society in the wake of hurricane 'Mitch'. The chapter considers some conceptual and theoretical perspectives on civil society, social movements, along with their evolving social roles in relation to donors and beneficiaries, and the nature of their policy advocacy roles.
