New Language for the Citizen Sector

When the Europeans saw a new type of organization stirring, they perceived them to be "nongovernmental organizations" (NGOs). The Americans were struck that they were not businesses and called them "non–profits."

Words matter—and being defined by what we are not certainly does not help. That is why Ashoka and a growing number of sister organizations have sworn off the "non-" words. Instead we use "citizen sector" and "citizen organization." Why? Because citizens—people who care and take action to serve others and cause needed change—are the essence of the sector. We believe that when one or several people get together to cause positive social change, they instantly become citizens in the fullest sense of the word.