Visibility is needed for society to trust NGOs, sociologist

Almost one third of the population does not know what a nongovernmental organization is and what it deals with. Better visibility is needed in order to change public perception of the NGOs, sociologist Doru Petruti, the head of the Marketing and Polling Institute IMAS, stated for Info-Prim Neo. Society needs to know more about the NGOs, to get informed and see the results of the work of these organizations so as to be able to get involved. Only 3-4% of the population becomes involved in the work of the NGOs and does voluntary work. This figure is low compared with Romania and other European countries. “There are opinions that the NGOs launder money, are not transparent and misuse the donated money. If the NGOs improve visibility, the public perception will change. Now the level of credibility is 12%,” said Doru Petruti. The people must know that the NGOs defend their rights, help certain disfavored groups, intervene when the state cannot provide sufficient support, and resolve many problems ignored by the state. They should know that the civil society organizations ensure good balance and democracy, said the head of IMAS. The sociologist stressed that the NGOs became more active in promoting democratization and access to the mass media after the July 2009 elections. “Without visibility, the reactions of civil society cannot be encouraged,” said Doru Petruti. In several weeks, IMAS will make public a study of the philanthropic work and associative spirit of civil society. The study was commissioned by an NGO.