ABOUT US

The Center for Civil Society is the focal point for the School of Public Affairs’ programs and activities in nonprofit leadership and management, grassroots advocacy, nongovernmental organizations, and philanthropy. Located in the global city of Los Angeles, the Center focuses on both regional and international aspects of civil society.

The Center coordinates teaching on nonprofit organizations and aspects of civil society; conducts research; and offers seminars, conferences, colloquia, and executive education as part of our community engagement. In undertaking these mutually supporting activities, we seek to contribute to the policy dialogue on the current and future role of nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and civil society.

A healthy civil society offers the hope of an expansion of local democracy, just and efficient service delivery, and the creation of a shared and inclusive civic identity. These are the aspirations of the Center of Civil Society – that through research, teaching, and community engagement with nonprofit and community-based organizations – civil society in Los Angeles, and worldwide, will be strengthened and sustained.

MISSION:

To become the academic center of excellence for the study of civil society, philanthropy, nonprofit and community organizations and leadership.

OBJECTIVES:

Putting its mission into practice, the Center for Civil Society has four primary objectives:

1. Improve the understanding of civil society, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and private action for public benefit;

2. Inform policy-making at local, regional, national and international levels;

3. Educate nonprofit sector managers, promote leadership, and improve organizational and policy effectiveness; and

4. Monitor major developments affecting civil society, including globalization, and the changing roles of government and business.