Chair: Tracy Jasper
Amnesty International
Greenpeace
American Red Cross
The Heritage Foundation
Guide to NGOs
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Non-Governmental Organizations Representing organizations, professional associations, industries, and countless other constituent groups, NGOs influence public policy at practically every level of government. Often accused of influencing policy-making at the expense of the common good, lobbyist groups are regularly vilified by the American public as unscrupulous “special interests.” Nevertheless, NGO groups serve as direct conduits between politicians and citizens who share similar beliefs about particular issues, and despite their reputation, these groups play a fundamental role in the modern political process. There is no question that NGOs seek political support and favorable regulations for the group or cause they represent. Yet in their roles as policy experts, NGOs also provide regulators, department heads, and members of Congress with information that is vital for effective governance, and political leaders regularly rely on this specialized knowledge to inform their executive and legislative decisions.
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NGOs at HMCE Delegates participating in HMCE as NGOs will simulate representatives of several prominent lobbying groups. As representatives of these groups, delegates will be called upon to provide testimony to different committees — both domestic and international — that seek their input on the topics before them. Delegates will be discussing a wide range of topics reflecting the perspective of their respective group and will work closely with delegates in other committees to provide their expertise and help build consensus. They will serve as experts on specific topics as well as provide insightful commentary on the influential views and opinions of their respective NGO group.
