The pioneer of the cause, NGO, the abbreviation of the English word "non-governmentorganization", refers to a non-governmental organization that is not regarded as a government department, a non-profit company or other legal person and is not for profit under a specific legal system.

It is generally believed that the word NGO was first formally used in section 7 1 of the Charter of the United Nations signed in June, 1945. This article authorizes the United Nations Economic and Social Council to "make appropriate arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations concerned with the management of the Council". In 1952, the United Nations Economic and Social Council defined NGOs as "any international organization that is not established in accordance with intergovernmental agreements can be regarded as NGOs". So in the beginning, NGOs mainly refer to international civil organizations. With the development of non-governmental organizations, the term non-governmental organizations is no longer limited to international non-governmental organizations, and its scope is growing. 1996, the United Nations Economic and Social Council adopted resolution 1996/3 1, which further recognized non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in various countries and regions.

The rise of non-governmental organizations around the world began in the 1980s. With the global population, poverty and environmental problems becoming increasingly prominent, people find that the sustainable development of human beings can not be solved only by the traditional government and market level. In response, non-governmental organizations have grown rapidly and formed a new social level. NGO is not a government and is not driven by power; Nor is it driven by economy, especially economic interests. The driving force of NGO is voluntary service. At present, there are millions of non-governmental organizations in the world, and their activities cover all aspects of social life, such as cultural education, medical and health care, ecological protection, religious charity and so on.

Developed modern society needs developed non-governmental organizations. According to a survey, there are more than 2 million non-governmental organizations in the United States, with a total expenditure of more than 500 billion dollars and a staff of more than 9 million people, which is in line with the institutional structure of "big society, small government" in the United States. The origin of this system is related to the tradition of immigrants helping each other at the beginning of the founding of the United States.