New Directions : The Mandate of Change and Practical Approaches for PVOs in International Development

Abstract

The author reviews the history of U.S. aid to countries around the world after World War II and the creation of the Agency for International Aid (AID). The relationship between political and humanitarian goals is discussed as is the role of private and voluntary organizations (PVOs). The 1970's was the time of change for AID and PVOs, as well as for development, in general. Development agencies began to identify the needs of the poorest people. The shift to a rural approach proved to include more of the poor majority and provide a more complete and integrated approach. Rural grass-roots development became the accepted approach for AID and PVOs. While the evolution of development is characterized by constant change, the decade of the 1970s radically altered governmental and non-governmental development agency funding and programming relationships. The "New Directions" mandate presented PVOs with the first opportunity to significantly affect the progress of development efforts among agencies. The increased-funding opportunities for PVOs were allowed by Congressional orders. PVO support also stemmed from the increased recognition of the significance of their contribution to Third World development. CARE especially benefitted from increased funding by receiving a large portion of AID grant money. With this increased funding, CARE explored new areas of development approaches. They continue to make advances in the Third World development strategies and continue to lead the PVOs and AID into refining the field of international development.