The role of NGOs and NGO networks in meeting the needs of US colonias.

Since the 1980s, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and likeminded nonprofit networks have assisted colonias – or poor, marginalized communities in the four states along the US–Mexico border – in community organizing and providing basic services. This paper explores the successes and challenges of NGOs in this region, considers the ways in which local NGOs have partnered with larger NGO networks, and assesses the advantages and risks of NGOs partnering with NGO networks. It concludes with recommendations as to how NGO networks might assist in ‘scaling up’ the successes of local NGOs to improve the quality of life in colonias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]