Middle East NGOs Network | Mengos

FAQ

1- What is this gateway about? why do we need another portal?

2- Who created this gateway?

3- Why have you chosen those particular countries?

4- What do I do to add an organization?

5- What types of organizations are included?

6- My organization is in the database but some of the information is incorrect. What do I do?

7- Do you include Arab organizations outside the Arab World?

8- Where do you get your information?

9- Are registered NGOs only included or could there be individual sites and research centers etc.?

10- What is your policy on the use of organizations' logos?

11- Why are some organization names in French only? and what do you do with organizations that have Arabic names only?

12- Why is some text translated and others not?

13- What does the * sign mean next to some organization's names?

1- What is this gateway about? why do we need another gateway/portal?

This gateway is about progressive Arab NGOs who are both online and offline. It includes information about their activities as well as contact information for them. Most portals have organizations that are online only or that are 'subject-specific [women's organizations, human rights monitoring organizations etc.]. There is no one site that includes all organizations in one place from the Middle East, as there is for example for Asia or Africa. In addition, there is no mention of organizations who are not on the web except when they sign letters or petitions. We felt it was important to have both online and offline organizations on the web. The project idea is based on the Asian Portal ProPoor which identifies and lists Asian NGOs and we believed it was equally important to have a similar project for Middle Eastern NGOs.

2- Who created this gateway?

This gateway is a project of Virtual Activism. You may also check the Credits to view the individuals who participated in the creation of this database.

3- Why have you chosen those particular countries?

The countries in this database are member countries of the Arab League.

4- What do I do to add an organization?

Fill out our form by clicking here and we will add your organization.

5- What types of organizations are included?

We include progressive and/or non-political organizations based on the areas of focus that we have designated. You may also read our Disclaimer for more information on the type of organizations that we list.

6- My organization is in the database but some of the information is incorrect. What do I do?

Please send us an email at info@mengos.net with the name of the organization, the country where it is located, and the corrections, or simply fill out the Correct an Entry form.

7- Do you include Arab organizations outside the Arab World?

Yes but only if they were founded and run by Arabs and if they address issues concering the Arab World. We categorize them under the country which they target, but have their address in the country out of which they operate. For example, if it is a Syrian organization based in Geneva but targets Syrian human rights, it will be categorized under Syria.

8- Where do you get your information?

Our information is collected from several sources, among them the Interent as well as personal contacts in the designated countries. Since we list organizations that are not on the Internet, we depend largely on our contacts to gather information. Some of the information is of course lacking because of that, but as we progress and develop, the entries and information will become more complete. We would greatly appreciate your help if you know of an organization that is not listed and can give us information about it.

9- Are registered NGOs only included or could there be individual sites?

Existing NGOs, registered or not registered, as well as human-rights-related campaigns, research centers, and developmental organizations are all listed. Included also are coordinating committees and networks even if they are not formally registered in their countries.

10- What is your policy on the use of organizations' logos?

We have used the logos from the websites of the organizations that are on the Internet or that we found in their publications. However if any organization expresses an objection to the use of either their listing or their logo in the database, they need to write to us and we will remove them immediately.

11- Why are some organization names in French only, English only?

We do not translate an organization's name as long as it is Latin-based. We prefer to give the original name as designated by the organization founders themselves. However some Arabic organizations do not have an English name at all, and we provide a transliteration in the 'Name of Organization section', then have their name and mission loosely translated into English in the 'Other details' section. When we do our own translation, we put a start sign (*) next to the translation.

12- Why is some text translated and others not?

We are unable at this point to translate in full all the information that is available about organizations and campaigns. We try and keep all information as is, especially when it comes to mission statements and objectives. However we may be able to translate them all at a later stage. Do remember that we are at a very initial stage of this project and we hope it will grow and expand and accomodate all three languages.

13- What does the * sign mean next to some organization's names?

When there is no translation of an organization's name in all three languagees, we do our own translation and put a star sign (*) next to the translation to indicate it is not the original.