Along with the shift in the foundation stones of society, we find the nature of social organisation also changing. Once upon a time, we could clearly delineate between the state, private enterprise, and the not for profit sector. The state had a clear role in regard to steering policy, protecting and providing for its citizens. The specifics of this role certainly differed from nation to nation, region to region, and expanded or contracted depending on ideology, time and need.
The role of business was primarily to create profit for owners and shareholders, and its secondary roles were to provide employment, as well as goods and services for purchase.
The role of community organisations was largely to provide services to the most needy and marginalised in society, or to provide opportunities to socialise, play sport, pursue educational, cultural or intellectual interests.
Now the boundaries between these three sectors is very porous. A new shape of society is emerging. In an era of globalisation, of changing national boundaries, of reformulation of political and economic orthodoxies, the role of the state is being redefined. Business is also changing shape, with growing acceptance of the relatively new notions of corporate citizenship, and the interests of stakeholders rather than just shareholders. And finally, the "third sector" has grown into a huge force, earning itself the much more encompassing title of "civil society." The involvement of citizens as volunteers, policy activists, advocates, and service providers is now seen as a core part of participatory democracy. It is no longer seen as the province of the few who are highly committed, or just those with spare wealth or time.
There are many services, programs and policies which are now developed and delivered by a partnership of government and community organisations. Contracting out, tendering, consultancies, and semi-government bodies which evolve organically from community groups, have led to a blurring of the division between first and third sectors. The interaction between government and business has become far more complex, and partnerships between business and community are slowly developing. The boundaries between nations, as well as within them, have also become porous, with the globalisation of communications, and with it, of economies and to an extent, of culture.
In many ways, the transition has been a brutal one―through the transformation of capital, of the nature of democracy, of the organisation of working life, many have been displaced, outsourced, made redundant, and left feeling materially depleted and spiritually bruised. As with all revolutions, there are victims, there is the wake of destruction to be dealt with―and there are also opportunities for new beginnings.
In all this change and uncertainty, there is at least one clear message for the not-for-profit sector―it must participate in the debate that will ultimately shape the new form our societies take. The sector must participate in the ongoing debate as an equal partner with government and business. It must not continue to play the role of the "poor relation"―the one who does the work yet remains invisible. The sector must see itself as significant if it is to convince others of its importance. The sector should not be the one that just fills the gaps, but must be part of the real machinery of power and social operation. The policy structures of the next fifty years and beyond must be built to include and reflect the community sector as a central pillar of society.
