Civil society or civil institutions are the total of civic and social organizations or institutions that form the bedrock of a functioning democracy. The term refers to the multitude of non-profit, organized groups, clubs and associations in society that operate independently from government and the state, often on a voluntary basis. Civil society groups advocate and take action primarily for social development and public interest. Examples of civil institutions:
- non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
- peoples’ organizations;
- civic clubs;
- trade unions;
- gender, cultural, and religious groups;
- charities;
- social and sports clubs;
- cooperatives;
- environmental groups;
- professional associations;
- academia;
- policy institutions;
- consumers/consumer organizations;
- the media.
