Civil Society in Educational Reform. When it comes to recognition of the rights of the minority groups, advocacy has long been a central mechanism for change. This mechanism operates on several levels. The formally recognized one is the governmental arena, where state-level policy-making, legislation, and budget allocation take place (Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, & XxXxxx-Xxxxx, 2009). Another level that is growing in influence and with a capacity to shape educational politics is at the institutional level presented by think tanks and philanthropies. For example, organizations such as the Gates Foundation or Open Society Foundation now play a valuable role in policy-making and promotion of reform movements internationally. Although governmental and institutional arenas serve as tradition sites for educational advocacy, community-based and grassroots organizations increasingly bring a significant contribution to advocacy. The activities of these civil society organizations (CSOs) are important areas for research, as scholars and policymakers often leave out of account their capacity “to directly shape or indirectly influence policy at the federal, state, judicial, and institutional levels” (ibid, p.10), yet their contribution to social and educational reform goes largely unnoticed by researchers. The so-called third sector or civil society includes all associations and networks, both formal and informal which reflect distinct interests and points of view in modern society and often help mobilize people to participate in politics (Xxxxxxxx, 2014). The literature mentions at least two important contributions of civil society movements to educational reform. The first refers to advocacy. For example, international experience in inclusive education reform often highlights the open protest of the public against segregation in education (Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxxxxx, 2016). The second refers to resource provision. Thus, educational systems often do not get all the necessary means from the state budget, therefore relying on additional sources of financing from donors such as NGOs and business or industrial community groups (ibid). The interactive and transparent relationship between the public government and NGOs is a key to a stronger civil society. The legal status of NGOs allows for a better access to funding and decision-making processes because such formally registered entities are more likely to be recognized by the donors and the state. In contrast, informal associations such as volunteers clubs prove less cred...
