Abbreviations and Basic Terminology
Women Graduates–USA is a nonprofit organization whose members are college and university graduates, graduate students, doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers. As members of WG–USA, our members are also members of Graduate Women International; WG–USA is the US Affiliate of GWI. Our international perspective informs our advocacy for social and economic justice for all women and girls.
Throughout the Women Graduates–USA website and publications, readers will find acronyms, abbreviations and terminology which may need further definition.
In its work with the United Nations departments, agencies and non-governmental community, the use of acronyms is common. Please refer to the United Nations for definitions.
The following information is provided to ease the use of our website for visitors. It is a roster of acronyms in alphabetical order with definitions. It is not all-inclusive and may shift and grow as needed.
Abbreviations
AGM
Annual General Meeting for Women Graduates–USA
This WG–USA meeting is conducted both in person and/or virtually in the fall of each year. It is the annual business meeting and includes election of leadership.
CIR
Coordinator for International Relations
A CIR is an individual WG–USA leader who represents a Graduate Women International affiliate federation or association. As the US affiliate of GWI, WG-USA has a CIR, or co-CIR’s. CIR’s are on the GWI Council, the governing body of GWI.
ECOSOC
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
This council of the United Nations advances three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. ECOSOC is responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. WG–USA enjoys special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.
GWI
Graduate Women International
GWI was founded originally as the International Federation of University Women or IFUW in 1919. GWI advocates for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education, and training up to the highest levels.
NFA
National Federations and Associations of GWI
WG–USA is the US Affiliate of Graduate Women International. The GWI website presents all NFA members and organizations across the globe affiliated with GWI.
UN
The United Nations
The UN was founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, give humanitarian assistance to those in need, protect human rights, and uphold international law.
WG–USA
Women Graduates–USA
WG–USA is a national nonprofit advocacy organization established in 2007. WG-USA is the single US organization affiliated with GWI.
Basic Terminology
Association
A group of individuals who meet for a common purpose. An organized body of people who have an interest, activity, or purpose in common; a society.
CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION (CSO)
Any association, federation, group or organization that formalizes their status as a legal not-for-profit organization. CSOs include but are not limited to NGOs, trade unions, faith-based organizations, indigenous peoples movements, and foundations.
Committee, or Working Group
This phrase is used by WG–USA to identify a finite number of members collaborating on core issues, short-term organization projects and aspects of business and governance. Committees and Working Group leaders are elected by the members or appointed by the WG–USA President; their members are appointed by the WG–USA President.
CONSULTATIVE STATUS
This phrase is used for “Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).” There are three classes of UN ECOSOC Consultative Status: General, Special & Roster. Currently WG-USA is one of only 3051 NGOs in the world with in consultative status.
Federation
An organization formed by merging several groups or parties; the act of constituting a political unity out of a number of separate states or colonies or provinces so that each member retains the management of its internal affairs.
GROUP
An assemblage of persons or objects gathered or located together; an aggregation.
LIAISON
A close bond or connection between individuals, groups or entities; an interrelationship. As an example, this may be an individual who connects one nonprofit organization as its representative with others.
Network
An extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support while retaining the management of individual affairs.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (NGO)
An organizations independent of government involvement. NGOs are a subgroup of organizations founded by citizens and provide various services to their member body as well as others groups and peoples.
Organization
A group of persons organized for a particular purpose; an association: a benevolent organization; A structure through which individuals cooperate systematically to conduct business.