“Step Into Change Rather Than Complain” 

“In our new file, Pioneers of Civil Society, we will be talking to people who have worked in the field of civil society for many years and we will discuss the past, present and tomorrow of the civil society in Turkey. Our first guest is İbrahim Betil... İbrahim Betil, who hosted us at Sen de Gel Derneği, sums up civil society work as ‘step into change rather than complain.’

İbrahim Betil, who is the founder of many NGOs including the Community Volunteers Foundation, Teachers Academy, and Sen de Gel Association, continues to contribute to civil society in various fields. Betil, who thinks that civil society in Turkey has not shown a significant success, summarizes his life purpose as “making a difference in the world” and “strengthening civil society in Turkey”.  İbrahim Betil, who invited everyone to be involved in NGOs that conduct transparent and accountable activities, said that NGOs should organize themselves instead of complaints. It gives the message that it must continue to struggle to change in all circumstances.

How do you describe yourself?

I’m a civil society volunteer.

What has civil society changed in Turkey? 

The civil society has not changed much in Turkey so far. Because of central state understanding in Turkey, NGOs could not develop and multiply. There are 123 thousand NGOs in Turkey of 80 million people. About 600 thousand NGOs in Germany with the same population and about 200 thousand NGOs in Sweden with 10 million people. The other failure of NGOs was that they were unable to build trust in civil society. They didn’t gain trust in society because of hidden agendas and lack of transparency. For this reason, many families advise their children not to get involved with NGOs. This is the result of irresponsible behavior of NGOs. That’s why they couldn’t change much.

What do you say to someone who has never participated in a civil society activities or worked as volunteer? 

If we want to develop in the society, if we expect the country or even the world to develop and change, I think civilian people should take the responsibility and not just leave it to the government. I believe that we need to be involved in a civil society in order to do this. They should be careful when they do this because NGOs that they will volunteer and support should be open and transparent. Instead of complaining about this society, they would be a step to change it.

What would you suggest to young people who are currently unemployed or still students?  

I have a very clear suggestion for young people: 1 – They should not only pay attention to academic achievements when they are in the university. I suggest that they participate in an NGO during their training. The recruitment is a benefit. This young person will be said that they are involved not only in his education but also in concurrent social awareness activities.

2- Working in a volunteer job is very important in terms of knowing the society and the environment, and moreover, being a NGO or a volunteer and developing relationships. In different circles, they gain a greater experience by getting to know different people. Make sure that young people participate in voluntary work. Currently, unemployed young people can also continue wherever they can find work without choosing.

“NGOs Should Be Transparent, Include Volunteers in Decision Processes”

What would you recommend to NGO workers and volunteers in a period when the civilian area is said to be shrinking?

Whenever they step into any NGO’s voluntarily, they need to make sure that there is no hierarchy here. I recommend volunteers to work in an environment where their own thoughts are valued and participation is valued, not instructions. My advice to professionals working in civil society, they should include volunteers in their decision-making process. Instead of giving instructions to the volunteers, those working in NGOs advise them to proceed transparently with the volunteers in the decision process. In the same way, I recommend that they explain the financial statements, the work done to donors in a transparent way, and ensure that the public is informed.

What did your civil society experiences add to you? 

First of all, when you give young people responsibility, I’ve seen that young people do more than adults. There is serious discrimination in Turkey; There is distrust of young people. There are young men and young women within TOG. We also care about equality between men and women on boards. We do not discriminate positively. Many things change when equality is achieved, when young people are empowered.

The other thing I learned is the need to rely on the locale. Instead of directing everything from the center, it is necessary to rely on local youth to understand the local needs. The needs of each local can be different. It does not make it sustainable to the projects. It also increases the local’s trust in the youth. I don’t believe in generalizations like Generation Y or Z. In every region, they trust young people and embrace the responsibility. They do much better work. In local shopkeepers, business people and public managers, there is a sense that young people can do good jobs.

“The Only Way To Success Is To Fight: You Will Not Give Up!”

As a former bank manager, what would you say about Turkey’s current economic situation? 

Turkey is a society with ups and downs… There have been many economic crises in the past years… There has been serious despairs in the economic crises. And then recoveries. They went backwards again. Although Turkey is in the top 20 economies, Turkey is a society far behind in social and human Development. The growth cannot be achieved only by a material capital. Human capital is more important. We need to improve the civil society and we need to increase people’s participation. Everything should not be expected from the government… I never lose my hope. I think that struggle is the only way that can lead both people and society to success. You have no chance of success if you don’t fight: Don’t give up.

“NGOs Must Pull Themselves Togather!” 

How did the political climate in Turkey reflect on civil society? 

It was very negative. In the last 1 year, more than 5 thousand associations have been closed. Turkey is in a very low position in civil society. There are too many non-governmental organizations in the similar countries. It does not have to be a highly developed economy for the development of civil society. Bangladesh has one of the largest NGOs in the world. This NGO, Brac, has about 50 thousand employees. They do micro-credit applications, work in many different areas in education, health and women’s employment. The state should lead to civil society. NGOs should not be ideological, either religiously or politically, they keep them away from discrimination.

In Turkey, NGOs need to be transparent in order to increase their voluntary participation in a way that gives confidence. There are many NGOs that we do not see their financial statements on their web pages. If I can’t see income and expense, how can I trust it? Many NGOs do not give receipts for the donations. It doesn’t give you feedback. This creates distrust of NGOs. For this, I think that NGOs can move forward by pulling themselves togather, instead of complaining. They need to think on “how can we fix this?”

If we take a critical look at NGOs in Turkey, what would you say?

Most of the NGOs in Turkey are citizen associations or charity associations. Most of them get together and play backgammon. It is important that they open their horizons a little and work to achieve their goals. As they do so, they create difference, consciousness and trust in their own environment.

Do you have any hope for civil society? 

As someone who focuses on young people, the more we meet at universities in TOG, the more my hope grows with each young person. Young people who will change society. Adults couldn’t do it, my generation couldn’t do it. They didn’t trust young people. I believe that if we trust young people, with their creative brains, there will be much better things to do.

“My Life Goal Is To Strengthen Civil Society In Turkey”

Do you have a mission? Do you assign yourself a mission?

My life purpose is to provide social development and human development and to make a difference in the world… We live in such an unfair world that 85% of the wealth in the 7.5 billion world is in the hands of 8.5% of the population. In order to eliminate this hunger, this injustice, this poverty, it is necessary to take a civilian step. My only responsibility is to myself and to my grandchildren. When they say “If you had so many opportunities, what did you do?” I must have an answer for them. That answer should guide them.

Does Sen de Gel Association receive enough support in an environment where there are economic problems and low donation? 

I don’t like limits and my goal is the humanity. I dream of a world where it is important for everyone to be different and equal. The idea of doing business in Africa came about by chance. We were asked, “How can we do business in Gambia?” so I went there because I need to know them first. They are fed one meal a day with rice. The half the kids die before they are 5. The women walk 5 km for 2 buckets of clean water. We will either turn our backs on what is happening in these circumstances or “what can we do” as a civil initiative to change this world? We will try. With this understanding, instead of getting them used to begging, we established the Sen De Gel Association by prioritizing sustainable projects.

When I go to look for resources, I offer potential donors the options of Sen De Gel Derneği, TOG or Teacher Academy Foundation. People make a lot of excuses when it comes to making excuses. And those who believe and trust came with me to Gambia. Once they see the transparency of the projects being done, they are impressed. We are receiving support from abroad and from UN. The main support and donations come from institutions and individuals. It has been 7 years since the association was established. We have created a sustainable impact on 440 thousand people in 7 years. You may say 440 thousand of people is nothing when you compare it to 7.5 million. I think it is very important…

You were a member of the New Democracy Movement (YDH). Have you given up on politics ? 

As a person who has lived in it, I can say that good things can not be done with politics in Turkey. At first, we explained the principles of YDH as Vice-President, we met many people from the local area. Later, I was elected to the İstanbul Provincial presidency of the party. We entered the elections and lost. As someone who has experienced all these in 2 years, I say; This does not work with politics. I think politics is not the right place to change society. I realized there was nothing I could do. I strive to move forward with a focus on civil society.

You are under the leadership of Ashoka Turkey; what is Turkey’s potential for social entrepreneurs?

I’m very hopeful. There are successful and social entrepreneurs emerging in Anatolia. Every year we meet many candidates for social entrepreneurs. We work to provide support for social initiatives. Social entrepreneurship needs to grow in Turkey…

What are your dreams? Would you share it with us? 

I don’t have big dreams but  have a purpose. My goal is to strengthen civil society in Turkey and to spread it by developing models that give Society confidence in NGOs.  If I can do it, I’ll achieve my goal. I will grow even more and contribute to the development of this society. Is it easy or difficult?  I am not sure. I don’t give up because it’s difficult: Keep fighting…

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

I invite everyone who listens to this interview not only to listen, but to participate in a non-governmental organization in some way. When they go to an organization, let them question the transparency of that organization. Examine it. And if they volunteer, let them know that they are cared for. If it is an NGO that does not care, let them close the door and go to another NGO. That would be my advice… Otherwise, we will not be able to take a step beyond complaining. Our motto is not to criticize but to change.