Two converging realities create a political and intellectual problem: an evolving recognition of the vitality of private sector supported community organization work; and the challenge that such organizations may have to assume a larger role due to reductions in public agency support and declining participation among the poor and racial minorities. In the United States these agencies-essentially NGOs-play important roles in communities and movements, often modeling the very programs adopted by the government. Some, like the Highlander Center, have near-mythical status in our memories about what it means to struggle for social change; others, including HARYOU, were critical in structuring thought about anti-poverty strategies. In recent years some like Teach for America have plunged into the thick of the effort to keep public education a viable option. This tutorial examines the role of non-profits and social justice work in the United States focusing on the non-profit as a type, governance and staffing, fund-raising and persecution.