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“As much societal involvement as possible
and only government when it is necesary.”
Lic. Carlos Alberto Torres Torres
DIPUTADO FEDERAL
Due to globalization and international trade, the impact on society of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has become a more influential factor related to many world issues. NGOs are consulted daily by their governments around the world. I am convinced in the power of voluntary work within a social structure and I recognize that any NGO that acts independently from any government usually depends on outside donations and volunteer services to attend to large societal problems.
In my personal experience and as a congressman in Mexico I have realized that in the words of Victor Hugo "democracy is not enough; it is also essential to be humane." I have learned to appreciate this with the individuals that represent non-governmental organizations who with their intelligence and virtue struggle daily against the obstacles that limit access to resources needed to provide better services for their communities. I am convinced that our role as legislators and government officials is to promote the following:
To facilitate in-kind donations, the SAT has streamlined
its authorization process by introducing an online form
- the electronic form (“firma electrónica”). The “firma
electrónica” allows for faster processing of a donees
request to receive in-kind donations. Although this
improvement has made the process faster, there are
other factors besides time that should be considered. It
must be pointed out that in-kind donations are not
without costs to both the donor and recipient.
Applicable expenses may include transportation to the
U.S./Mexico border, warehouse/storage facility costs;
staff time in the U.S. and Mexico to process the
paperwork; and transportation within Mexico.
Authorized Donee beneficiaries may be able to absorb
some of these expenses, but donors should be aware
of the potential hardship that may be placed on the
organizations receiving the donations. For this reason,
in-kind donations that are accompanied with a cash
grant often make the most sense to ensure that the
donation will arrive at its intended location and be
used for the intended purpose.
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Government should respect the autonomy of non-governmental organizations
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Recognize the social significance of NGO activities
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Treat NGOs as public interest institutions
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Offer incentives and stimuli, both fiscal and legal, that is to say, as prerogatives of the
NGO community not subject to the decisions of governmental entities
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A transparent system for the use of public funds that are designated to strengthen civil society.
This is why I undertook the task of simplifying one of the processes that has been impeding NGOs (that are Donatarias Autorizadas) to accept donations from abroad. It has been a long struggle for the noble efforts of the NGOs, their testimony and perseverance in spite of the adversity.
I want to extend my appreciation and gratitude to the Servicio de Administración Tributaria de México (SAT) for their support in order to simplify the procedure for importing donations from abroad by automating the process via the Internet through firma electrónica. In the past, this procedure sometimes took up to a year and can now be completed in a few weeks. I recognize that this new system only benefits Mexican NGOs that are Donatarias Autorizadas, but I believe this is the first step in promoting more efficiency.
I am grateful to the NGOs that have given me the opportunity to learn about their work, and as the old
Native American saying tells us, “Unless you have walked in the moccasins of another man, you do not know
this man, you have no idea how he thinks and feels and you no have idea why he does certain things.” I want
to tell you that is how I was able to accomplish this task, by putting myself in the shoes of an NGO.
I am committed to continue my search for options because I am convinced that Mexico has a great legacy of
effort, sacrifice, and selflessness, of joint achievements in the past, and in the present and a common mission.
I want to reiterate my commitment to work toward a future with a common vision.
Very truly yours:
Lic. Carlos Alberto Torres Torres
DIPUTADO FEDERAL POR BAJA CALIFORNIA
XIX LEGISLATURA
CAMARA DE DIPUTADOS
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