What is a civil society?
Even though it seems to be a very sophisticated concept, the civil society represents the “third sector” of society, after the other two sectors - the state and the business.  

The state ensures governance, the business – economic development and the civil society covers those issues, which cannon be covered neither by state nor by business structures. Usually civil society is represented by public associations (NGOs), in the other words by ordinary people, who try to do something for a small group of beneficiaries– it could be either people with special needs, or the ones who require special assistance.
  
Compared to government, the area of activity of NGOs is much smaller.  On one hand, the state takes care of large proportions of people, the entire population, trying to find the balance for all social layers, on the other hand, NGOs represent the interests of small groups of people. The main actors of civil society are interest’s groups, fan clubs, associations of people with disabilities, parent’s committees, etc.  

Compared to business, NGOs do not pursue to obtain the profit that is why they are usually called “non-profit organizations”. Their main purpose of their activity is to enhance the lives of less numerous parts of populations, which are not covered by governmental programs.
 
Why civil society is important?

Without public associations many people wouldn’t ever had a chance to be heard. NGOs are so-called “transmission belt” of the society, they ensure the government with the feedback of the  citizens. Lobby organizations assure that the interests of all citizens are being respected and protected.  

Without public associations many people wouldn’t have the possibility to have a certain living standard, especially those, who don’t have money to purchase the services they need. NGOs are supporting the ones, who have no access to certain services or values. Hot meals for elderly and homeless, centers for vulnerable children and families, rehabilitation centers – all these demonstrate care, which civil society offers those ones in need.
 
Without NGOs society would lack color and diversity. Activities for kids, youth and adolescents, initiatives of planting trees in the communities, fan clubs, etc – all these represent the intention of ordinary people to enjoy life and share values with the ones close to them.