A civil society organization (CSO) is a group of people that operates in the community in a way that is distinct from both government and business. Civil society can be understood as the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business, and including the family and the private sphere. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are defined as non-governmental organizations and institutions that advance the interests and will of citizens or individuals and organizations in a society which are independent of the government. CSOs represent a wide range of interests and purposes, and they are not-for-profit, voluntary entities formed by people in the social sphere that are separate from the State and the market. Civil society organizations are beneficial in that citizens are more inclined to participate politically when they can act collectively and develop associative solidarities with others around shared policy preferences.