English Title

Abstract

Neoliberal policies that justify the shrinking of the State as the overseer of universal rights and supplier of welfare services to its citizens, have triggered the rise and strengthening of the Third Sector in Puerto Rico and intemationally. This paper reviews the Third Sector as a concept, as a linking universe, and as an important presence in the Puerto Rican context. I raise the importance of public policies development of this sector in our country. I also analyze the contributions by the Special Commission on the Third Sector of the Puerto Rico Legislature between 2000 and 2004 from some dimentions of the political opportunities structure' concept and of participation of organizations in the process of developing public policies for the Third Sector.