Propellant for National Spirit and Social Development ---Volunteerism in Shanghai Su, Songxing

1. Propellant for National Spirit and Social Development ---Volunteerism in Shanghai Su, Songxing Research Fellow Shanghai Population and Development Research Center

2. 2008: • Registered volunteers (national): 2.946 millions • Registered volunteers (Shanghai): 2 millions

3. 1978-2006: Chinese GDP grew at 15.6% on average • 2005-2008: The number of registered volunteers grew at 24% on average • The growth rate of volunteers much larger than that of GDP

4. (1) Social background of emergence of volunteerism

5. The volunteerism in China developed under the background of social changes and institutional reform. The reform means a transformation from the planned economy to market economy, which unavoidably brought about great changes in social structure, organizational function, cultures and behavior patterns.

6. Currently, volunteerism plays a more important role in enhancing public morality. It has been a crucial part in Shanghai’s social security system. The mobilization mechanism of volunteerism is a key component in mobilization system for social emergence.

7. Seen from trends of modern social development, market activities, government activities and volunteerism are three essential supporting pillars in the administration of city. Shanghai, as a developed area and frontier of reform in China provides opportunities for volunteerism’s further development.

8. (2) Developmental process of volunteerism in Shanghai

9. The development of volunteerism in Shanghai can be divided into two stages by the establishment of Shanghai Volunteerism Association. • Stage one: before 1997 • Stage two: after 1997

10. At present, the development of volunteerism in Shanghai, compared to it in developed countries, is still in the initial stage. There exists some problems in functional positioning, organizational mechanism, operational mechanism, and public policies related to development of volunteerism.

11. (3) Institutional structure of Volunteer organizations

12. Main functions of Shanghai Volunteer Assocation: • Regulate and guide volunteerism work, • Coordinate among various volunteer teams, • Launch important volunteerism projects and social security measures, • Oversee volunteer work generally such as recruitment, registration, training, evaluation and award.

13. Shanghai Volunteer Association is led by a council which is composed of honorary president, president, vice president, secretary general, vice secretary general, and several members of council. A secretariat is in charge of daily work. The council members could be government leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, celebrities and normal citizens.

14. Shanghai Volunteer Association is managed at the city level, district level, and street level. Its network reaches four levels: City’s association, branches, units, and service teams. Statistics • Professional volunteer team: over 20 • Service Unit: 722 • Volunteer service team: 41,000

15. Main tasks of Shanghai Youth Volunteerism Direction Center: • Recruitment of youth volunteers • Training • Allocation of volunteers for the big events • Organize activities serving society • Evaluation and award of excellent volunteers • Publicity • Fund raising

16. (4) Expansion of volunteerism content

17. Services provided by Shanghai volunteers reflected in three aspects: • Regular community service • Volunteer services in large social events • Professional volunteer services

18. (5) Legislation on Volunteerism

19. The problems and obstacles in volunteerism of Shanghai: • Becoming a mere formality, • Lacking of regulations, • An utilitarian tendency, • The confusion between public good and private good of programs, • The blurry roles of government in volunteerism.

20. Perfect the public policy on volunteerism through legislation, • Obtain public financial support for recruitment, project and facilities, • Obtain diversified investment (support) for volunteerism and absorb social resources to promote volunteerism by innovative ideas, • Establish assessment and incentive systems to expand volunteer teams.

21. So far, Shanghai Volunteerism Ordinance has been drafted. Shanghai People’s Congress is holding symposiums to explain to the public and listen to suggestions from society. Shanghai will develop volunteerism in accordance with law to maintain a healthy and sustainable development.

22. (6) Road Selection for the Development of Volunteerism

23. Operational Goals of Shanghai volunteer organizations • Improve its function and structure so as to raise efficiency. • Train more volunteer workers and keep volunteerism socially accepted. • Expand service field and keep volunteerism operated on the base of programs. • Improve professional level and innovation mechanisms. • Integrate social resources and encourage more people to participate. • Make supporting policies and make volunteerism sustainable.

24. Strategies for the development of volunteerism in Shanghai: • Break through the shackles of system, • Advance the social operation, • Develop functional platforms, • Actualize long-term effects.

25. Closing Remarks In the Chinese modernization process, the development of volunteerism reflects the goal of social development which is “people-oriented”, and has been a great propellant for the national spirit and social development.

26. Thanks!