How will you celebrate JCI Day this year? Commemorate the founding of JCI this December 11 with the rest of the leading global network of young active citizens.
December 11, 1944, 30 young, enthusiastic active citizens from eight countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and the United States — met in Mexico City to sign a declaration that led to the establishment of Junior Chamber International (JCI). Read more about this very day in JCI Official Website
It was this very day, this wonderful organization's founders met up and had an agreement to contribute to the world peace. It was this very day, the idea of good citizen, a better citizen was being promoted, and being spread to all over the world. It was this very day, my beloved organization being setup.
I am going to attend a Local Organization Member's Inaugural Night or Charter Night in 2 hours time. This very new chapter is currently the largest chapter in our whole organization. We are all very proud of this new setup. After 55 years of JCI being setup, we have are going to witness a strong new chapter's beginning. This is the way I am commemorating 2009's JCI Day. How about you my friends? Are you contributing to your community as a better citizen yet? If not, this is the moment for you to take action. Be active citizen for your community. Contribute, and serve your community.
Let's create a better tomorrow.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Commemorate Yasmin Ahmad
One of Yasmin Ahmad best films, SepetWhen I saw it in the TV news, I do not know who she is. Only when I listen to radio station commenting on her work, and that reminds me the meaningful TV commercials during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, and other festive sponsored by Petronas, TNB or other GLC.
For her complete list of work and achievement, please refer to Yasmin Ahmad@Wikipedia. To me, this is a great lost of a true Malaysian Patriot.
Although I did not watch any of her film, but I watched the commercial she did for the national days, and other festive seasons. She instill the supposed Malaysian value into the films, and the commercials that she directed.
With her returning to God in heaven, I am hoping for more Yasmin Ahmad that know the true Malaysian Values. To continue her works, her spirit, and promote a harmony Malaysia.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Klang Valley Air Pollution Index
Complete Air Pollution Index provided by the Department of Environment (DOE), lucky thing not DOA (Death on Arrival)
This morning while driving to office along the Federal Highway, I only can see blurry scene of the Menara TM. Unfornately, I forgot to take a shot at the scene to share. I have my camera in my car, but forgot to use it. LOL.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
World Population Day
Ever since the AGM kick into the event calendar of mine, I have been busy blogging about the wrong practices that I observed in the association. For a change, I would like to switch the focus to a more serious issue in our planet Earth, The Poverty.
Every 11th of July, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will celebrate (or rather say creating awareness) World Population Day. This year's theme: Fight Poverty, Educate Girls.
Why do we need to educate girls to fight poverty? For girls to get education in certain part of the world, it is normally prohibited or to be known as waste of money. In those very conservative mind, they think girls should stay at home and help out on the house chores, handcraft works, etc. In other words, Gender equality is what we are seeking now. Even though female might be generally a little bit lack in physically strength, their mind and will power are very strong.
Today, I was with my client and was talking about some political issue in our neighboring country, and realized that Poverty is the source of Prostitution issue. If we can give equal treatment to girls around the world, educate them, I am very sure we can have more ladies, who can contribute a lot of strength to our global community.
Every 11th of July, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will celebrate (or rather say creating awareness) World Population Day. This year's theme: Fight Poverty, Educate Girls.
Why do we need to educate girls to fight poverty? For girls to get education in certain part of the world, it is normally prohibited or to be known as waste of money. In those very conservative mind, they think girls should stay at home and help out on the house chores, handcraft works, etc. In other words, Gender equality is what we are seeking now. Even though female might be generally a little bit lack in physically strength, their mind and will power are very strong.
Today, I was with my client and was talking about some political issue in our neighboring country, and realized that Poverty is the source of Prostitution issue. If we can give equal treatment to girls around the world, educate them, I am very sure we can have more ladies, who can contribute a lot of strength to our global community.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Chairing Meeting. (Knowing your right in meeting II)
I am not sure about what to put as the title for this article. I already mentioned about this issue in my previous post, but now it happened again on the very last AGM of my Chinese Association Clan Youth Section. (4th July)
This is what happened in the AGM. The Assistant Executive Secretary holding the mic, and start chairing the AGM from start to the end. The Chairlady was allowing this to happen. Amazing!!! To me, it is either the Assistant Executive Secretary does not know how to respect the Chair or the Chair does not know how to gain respect from the floor.
In my opinion,this happened because of both reasons. Worst still, the President, the Secretary General, and the Vice President (previously served as Secretary General, and was the past Youth Section Chairman) of the mother body were there and they say nothing about it. It will be very rude for me to fix this at the meeting, however I felt sickening to let a non member chair my meeting.
If this happen in the Board of Committee meeting again, I sure will not tolerate and throw it to the face of the AES.
Chairing a meeting is a knowledge. If a leader does not know how to chair a meeting, that is not a leader at all.
This is what happened in the AGM. The Assistant Executive Secretary holding the mic, and start chairing the AGM from start to the end. The Chairlady was allowing this to happen. Amazing!!! To me, it is either the Assistant Executive Secretary does not know how to respect the Chair or the Chair does not know how to gain respect from the floor.
In my opinion,this happened because of both reasons. Worst still, the President, the Secretary General, and the Vice President (previously served as Secretary General, and was the past Youth Section Chairman) of the mother body were there and they say nothing about it. It will be very rude for me to fix this at the meeting, however I felt sickening to let a non member chair my meeting.
If this happen in the Board of Committee meeting again, I sure will not tolerate and throw it to the face of the AES.
Chairing a meeting is a knowledge. If a leader does not know how to chair a meeting, that is not a leader at all.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Youth Empowerment
Looking at most of the Chinese Clan Association Youth Sections, the old folks keep saying no youth want to join due to they (the youth) are busy working on building up their career, and accumulating their wealth. My opinion is that, the old folks who say this is SHUTTING THE DOOR for the youth to come in to association.
I will tell you the story why I join Chinese Clan Association in my next post. Now I would like to point it to all of you, reason why youth are not joining Chinese Association.
First of all, the youth does not feel welcome. There are no activities FOR THE MEMBER. The association merely organize events for the "FAME of ASSOCIATION", not for the member. With this, members does not feel belong to the association. Because the member who join the activities feel no different from the public (none clan member) who join that event (although member might have some special discount). In other words, there is no sense of belonging.
When I first joined the association, I do not know anyone in the association. I only go to one of the event because of a friend brought me there. That event was organized by the youth section for our clan youth member to know each other. Peer influence play a big role here. When we attend a function or event that we are not familiar, we tends to get some friend to accompany us. If it was not because of my friend, I would not have joined the association.
Last and the most importantly, if we compare our clan association with other organization like the LEO, ROTARACT, TOASTMASTER, JCI, etc... Why they can attract young people to join and clan association can not? What I found out is the youth empowerment is lack in clan association. Have you noticed the clan association's youth section head is normally age limitless? It was because they want to be able to appoint the head from the mother body, by selecting someone from the Mother body's General Council.
I dare say it is a serious problem to the association. Meaning if there is no youth member elected to the General Council, they will appoint a 60 year old uncle to head the youth section. Do you want to be in this youth section my dear brothers and sisters? To be mean, can the 60 year old uncle go to jungle trekking, go-karting, or ice skating with the youth? I think this is the most ridiculous act, and should be amended. If young member empowerment is not being achieved, the association is heading to a dead end.
As conclusion, Youth Empowerment is a must for Chinese Clan Association to continue another 100 years, 1000 years, and infinity years of existence.
I will tell you the story why I join Chinese Clan Association in my next post. Now I would like to point it to all of you, reason why youth are not joining Chinese Association.
First of all, the youth does not feel welcome. There are no activities FOR THE MEMBER. The association merely organize events for the "FAME of ASSOCIATION", not for the member. With this, members does not feel belong to the association. Because the member who join the activities feel no different from the public (none clan member) who join that event (although member might have some special discount). In other words, there is no sense of belonging.
When I first joined the association, I do not know anyone in the association. I only go to one of the event because of a friend brought me there. That event was organized by the youth section for our clan youth member to know each other. Peer influence play a big role here. When we attend a function or event that we are not familiar, we tends to get some friend to accompany us. If it was not because of my friend, I would not have joined the association.
Last and the most importantly, if we compare our clan association with other organization like the LEO, ROTARACT, TOASTMASTER, JCI, etc... Why they can attract young people to join and clan association can not? What I found out is the youth empowerment is lack in clan association. Have you noticed the clan association's youth section head is normally age limitless? It was because they want to be able to appoint the head from the mother body, by selecting someone from the Mother body's General Council.
I dare say it is a serious problem to the association. Meaning if there is no youth member elected to the General Council, they will appoint a 60 year old uncle to head the youth section. Do you want to be in this youth section my dear brothers and sisters? To be mean, can the 60 year old uncle go to jungle trekking, go-karting, or ice skating with the youth? I think this is the most ridiculous act, and should be amended. If young member empowerment is not being achieved, the association is heading to a dead end.
As conclusion, Youth Empowerment is a must for Chinese Clan Association to continue another 100 years, 1000 years, and infinity years of existence.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Knowing Your Own Role in Meeting
Of all the training in an International Youth Organization that I am involved in, Parliamentary Procedure or Meeting Procedure is the one that I am well trained in, and proud to be trained in this area.
Yesterday after the Chess Competition of the Chinese Clan Association, that I was the Organizing Chairman, we had a post mortem meeting over the dinner. In attendance, there are assistant executive secretaries, executive secretaries, and the organizing committee team.
When I started to chair the meeting and say let us see what is going wrong with this event for the past 2 days. Then one of my assistant executive secretaries start to take over my chair. Ended up, he chaired my meeting for me for the whole night, and at the end of the meeting, he asked me: "Mr. Leong, do you still have anything to add on?"
Now, what is wrong with this? This has been going on from day one I joined the association until today. Respect given to the assistant that took over my chair was because he has been working in association for the past 24 years, and he knows a lot of things and history of events. Over the past few years, we respect him and ask for his opinion on certain things and before we make any decision for organization. However, incident like last night is not tolerable.
As an assistant executive secretary, he supposed to keep his mouth shut and let all the other organizing committee do the talking as if it comes to vote, assistant executive secretary has no voting right. This is about knowing your right in the meeting.
The meeting will be very efficient and effective if everyone in the meeting know they own roles, and get their preparation done before the meeting.
Yesterday after the Chess Competition of the Chinese Clan Association, that I was the Organizing Chairman, we had a post mortem meeting over the dinner. In attendance, there are assistant executive secretaries, executive secretaries, and the organizing committee team.
When I started to chair the meeting and say let us see what is going wrong with this event for the past 2 days. Then one of my assistant executive secretaries start to take over my chair. Ended up, he chaired my meeting for me for the whole night, and at the end of the meeting, he asked me: "Mr. Leong, do you still have anything to add on?"
Now, what is wrong with this? This has been going on from day one I joined the association until today. Respect given to the assistant that took over my chair was because he has been working in association for the past 24 years, and he knows a lot of things and history of events. Over the past few years, we respect him and ask for his opinion on certain things and before we make any decision for organization. However, incident like last night is not tolerable.
As an assistant executive secretary, he supposed to keep his mouth shut and let all the other organizing committee do the talking as if it comes to vote, assistant executive secretary has no voting right. This is about knowing your right in the meeting.
The meeting will be very efficient and effective if everyone in the meeting know they own roles, and get their preparation done before the meeting.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Election is Over, Now Start to Work!
Election is over, but it does not mean the end of our work. Instead it marks the beginning of our new assignments. 42 committees were elected, and only 1 new face were elected. The rest of the elected committees were either coming from the existing committee board, or previously had served in the board.
The new faces or first time contestants were not successfully getting into the committee board. However this is a very good experience for all of us, including myself. At least now, I see how the old foxes play the game and learn the tricks so I will not fall in the trap next time.
Major Chinese Newspapers has given wide media coverage for this election, and for sure they earn a lot of money from the 2 leaders who wants to fight for the President seat whom has advertise in the press heavily for the past few days before the election. Because of this ads, the media actually came to interview the event, and even NTV7 was there to cover the news on the day of AGM. Those who cares about the news sure will buy newspaper for the period of nomination till the election. This also will increase the sales of newspaper.
Overall, mixture of 2 camps candidates were elected and for sure there will be check and balance in the execution on projects and plans. There was 1 supporter who helps up in the campaign was suggesting "bi-partisan" idea to me, and after giving it a serious thought I strongly disagree with this idea. In Association, we are talking about UNITY. We are not against each other. It should be from individual whom interested to serve the association come together and work together. Association and the Clan's interest come first. Unlike Politic scenario, party's interest should come first. (Whether the country or the civilians' interest come next or not, I don't know)
As for the time taken for counting the votes, the election committee took 6 hours to count the vote, and I think It is ridiculous. Think about it, our country's General Election only took 6 hours to come out with confirmed result, and a small election which consist of 10,257 qualified voters, and voting rate was 26%, which only 2600 votes cast, but also took 6 hours. We still have room for improvements.
I only have one hope for this post election, dictatorship in the association shall be eliminated immediately. No one should has all the say even though he has been serving in association for 40 plus years. Majority must be heard.
The new faces or first time contestants were not successfully getting into the committee board. However this is a very good experience for all of us, including myself. At least now, I see how the old foxes play the game and learn the tricks so I will not fall in the trap next time.
Major Chinese Newspapers has given wide media coverage for this election, and for sure they earn a lot of money from the 2 leaders who wants to fight for the President seat whom has advertise in the press heavily for the past few days before the election. Because of this ads, the media actually came to interview the event, and even NTV7 was there to cover the news on the day of AGM. Those who cares about the news sure will buy newspaper for the period of nomination till the election. This also will increase the sales of newspaper.
Overall, mixture of 2 camps candidates were elected and for sure there will be check and balance in the execution on projects and plans. There was 1 supporter who helps up in the campaign was suggesting "bi-partisan" idea to me, and after giving it a serious thought I strongly disagree with this idea. In Association, we are talking about UNITY. We are not against each other. It should be from individual whom interested to serve the association come together and work together. Association and the Clan's interest come first. Unlike Politic scenario, party's interest should come first. (Whether the country or the civilians' interest come next or not, I don't know)
As for the time taken for counting the votes, the election committee took 6 hours to count the vote, and I think It is ridiculous. Think about it, our country's General Election only took 6 hours to come out with confirmed result, and a small election which consist of 10,257 qualified voters, and voting rate was 26%, which only 2600 votes cast, but also took 6 hours. We still have room for improvements.
I only have one hope for this post election, dictatorship in the association shall be eliminated immediately. No one should has all the say even though he has been serving in association for 40 plus years. Majority must be heard.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Election Final Countdown II
3 days before election. Now the full list of the 2 camps has been released. The one who controlled (or have access) to the membership database uses the database for their advantage. (And now I know why they said membership database is not supposed to be distributed to the members) The one has lack of this advantage, fight back nicely, with Press Media campaigning! (Nice one) What is more amazing is that some names are appearing in both lists (These are people with high profile, and high capability).
Both teams are now ready to fight for the last mile. All out for the last minute calling of voters. They even prepared the transportation to fetch those voter to polling center. This is also my first voting and I even have this doubt, do i want to cast for myself? (laugh out loud)
For the news online read here
Now the prediction of votes in both camp will get has been started. Those who never involve in any election campaign, I can assure you there are ways to find out where their votes come from and where their votes lost to. They can predict, and at the end of the vote, analyze who voted and who did not. Experienced campaign manager will agree with me.
Click Here to see how to win election
With all the effort put in by those senior and with the blessing from God and Goddess, I hope those who suppose to win will win. God bless my association.
Both teams are now ready to fight for the last mile. All out for the last minute calling of voters. They even prepared the transportation to fetch those voter to polling center. This is also my first voting and I even have this doubt, do i want to cast for myself? (laugh out loud)
For the news online read here
Now the prediction of votes in both camp will get has been started. Those who never involve in any election campaign, I can assure you there are ways to find out where their votes come from and where their votes lost to. They can predict, and at the end of the vote, analyze who voted and who did not. Experienced campaign manager will agree with me.
Click Here to see how to win election
With all the effort put in by those senior and with the blessing from God and Goddess, I hope those who suppose to win will win. God bless my association.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Election Final Countdown I
Never did I realized the power hunger in human being can be very ugly. Only through this involvement in the election then only I learn about this fact.
In my youth organization, the election is repeatedly happening every year, and I dare say I am already numbed with the campaigning activities. However, the past 2 weeks I see something really different in the Chinese Association's election. I felt that the tactics are dirty and it involves telling a lot of lies, and twisted facts.
Chinese Association's election strategy involves using Press Media to attack the different camp's leader. A leader even use black mail tactic to attack the other leader, and wants the rest of the people to think that it is done by somebody else (3 corner fight). To this candidate, I only have 1 comment: cowardice not suitable to become my leader.
Certain people in the organization, has been serving for 40+ years. I think everybody will thank him for devoting so much time and effort in building the organization and contribute to the community. However when he himself tell me about his intention is only to serve and has no personal agenda like the other camp's leader, that makes me think he got personal agenda.
6 more days the election will have a conclusion. Who to vote for? I think as a new generation youth, I have my own opinion and thinking. I will not be easily influenced and believe the twisted facts. Hail the democracy!!
If you want to win High School Election Click Here!
In my youth organization, the election is repeatedly happening every year, and I dare say I am already numbed with the campaigning activities. However, the past 2 weeks I see something really different in the Chinese Association's election. I felt that the tactics are dirty and it involves telling a lot of lies, and twisted facts.
Chinese Association's election strategy involves using Press Media to attack the different camp's leader. A leader even use black mail tactic to attack the other leader, and wants the rest of the people to think that it is done by somebody else (3 corner fight). To this candidate, I only have 1 comment: cowardice not suitable to become my leader.
Certain people in the organization, has been serving for 40+ years. I think everybody will thank him for devoting so much time and effort in building the organization and contribute to the community. However when he himself tell me about his intention is only to serve and has no personal agenda like the other camp's leader, that makes me think he got personal agenda.
6 more days the election will have a conclusion. Who to vote for? I think as a new generation youth, I have my own opinion and thinking. I will not be easily influenced and believe the twisted facts. Hail the democracy!!
If you want to win High School Election Click Here!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hunger Project
When you order your meal, do you order a lot of foods that you like? Or you just eat enough for your daily routine? While we are having our meals, there are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition.
This story touches my heart when I view it. It was produced in year 2005 for a short film festival in 2006. Though this is an old production, I hope to spread this short touching film to everyone I know.
Chicken A-La-Carte Short film
Again, we are looking into the world poverty issue. Most of us, especially those whom can access Internet are consider lucky, and does not belong to the group who need to survive with left over food.
Click Here! to feed millions of people.
Why food is not affordable to those people? According to The Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa, the food cost for a family per month ranges from US$64 – US$ 120, depending on location.
How can we help?
1. Don’t waste food, order just enough to fill our stomach. When we buy the food that we are not going to finish eating, or just eat little but order a lot, we are somehow encouraging inflation. The inflation of food makes the situation in Africa worst due to rich country can afford to buy those foods.
2. Educate our friends and family about the saving food. Share the above short film with our friends and family. Spread this information, and make more people realized how fortunate we are. Appreciate what we have now.
3. Participate in your local World Vision’s program, such as 30-Hour Famine in Malaysia or similar in your location.
4. Visit the website of those foundations, click on the sponsors ads that is pay per click. The foundation will be able to generate income from this simple generous action.
5. Donate to various foundations to help those who need our help. Contribute even just a small amount will help them survive.
a. The Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa
b. United Nation Foundation
c. World Vision (International)
d. World Vision (Malaysia)
e. The Hunger Site
Lastly, I would like to pay my salute to Ferdinand Dimadura for creating the above marvelous short film to share with us. May all being be well, healthy, and happy without suffer, ill, and pain.
This story touches my heart when I view it. It was produced in year 2005 for a short film festival in 2006. Though this is an old production, I hope to spread this short touching film to everyone I know.
Chicken A-La-Carte Short film
Again, we are looking into the world poverty issue. Most of us, especially those whom can access Internet are consider lucky, and does not belong to the group who need to survive with left over food.
Click Here! to feed millions of people.
Why food is not affordable to those people? According to The Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa, the food cost for a family per month ranges from US$64 – US$ 120, depending on location.
How can we help?
1. Don’t waste food, order just enough to fill our stomach. When we buy the food that we are not going to finish eating, or just eat little but order a lot, we are somehow encouraging inflation. The inflation of food makes the situation in Africa worst due to rich country can afford to buy those foods.
2. Educate our friends and family about the saving food. Share the above short film with our friends and family. Spread this information, and make more people realized how fortunate we are. Appreciate what we have now.
3. Participate in your local World Vision’s program, such as 30-Hour Famine in Malaysia or similar in your location.
4. Visit the website of those foundations, click on the sponsors ads that is pay per click. The foundation will be able to generate income from this simple generous action.
5. Donate to various foundations to help those who need our help. Contribute even just a small amount will help them survive.
a. The Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa
b. United Nation Foundation
c. World Vision (International)
d. World Vision (Malaysia)
e. The Hunger Site
Lastly, I would like to pay my salute to Ferdinand Dimadura for creating the above marvelous short film to share with us. May all being be well, healthy, and happy without suffer, ill, and pain.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Election is coming
My Chinese Clan Association's State level Election and National level's election is coming soon. Both will be in June. For the youth NGO that I belong to, a local election is in August or September and the National Level is in October. In total, this year there are 4 elections for me to go through. Among all, the youth NGO's area Peninsula's Executive Vice President election is the most interesting one. I can foresee another tough fight in this position again in October.
To me, election is time we decide whether the board of directors perform up to their Key Performance Index or not. If they do not perform, it is always up to us to change the leadership. However, the youth NGO that I belongs to has a different system. The system's purpose is to train more young leaders, and hence the president has to change every year. Everyone in the youth NGO, has only 1 lifetime chance to become a president.
Having been served as President in year 2008, I experienced the limelight given as a President. Privilege given as a president of a club is so much so that a normal person will not be able to resist.
As there are people who wants to fight for attention, and there are people who wants to stay to work and benefit the association and the community. I always wanted to ask those who wants to be nominated, are they willing to serve and not ask for return?
To me, election is time we decide whether the board of directors perform up to their Key Performance Index or not. If they do not perform, it is always up to us to change the leadership. However, the youth NGO that I belongs to has a different system. The system's purpose is to train more young leaders, and hence the president has to change every year. Everyone in the youth NGO, has only 1 lifetime chance to become a president.
Having been served as President in year 2008, I experienced the limelight given as a President. Privilege given as a president of a club is so much so that a normal person will not be able to resist.
As there are people who wants to fight for attention, and there are people who wants to stay to work and benefit the association and the community. I always wanted to ask those who wants to be nominated, are they willing to serve and not ask for return?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
ISO for Associations
This association is most probably the first of its kind (Chinese Clan Association) to have awarded the ISO Standard.
However is it necessary? ISO Standard is about setting standard procedure or best practises for procedures in the organization. A well established organization most probably have their own Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
In my opinion, there are a lot of the NGO or Associations out there trying to implement ISO, and I think it is not necessary unless there is totally no system in place.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sense of Belonging
During my secondary school years and college years, whenever we are in societies or clubs activities, we always stressed the important of Sense of Belonging. Why was it so important? It is the natural attraction to keep our members together. It is the reason why our member stay with the societies and the clubs.
Comparing school years and now I am joining NGOs at the "Adult" level, I believed school boys and girls are doing better comparing to the adults. In terms of quality, the school boys and girls are more committed comparing to the adult. In terms of finance, the school boys and girls know how to raise fund. In terms of unity, the school boys and girls know how to work in a team. Whereas the adults are only busy making money into their own pocket only.
When we have functions or events in the NGOs, members are not committed to bring their friends to join. I wonder why is it so? Is it because they have no friends? Is it because they do not want their friends to come? Is it because they do not believe in the cause of the NGO that they join? If they have no friends, it is high time they really sit down and think why they have no friends to join them in the cause they are serving. If they do not want their friends to join, at the first place, why they join? Scarcity will kill your organization. These kind of people are scarcity and do not wish to share benefit with others. If they don't believe in the cause they are serving in their NGO, then why still going back to the organization? If they believe in the cause, why they do not share the cause with others, and influence others to serve the cause as well?
There are this theory about Sense of Belonging that we practised in secondary school level's societies and clubs. Following are what we have to make sure, in order to cultivate the "Sense of Belonging" of a member towards our society or club.
My dear fellow NGOs members... lets work towards a community that is caring, sharing, and loving. There are more resources out there awaiting for us to harvest. Let's not fight each other for what we have, let's work for what we do not have.
Comparing school years and now I am joining NGOs at the "Adult" level, I believed school boys and girls are doing better comparing to the adults. In terms of quality, the school boys and girls are more committed comparing to the adult. In terms of finance, the school boys and girls know how to raise fund. In terms of unity, the school boys and girls know how to work in a team. Whereas the adults are only busy making money into their own pocket only.
When we have functions or events in the NGOs, members are not committed to bring their friends to join. I wonder why is it so? Is it because they have no friends? Is it because they do not want their friends to come? Is it because they do not believe in the cause of the NGO that they join? If they have no friends, it is high time they really sit down and think why they have no friends to join them in the cause they are serving. If they do not want their friends to join, at the first place, why they join? Scarcity will kill your organization. These kind of people are scarcity and do not wish to share benefit with others. If they don't believe in the cause they are serving in their NGO, then why still going back to the organization? If they believe in the cause, why they do not share the cause with others, and influence others to serve the cause as well?
There are this theory about Sense of Belonging that we practised in secondary school level's societies and clubs. Following are what we have to make sure, in order to cultivate the "Sense of Belonging" of a member towards our society or club.
- The members have to feel comfortable when coming to the activities.
- The members have to feel welcomed by the senior.
- The committee have to make sure there is no A,B, and even C team in the organization.
- Always remind the members of the cause that we are serving, know our objectives clearly.
- Among members, we should treat each other as siblings, care for each other.
My dear fellow NGOs members... lets work towards a community that is caring, sharing, and loving. There are more resources out there awaiting for us to harvest. Let's not fight each other for what we have, let's work for what we do not have.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
World Sky Race 2010
; "©Don Hartsell")
Thursday, February 26, 2009
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Jean-Michel Jarre has agreed to become the Artistic Director of the World Sky Race launched in a partnership between the nongovernmental U.S.-based World Air League and UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. ... ... Read more in UNESCO's website
The above news was found when I visit the UNESCO's website. What exactly is the World Sky Race? There is this website about it. The World Sky Race™ is an historic tour and competition of lighter-than-air skyships racing 30,000+ miles. In sixteen back-to-back races that completely span the globe, the winner will be crowned World Sky Champion.The aim of the World Sky Race is to promote environmental protection and the use of lighter-than-air skyships as a means to reduce pollution and pressures caused by transportation.
World Sky Race is definitely something for us to look forward. At the same time, I really hope to ask those Airships Crew, which region's air is the most polluted? :) Let's keep our finger cross that Malaysian's Air Space is clean and clear.
At the same time, if you worry about our Air Pollution Index, you can visit our Department of Environment's (DOE) Website for the daily index. I posted the link in this blog space at the upper right side. Feel free to link to that website.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Common Meeting Problems
For the last 5 years, I've been learning about this Parliamentary Procedure, and wondering how good it can be if my Clan Association can use this procedure in the committee meeting? At least, the meeting will be effective and have conclusion on discussion. Let me tell you what is the common problem in meetings of the clan assiaciations that I've observed.
Meeting in Clan Association is normally long winded. If the agenda has been timed for 2 hours, it normally will takes 4-5 hours in real fact. This is due to a few posibilities here. 1. The chairman doesn't know how to exercise his power and chair the meeting effectively. 2. Those who attend the meeting simply doesn't know how to respect the chairman and keep talking to their friends. 3. Everybody wants to express their opinion and keep on discussing on matter, and when it comes to making decision it will be dragged on. I have come across a meeting that when it comes to vote for decision, the committees still want to discuss the matter and laid the matter on table.
Let's look at the issue where the chairman doesn't know how to exercise his power. This is a very common issue of meeting. It happens because the chairman doesn't know how to chair meeting or the chairman is too diplomatic and want to be Mr. Nice guy in meeting. As a chairman, the role is to control the meeting so that it is in order, to allow matters to be discussed and decisions to be made. Chairman should always make sure discussion is according to the point of order. When needed, Chairman can stop someone from talking, and put the matter to vote. Chairman can even ask someone to leave the meeting if that person does not behave himself.
Meetings in clan assiociation normally is old friend gatherings. What do I mean here is that, sometimes, we have not seen each other for quite sometimes, and when we have chance to see each other in meeting, we will start catching up. When the talking started, it is always difficult to stop due to the fact that everybody is so excited. This happened in the middle of meeting as well, especially when the discussion is boring and not related to that person's interest and portfolio. When a person started to feel bored, that person will initiate conversation with neighbours. That is when the meeting turns to be noisy. And when come to voting, those who were in their private conversation will feel left out and doesn't know how to make decision.
Not only the chairman need to know his role well, but the committee themselves knowing their own role also very important. As when the discussion goes on, normally it tends to have a few very vocal members who will keep on expressing their opinions on every matter. Sometimes, I really felt that they are attention seeker, and the association is a platform for them to express themselves. To be fair to everyone who spend their time serving the cause of the association, this should be prevented. Expressing their opinions should be only in tea time, or we called in "yum cha" in cantonese, after the meeting or before the meeting but not during the meeting. Sometimes, the opinions are repeated over and over again by different people in different ways.
Today, I went to association and I got a very good news. The Chinese Version of Parliamentary Procedure written by a Commisioner of Oath working in association is out. All the committees in the organization has got a copy of the book. I really hope that everybody will read through the book carefully, and learn the essence of the Parliamentary Procedures. When the meeting is not boring, when meeting is not about wasting time, more and more youth will be joining.
Meeting in Clan Association is normally long winded. If the agenda has been timed for 2 hours, it normally will takes 4-5 hours in real fact. This is due to a few posibilities here. 1. The chairman doesn't know how to exercise his power and chair the meeting effectively. 2. Those who attend the meeting simply doesn't know how to respect the chairman and keep talking to their friends. 3. Everybody wants to express their opinion and keep on discussing on matter, and when it comes to making decision it will be dragged on. I have come across a meeting that when it comes to vote for decision, the committees still want to discuss the matter and laid the matter on table.
Let's look at the issue where the chairman doesn't know how to exercise his power. This is a very common issue of meeting. It happens because the chairman doesn't know how to chair meeting or the chairman is too diplomatic and want to be Mr. Nice guy in meeting. As a chairman, the role is to control the meeting so that it is in order, to allow matters to be discussed and decisions to be made. Chairman should always make sure discussion is according to the point of order. When needed, Chairman can stop someone from talking, and put the matter to vote. Chairman can even ask someone to leave the meeting if that person does not behave himself.
Meetings in clan assiociation normally is old friend gatherings. What do I mean here is that, sometimes, we have not seen each other for quite sometimes, and when we have chance to see each other in meeting, we will start catching up. When the talking started, it is always difficult to stop due to the fact that everybody is so excited. This happened in the middle of meeting as well, especially when the discussion is boring and not related to that person's interest and portfolio. When a person started to feel bored, that person will initiate conversation with neighbours. That is when the meeting turns to be noisy. And when come to voting, those who were in their private conversation will feel left out and doesn't know how to make decision.
Not only the chairman need to know his role well, but the committee themselves knowing their own role also very important. As when the discussion goes on, normally it tends to have a few very vocal members who will keep on expressing their opinions on every matter. Sometimes, I really felt that they are attention seeker, and the association is a platform for them to express themselves. To be fair to everyone who spend their time serving the cause of the association, this should be prevented. Expressing their opinions should be only in tea time, or we called in "yum cha" in cantonese, after the meeting or before the meeting but not during the meeting. Sometimes, the opinions are repeated over and over again by different people in different ways.
Today, I went to association and I got a very good news. The Chinese Version of Parliamentary Procedure written by a Commisioner of Oath working in association is out. All the committees in the organization has got a copy of the book. I really hope that everybody will read through the book carefully, and learn the essence of the Parliamentary Procedures. When the meeting is not boring, when meeting is not about wasting time, more and more youth will be joining.
NGO's Website
Website is a tool for organization to communicate with public. It is a type of media that the organization is paying for conveying messages to the public. And I dare say website is getting more important in our daily nowadays. If you still haven't notice Internet Media has become another tool for politician to influence the surfers for their supports. A very good example is last year's election, Internet has played a great role in it.
Today, I'm not going to talk about Politic Parties Website or Politician's blogs. Instead I would like to point out how you can make your organization's website more powerful and influence more people to join in your organization.
First key, is keep your website up to date. As the technology keep changing and and more advanced, we even can receive notice about updates and changes of content in our website. Ask yourself, do you like to visit a website that is always the same for months? For example, a very good example the Malaysia's UNDP website, last update was January of 2009. When I see this website static and has no update, my first thought is, "ALAMAK" is this organization really exist? Then I will think, are those people inside there really working on the cause they are serving? To make sure you can have your reader, supporter and surfer keep coming back to your website, make sure you update your website frequently.
A website will not be attractive without a good layout design. Don't you agree that we all like to see beautiful things? A colorful page, compare with a very dull and square pages, I doubt the latter will have any visitors keep coming back for more except if it is very informative and useful website to certain specific group of people. And those website are not for drawing public's attention. Do not concern about saving money for design, value for money is the key. If you are only willing to pay student price, get student to design. I am sure student can also deliver good job on the design.
Other than layout design, if you have multi-lingual website, you have to make sure you standardize your design. A standardized website tells me that I am in the same website, only different language. For example, one of the NGO's that I'm involved in has a website. First of all, the webiste's has got English and Chinese version. However, it doesn't really is a good Internationalized website. The Chinese version and the English version has different design, and my first impression on surfing through is that, am I still in the same website or not?
Lastly, and also most importantly, is what is your website's objective? A clearly defined objective will make sure your website has the right structure, and deliver the message you want to convey to the public. For example, Air Asia's website is to sell ticket online, they make it clear cut that buying online is easy and safe. On the other hand, another Airline's website was originally for "schedule checking only". I tried on that Airline (International Awards Winner Airline), and I realized I have to provide exactly the flight's date to find the availability and price of tickets. I felt so inconvenient, and seems very difficult. How would I know the time and flight number as well as the date of the flight? I would have been the ticketing agent if I know that. Knowing what you want to do with your website, is the most important thing you want to do. Please don't setup a website because it is an "In" thing to have for your organization.
Getting a good and effective website done doesn't really need to invest a lot and put a hole in your pocket. It is a matter of what kind of message you want to convey, and how you want to convey it. If you own a website, it is time for you to review whether it serves its purpose or not. Else, it is time for you to revisit the above's points.
Today, I'm not going to talk about Politic Parties Website or Politician's blogs. Instead I would like to point out how you can make your organization's website more powerful and influence more people to join in your organization.
First key, is keep your website up to date. As the technology keep changing and and more advanced, we even can receive notice about updates and changes of content in our website. Ask yourself, do you like to visit a website that is always the same for months? For example, a very good example the Malaysia's UNDP website, last update was January of 2009. When I see this website static and has no update, my first thought is, "ALAMAK" is this organization really exist? Then I will think, are those people inside there really working on the cause they are serving? To make sure you can have your reader, supporter and surfer keep coming back to your website, make sure you update your website frequently.
A website will not be attractive without a good layout design. Don't you agree that we all like to see beautiful things? A colorful page, compare with a very dull and square pages, I doubt the latter will have any visitors keep coming back for more except if it is very informative and useful website to certain specific group of people. And those website are not for drawing public's attention. Do not concern about saving money for design, value for money is the key. If you are only willing to pay student price, get student to design. I am sure student can also deliver good job on the design.
Other than layout design, if you have multi-lingual website, you have to make sure you standardize your design. A standardized website tells me that I am in the same website, only different language. For example, one of the NGO's that I'm involved in has a website. First of all, the webiste's has got English and Chinese version. However, it doesn't really is a good Internationalized website. The Chinese version and the English version has different design, and my first impression on surfing through is that, am I still in the same website or not?
Lastly, and also most importantly, is what is your website's objective? A clearly defined objective will make sure your website has the right structure, and deliver the message you want to convey to the public. For example, Air Asia's website is to sell ticket online, they make it clear cut that buying online is easy and safe. On the other hand, another Airline's website was originally for "schedule checking only". I tried on that Airline (International Awards Winner Airline), and I realized I have to provide exactly the flight's date to find the availability and price of tickets. I felt so inconvenient, and seems very difficult. How would I know the time and flight number as well as the date of the flight? I would have been the ticketing agent if I know that. Knowing what you want to do with your website, is the most important thing you want to do. Please don't setup a website because it is an "In" thing to have for your organization.
Getting a good and effective website done doesn't really need to invest a lot and put a hole in your pocket. It is a matter of what kind of message you want to convey, and how you want to convey it. If you own a website, it is time for you to review whether it serves its purpose or not. Else, it is time for you to revisit the above's points.
Monday, March 9, 2009
World Climate Change...
Dear Friends,
Greetings! Lately there are a lot of natural disasters that are worrying. Examples are the New Orleans Katrina, and floods in our very own KL City, which causes you and me stuck in the jam for hours.
If you are concern about the above, would you mind to take about 5 minutes of your tea time to do the following survey. This survey is conducted by Junior Chamber International, and the result of the survey will be submitted to United Nations.Please follow this URL to do the survey before April 3rd 2009. http://www.jci. cc/survey. php?u=3&lg= 1 For the details of the survey, please read the following email. Together, let's make a change to the world.
To change the world, let us start to change ourselves. Recycle and Energy saving start from home!!!
Regards,
Leong Seng Tat
Greetings! Lately there are a lot of natural disasters that are worrying. Examples are the New Orleans Katrina, and floods in our very own KL City, which causes you and me stuck in the jam for hours.
If you are concern about the above, would you mind to take about 5 minutes of your tea time to do the following survey. This survey is conducted by Junior Chamber International, and the result of the survey will be submitted to United Nations.Please follow this URL to do the survey before April 3rd 2009. http://www.jci. cc/survey. php?u=3&lg= 1 For the details of the survey, please read the following email. Together, let's make a change to the world.
To change the world, let us start to change ourselves. Recycle and Energy saving start from home!!!
Regards,
Leong Seng Tat
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
