Grassroot leader benefits

[Runforyourlife]

"YOU ARE PLAYING WITH YOUR ARSE!!"

 

Sorry boss, MP spoke to me liao. Sorry sorry my fault.

[Count-Bracula]

 

next time show him middle finger    

ehhh cannot cannot . . . later he poh mata how?

"WHY YOU CENTREPOINT ME??!!"

WHY! not happy? You want hollan lut?

[The_Bear]

what grassroot leaders? I am neither grass or root

[1fast1]

what grassroot leaders? I am neither grass or root

 

Not much grass in polar regions. Ask your black or brown cousins.

[Adrianli]

I want to be a grassroot leader.   Where to sign up?

 

 

Can choose where and when to volunteer?

 

 

Dont need any benefits, just wana look see look see.

[Datsun366]

Not much grass in polar regions. Ask your black or brown cousins.

This is the Bear family grass root leader champion.

 

All black and white.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Datsun366

[Darryn]

I want to be a grassroot leader. Where to sign up?

 

 

Can choose where and when to volunteer?

 

 

Dont need any benefits, just wana look see look see.

Serious answer to joke...

Can only volunteer in own electorate and can go as observer before joining

[Mazda2gal]

In my course of work, I have to work with a CC and grassroots in that area for some events. Always wonder why these grassroots so willingly devote their time to do all those work. Now I know they get so much benefits, although they are called 'volunteers', which is an absolute insult to the concept of 'volunteerism'. Should remove all those benefits, because they taint the true meaning of 'volunteerism'. If these 'volunteers' choose to give up because there is no more benefits, so be it, then maybe the real volunteers will stay or appear.  

 

Anyway working with these people is always blood vomiting, their planning and coordination very sub-standard, they seem to think that mess is ok and shows that they are flexible when they try to solve problems on the spot. And it seems any kid can be 'constituency manager', no credential nor ability is needed. No respect for these people.

 

I heard that grassroots leaders get tickets to NDP every year, which to me is totally unfair, not that I want the tickets, but so many true blue singaporeans never get the tickets year after year, because they not lucky in the ballot, nor have any connections. If they are really working for the community, they should not hog the chances to watch NDP year after year, give it to other Singaporeans!

 

One interesting observation I had, these people seem to idolize and worship their MP. I wonder why. MP is just a person elected by the people to represent them, not as if she bestow them anything.

[Heartlander]

I feel I have to correct some of the bias views mentioned here. Please see my views in blue:

 

In my course of work, I have to work with a CC and grassroots in that area for some events. Always wonder why these grassroots so willingly devote their time to do all those work. Now I know they get so much benefits, although they are called 'volunteers', which is an absolute insult to the concept of 'volunteerism'. Should remove all those benefits, because they taint the true meaning of 'volunteerism'. If these 'volunteers' choose to give up because there is no more benefits, so be it, then maybe the real volunteers will stay or appear.  

 

I have also always felt they should not be termed "volunteers" since they receive some benefits in return. But having said that, these "benefits" should not belittle the efforts/sacrifices the people have to put in to carry out their duties. Of course there are some who abuse the system, same as in any organisations, but there are those who are committed and willing to chip in despite the demands from their families and work. I see the benefits as minor compensations for the effort to be put in, as else how to attract people to come in to contribute? You really believe people will work for free because of ideals and passion? Just ask yourself if you are willing to sacrifice rest time and family time a few evenings a month for the benefits? Is it worth it at all?

 

Anyway working with these people is always blood vomiting, their planning and coordination very sub-standard, they seem to think that mess is ok and shows that they are flexible when they try to solve problems on the spot. And it seems any kid can be 'constituency manager', no credential nor ability is needed. No respect for these people.

 

I think you are referring to the CC staff, and not grassroot leaders in this case. From my understanding, anybody with recognized degree can apply to be 'constituency manager'. It is really up to the skills of the manager to manage both the grassroot leaders and vendors well to make things happen. Some constituencies would be choke-ful of activities while some would be just bare minimal. There are some underlying factors beside the ability of the manager such as demographic representation of the place, any lack of volunteers, etc. Perhaps you have been unlucky to work with green horns, but not proper to generalize everybody as such. And if you think you can do a better job because you are a professional in that field, why not volunteer your services. You could get to enjoy the benefits while contributing back to society.

 

I heard that grassroots leaders get tickets to NDP every year, which to me is totally unfair, not that I want the tickets, but so many true blue singaporeans never get the tickets year after year, because they not lucky in the ballot, nor have any connections. If they are really working for the community, they should not hog the chances to watch NDP year after year, give it to other Singaporeans!

 

This is abit touchy. The number of tickets from what I know is very limited, and supposed to be shared among the RCs/NCs. Of course I know of some who chop the tickets for  their friend/families but generally it is shared among the volunteers on rotational basis. You can be jealous, but would you volunteer yourself as grassroot leaders to put in the sacrifices just to have the tickets to NDP rehearsals every few years? Like that also 看不开?

 

One interesting observation I had, these people seem to idolize and worship their MP. I wonder why. MP is just a person elected by the people to represent them, not as if she bestow them anything.

 

This is more for the older generation lah. The mindset is that the MPs are the local governors so they accord them the respect. Also it could be that they benefitted from the assistance by their MPs before, so they are full of respect for them. Do understand that grassroot leaders play an important role to get support from their people to elect the MP, so naturally they will feel the bond especially if they went through a tough fight along the way. To me, I respect those that are deserving. But I would understand that you will not warm to the MP especially if you have not voted for him/her during the last GE!

 

One of the major perks of joining RC/NC, imo, is to be able to know firsthand the status of your neighborhood. During the monthly meeting, you will get to know what is happening in your precinct - where got burglary, accidents, dengue hotzones, where to build what, where got complain, etc. You also get to influence the development around your neighborhood to a certain extent by your inputs. But sad to say, a lot of people can only fixate on the "benefits" and not looking at the big picture. To me, the benefits are just too minor to be considered attractive. Now already laid bare the myth of free parking is not true, those living my estate are rich people (exclude my family of course) and would not need any of these benefits at all. So if you ever think of volunteering your services, please do not hesitate to approach your local RC/NC to try out for a few years to check out the demands to make your neighborhood a better place.

[Runforyourlife]

I disagree with 'you think one really volunteer just for passion'?

 

Yes. Why not? Those volunteers at stand chart marathon get a meal and transport allowance. Those whom volunteer at NGOs get just a meal.

 

Thus I stopped reading the wot. If you are not into serving, don't. Don't point your finger at others and 'eeyer they also like that what. Everyone is like that'.

 

That's e main problem. Ppl go in to rub shoulder with mp and try to get every possible benefit out of their time there. I disagree with simi weekend evening sacrifice, no one point a gun at your head to be in e community. If you want to help, go ahead. Don't turn back and say what sacrifice. There's no sacrifice, you volunteer so go do what you volunteered yourself for!

 

Absurd!

[1fast1]

This is the Bear family grass root leader champion.

 

All black and white.

Bamboo is a grass. Black and white can only be grassroot eaters. Only pure white can be grassroot leaders.

[Weez911]

Some of the partners in the big law and accountancy firms are in the grassroots. I ask one of the partners why, and he said something that made sense, at least from his perspective.

 

And no, that has nothing to do with P1 registration, or free parking.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Weez911

[BenTong]

I disagree with 'you think one really volunteer just for passion'?

 

Yes. Why not? Those volunteers at stand chart marathon get a meal and transport allowance. Those whom volunteer at NGOs get just a meal.

 

Thus I stopped reading the wot. If you are not into serving, don't. Don't point your finger at others and 'eeyer they also like that what. Everyone is like that'.

 

That's e main problem. Ppl go in to rub shoulder with mp and try to get every possible benefit out of their time there. I disagree with simi weekend evening sacrifice, no one point a gun at your head to be in e community. If you want to help, go ahead. Don't turn back and say what sacrifice. There's no sacrifice, you volunteer so go do what you volunteered yourself for!

 

Absurd!

Good point. Maybe I should get that fellow to volunteer sweep his block clean. Everyday. Talk nonsense this chap

[Loki]

I used to have a colleague who was a grassroot leader.  At work, lazy like F***, everything siam.  During office hours, in the office car park washing his car etc.  Always leave on time or early because got to attend to grassroots business.  That is my only interaction with a grassroot leader and I was not impressed.

[Yewheng]

But they have to do something to get it la. Not exactly free. Alot of these people who can get all these benefits have to spend many hours volunteering also. Plus those events usually organized on weekends.

The problem is not about free food, free parking. It's more about their real intention. Are they really out there to help out for the public or only out for themselves. So I hope RC leaders or Mps etc to go deep and get rid of those rotten apples.

 

Those that thought they do a very good job and can show face infront of their MP by reserving parking lot should be the one that get warning from their MP 1st. Lecture them not to do that, if they do other stuff beside reserve parking lot to just please the MPs, they should be kicked out of the community and make it very clear that they do not want people join just for their own benefit only.

 

Sometimes a little argument is good, as got argue means they have things to share and want to make things better. Not those yes sir type. Those are the one that need to be very careful.

Edited February 13, 2016 by Yewheng

[Count-Bracula]

20 years ago, took part in RC organized tour around Singapore, visits to places like mushroom farm, otar factory, nonya kuih shop and stop over at chicken rice stall for lunch. At every destination, the grassroot auntie and hubby always behave suspiciously strange. Secretly followed them and found out at every stops, they get 'rewarded' by the shop/factory owners. Bag of mushrooms, box of nonya kuih, packet of otar, eat chicken rice for free. At end of trip, nudged the unker (auntie grassroot husband) "ehhhhh.. not bad hur?? Nodding at his big haversack.

 

Unker stammered "ahh ahh ahh ....."

 

I told him "ahh simi? How to join RC?"

[Credor]

Heard they also have priority in getting new flat. true? 

[Heartlander]

I disagree with 'you think one really volunteer just for passion'?

 

Yes. Why not? Those volunteers at stand chart marathon get a meal and transport allowance. Those whom volunteer at NGOs get just a meal.

 

Thus I stopped reading the wot. If you are not into serving, don't. Don't point your finger at others and 'eeyer they also like that what. Everyone is like that'.

 

That's e main problem. Ppl go in to rub shoulder with mp and try to get every possible benefit out of their time there. I disagree with simi weekend evening sacrifice, no one point a gun at your head to be in e community. If you want to help, go ahead. Don't turn back and say what sacrifice. There's no sacrifice, you volunteer so go do what you volunteered yourself for!

 

Absurd!

Alot of people have this very purist view of volunteering that should not come with any benefits, but reality is that even with all these "benefits", there is still shortage of grassroot volunteers. If you take away the benefits, many RCs/NCs would have folded. How to manage without volunteers, that is the sad reality.

 

There are certainly merits in holding social activities within any communities as they promote bonding and sense of belonging and helping out the under-privileged, so the shows must go on.

 

And btw I am not being hostile, hope I had not offended anyone.

Edited February 13, 2016 by Heartlander