Chapter 3: Working for the Good of Society
Contributing to Society
Influencing Govt Decisions
Individuals
Organised Groups
Informal Groups
Volunteering time to animals, needy, low income families, elderly etc
Eg. 'A Litter at a Time' FB page: influencing citizens to also pick up littler and benefit from the clean environment; past litterbugs also feel influenced and guilty and hence want to turn over a new leaf
Either VWOs (Voluntary Welfare Organisation) or NGOs
VWO: MINDS, help intellectually disabled / impaired people gain their footing and reintegrate into society
NGO: Mercy Relief, help Asian countries facing humanitarian crisis, sending aid over to help situation
Less organised, temporary groups that may disperse after addressing issues
Eg. SG Haze Rescue, started by Mr Jeremy Chua, distributed extra masks to residents to aid in combat against poor haze situation
Contributing to Society
Governments
Providing Goods and Services
Ensuring Justice
Safeguarding Interests of Citizens
Maintaining Internal Order and Security
Eg. Singapore Armed Forces, deter aggression and protect SG national interests and sovereignty
Eg. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, maintain bilateral diplomatic ties with other countries, ASEAN
Eg. Ministry of Hone Affiars, manage laws within SG, lower crime rate in country
Eg. WorkRIght intitiative, to protect workers' rights, preventing exploitation
Eg. Providing NEWater, so that SG always has a weather-resilient water supply
Eg. Public Transport System, making travel across nation more convenient
Eg. PPOs given out by Family Justice Courts
Eg. CPF account, helping citizens get through retirement with enough savings
Individuals
Organised Groups
Eg. 'Our Singapore Conversation', discussing dreams and hopes for future and allows for feedback on the policies
Eg. Singapore Environmental Council's ENVision exercise to understand citizens' values regarding their environment
Eg. VWO: MINDS, help intellectually disabled / impaired people gain their footing and reintegrate into society
Eg. TWC2, fighting for foreign workers rights, behind initiative for domestic workers to have weekly mandatory leave
Eg. REACH, feedback on policies, govt understands citizens' views