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[TD]Coffeeshop Chit Chat - Are RCs serving their own ?
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[TD="class: msgFname, width: 68%"] rodliao (sgbuster) <NOBR></NOBR>
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[TD="class: msgDate, width: 30%, align: right"]Dec-21 7:19 pm
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Grassroots leaders should go beyond PA requirements
From Tan Teck Lee
04:46 AM Dec 22, 2012
I have been living in my constituency for the past 18 years and after sensing a lack of ground engagement by my Residents' Committee (RC) in recent years, I attended three of its meetings as an observer.
My observations led me to conclude that it may be time to review the management and operation of RCs. When I shared these with the committee, its members gave a robust defence.
For instance, the reason given for doing publicity only via posters for the activities discussed was that interested residents can browse the notice boards themselves. The posters were put up just days before the activities because members were busy.
On the point that no non-committee residents attended some of the interest group activities, I was told that interest groups can be formed by as few as eight persons.
And while only a few residents attended the block and zone party, it is not against any People's Association (PA) requirements even if only committee members attend the activities, as they are also residents.
The committee members had also stressed on the quantity of activities, rather than the quality, because the RC's performance and government grant given depends on the number of activities organised.
My suggestion of having a party targeting 300 residents was rejected, as the committee was not confident of bringing residents together for such a large-scale activity.
Sadly, I also observed the members debating over who should enjoy committee benefits, such as the National Day Parade Appreciation Dinner.
I expect RC members to give joyfully, without thought of gain. Grassroots leaders should lead by example, look for results, be open to new ideas and go beyond meeting the PA's minimum requirements.
Only by engaging with residents can they promote neighbourliness, harmony and cohesion. It is not otherwise fair to utilise government grants for the benefit of a few residents.
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[TD]Coffeeshop Chit Chat - Are RCs serving their own ?
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[TD="class: msgFname, width: 68%"] rodliao (sgbuster) <NOBR></NOBR>
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[TD="class: msgDate, width: 30%, align: right"]Dec-21 7:19 pm
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Grassroots leaders should go beyond PA requirements
From Tan Teck Lee
04:46 AM Dec 22, 2012
I have been living in my constituency for the past 18 years and after sensing a lack of ground engagement by my Residents' Committee (RC) in recent years, I attended three of its meetings as an observer.
My observations led me to conclude that it may be time to review the management and operation of RCs. When I shared these with the committee, its members gave a robust defence.
For instance, the reason given for doing publicity only via posters for the activities discussed was that interested residents can browse the notice boards themselves. The posters were put up just days before the activities because members were busy.
On the point that no non-committee residents attended some of the interest group activities, I was told that interest groups can be formed by as few as eight persons.
And while only a few residents attended the block and zone party, it is not against any People's Association (PA) requirements even if only committee members attend the activities, as they are also residents.
The committee members had also stressed on the quantity of activities, rather than the quality, because the RC's performance and government grant given depends on the number of activities organised.
My suggestion of having a party targeting 300 residents was rejected, as the committee was not confident of bringing residents together for such a large-scale activity.
Sadly, I also observed the members debating over who should enjoy committee benefits, such as the National Day Parade Appreciation Dinner.
I expect RC members to give joyfully, without thought of gain. Grassroots leaders should lead by example, look for results, be open to new ideas and go beyond meeting the PA's minimum requirements.
Only by engaging with residents can they promote neighbourliness, harmony and cohesion. It is not otherwise fair to utilise government grants for the benefit of a few residents.
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