Webpage to encourage NGO workers, volunteers

By Jin Zhu

China NGO Viewpoints, a webpage where NGO staff and volunteers can share their experiences on the job, was recently launched to support industry workers.

Many young people are working for NGOs, especially in China, where the industry has boomed in recent years, and peer support is important, said Kay Zhang, Viewpoints’ editor.

“We needed a platform to share stories and encourage each other to continue working in NGOs. There is no shining example for anything; working in charity has peaks and troughs,” said Zhang, mmunications manager at Care for Children, an international charity group.

As the first writer on Viewpoints, Zhang talked about her experiences working with Dare to Care, a donation program for hotel guests introduced in Shangri-La hotels throughout the Asia Pacific. Her sharing generated more offer of help.

“During the first week after Zhang’s story s published, we received seven responses from various hotels asking how they can get involved in the program,” said Danny Levinson, chief operating officer of ChinaCSR.com, which hosts Viewpoints.

ChinaCSR.com is the first China-based online publication devoted to providing news and information to help companies discover and implement new corporate social responsibility trends.

“In China, many companies do not have a clear or maure understanding of NGO work. They always wonder whether their donations are been used honestly. The platform aims to develop a closer relationship between companies and NGOs,” Levinson said.

Viewpoints – through itsstories – also hopes to help NGOs attract more skilled volunteers.

Instead of discussing controversial topics, the platform wants to feature inspiring and thought-provoking stories. The articles are updated weekly and contributions in English or Chinese are welcome, as well as pictures. The editors are looking for 200- to 500-word pieces with a short introduction of the featured NGO and website links.

For contributions or questions, email cfc.Kay.zhang@gmail.com or visit the website:
chinacsr.com/en/category/china-ngo-viewpoints/.