Chapter 4: How can we work together for the good of society

• Definition of individuals Addressing the needs of society

  Effort focuses on improving the well-being of different groups of people by responding to the issues and challenges they face

  Contributing time, effort and money in meaningful social causes they are passionate and concerned about.
• Examples of individuals addressing the needs of society

  Individuals volunteering to teach seniors some IT skills and tutor students from low-income families.

  Individuals playing a small part in keeping neighbourhoods clean by picking litter
• Definition of community groups Addressing the needs of society


  Effort focuses on improving the well-being of different groups of people by responding to the issues and challenges they face

  By organising formal community groups - address specific needs in society

  Informal community groups - address specific needs that arise
• Examples of community groups addressing the needs of society

  formal community groups - RSVP Singapore (social service agency) actively engages senior citizens in volunteerism. Believes that seniors play a vital role in society and seeks to provide them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to community

  Informal community groups - SG Haze Rescue was formed during the haze crisis in June 2013. They gathered citizens together to contribute excess masks that they had to share with those in need in their neighbourhoods
• Examples of the government addressing the needs of society

  National council of social service develop resources to help community groups so that they are more equipped to provide assistance to those in need

  The comcare long term assistance provides financial assistance to Singaporeans who are unable to work due to old age, illness or unfavourable family circumstances or have no means of stable income
• Examples of individuals influencing decision making in public affairs

  REACH (Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home) the Singapore's government's e-engagement platform that allows individuals to give feedback and suggestions on government policies

  Citizens also participated in the Ministry of Health's Citizen's Jury to develop community- based and community-driven recommendations to combat problems of diabetes
• Description of community groups influencing decision making in public affairs

  community groups can direct attention and resources to areas that are overlooked or neglected by the government
• Examples of community groups influencing decision making in public affairs

  HOME (Humanitarian Organisation for Migrant Economics) works for the well-being of migrant workers in Singapore. Provide support for these workers by empowering them and aiding them in seeking justice from the unfair treatment. Raises awareness of the various issues surrounding migrant workers. Due to the feedback and discussion with government agencies, the government implemented day off a week for foreign domestic workers.
• Description of government influencing decision making in public affairs


  By providing citizens with equal and fair opportunities to participate in decision-making and influence public policy
• examples of the government influencing decision making in public affairs

  In 2016, MOH launched a nationwide effort, the War on Diabetes, to help Singaporeans prevent and manage diabetes. MOH organised a Citizen's Jury to seek recommendations from the community to combat this problem
• Description of individuals strengthening citizen's sense of belonging

  individuals can play an active role from the ground up such as actively volunteering in community groups that help to strengthen the sense of belonging
• Description of community groups strengthening of citizen's sense of belonging

  Community groups can play an active role in preserving memories

  and helping to build a sense of belonging in citizens.
• What initiative did citizens volunteer under to help Dakota Crescent residents?

  Between Two Homes initiative
• What was the purpose of the Cassia Resettlement Team (CRT)?


  To help residents overcome the challenges of their relocation from Dakota Crescent to Cassia Crescent
• What activities did the Cassia Resettlement Team (CRT) engage in to support residents?

  • Weekly house visits
  • Potluck parties for the residents
• In what year did the government announce the redevelopment of Dakota Crescent?

  2014
• What was the broader context of the Dakota Crescent redevelopment announcement?

  It was part of renewal plans for older public housing estates
• How did the involvement of citizens in the Between Two Homes initiative contribute to the community?

  It helped document residents' stories and strengthen their sense of belonging
• Examples of community groups strengthening citizen's sense of belonging

  A community group, Between Two Homes, was formed in 2016 to bring the community together to preserve memories of Dakota Crescent and provide assistance to those affected by the relocation. They produced a multimedia website to document the rich heritage and community of Dakota Crescent and showed the impact of the relocation on the residents. It also conducted educational workshops in schools to discuss how plans for redevelopment and relocation can be improved.
• Description of the government strengthening citizen's sense of belonging

  The government also creates many opportunities, structures, and

  resources for citizens to strengthen their sense of belonging to the

  country.
• Examples of the government strengthening citizen's sense of belonging

  Our Singapore Fund supports ground-up projects that build the national identity or meet social and community needs. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth has disbursed $4.3 million to support ground-up projects involving over 9,000 partners and volunteers. Between Two Homes was a project that received funding. They supported the project in preserving the memories and aid residents of Dakota Crescent.