Chen: In America, I came across a 90-year-old volunteer
"I even met with a 90-year-old volunteer in the United States," Beijing
Language University Youth League Committee chief Chen Xia said. She just
finished the Beijing volunteer service and management training. When she talks
about her 35-day visit to America, Chen seems to pour out everything she has
heard and seen overseas.
"In Washington, I was allocated to an organization called 'Shepherd's Table'
which provides aid for the homeless, the mentally ill, or drug addicted adults.
"Everyday we provided free dinner for nearly 200 homeless. Every week there
was a clothing donation ceremony, a free ophthalmic treatment, and there was a
legal consultant that made regular visits," said Chen. "
There were also shower and laundry facilities for the homeless. There were a
total of 400 volunteers, and 70 more joined each month, Chen added.
"I worked with other volunteers in the kitchen from 3 pm to 8 pm, chopping
food, making pizza, and preparing dessert with my colleagues who were middle
school and college students, office clerks and seniors," she said.
To Chen's surprise, seniors comprise the main part of America's volunteer
workforce. "A 90 year-old senior I met moved me a lot. She has worked as a
volunteer for 56 years, two days a week, six hours a day at Shepherd's Table.
Her nickname is 'Volunteer Star'," said Chen.
She said 70 percent of Shepherd's Table volunteers are retired people who
appear to really enjoy working for society. Serving as a volunteer is part of
American life, one of their life philosophies is paying back society, not only
individuals, but also whole families may be devoted to volunteer work.
"Such beliefs have really inspired me," Chen said. "Seniors, who are skilled
and have an abundance of life experience can be a good model for our youth."
"I am honored to be a volunteer for the women Softball Worlds"; Li Jiamao
Li Jiamao has worked as a physical education teacher for 11 years. Now he
teaches a PE course at Beijing Fengtai Experimental School and in his spare time
he is a track and field referee. He this summer turns to be a volunteer at the
Softball Worlds.
Different from other volunteers, 37-year-old Li has been recurited from the
community near the Fengtai softball center.
"I am so excited," Li said. "It is the first time for me to attend an
international tournament. I have played baseball before and know the game. That
contributed to my successful application."
Young students make up the majority of volunteers in China, Li said, and
because of China's situation, many university-age students were raised as single
children and don't know how to cooperate with others. They have a desire to
serve but little experience.
"I am afraid they would not be qualified to deal with emergency situations,"
said Li. "In contrast a more mature group, for instance, teachers, who have
regularly received training, would likely be more adaptable."
The report was conducted over three months, and covered 2024 samples. The
effective samples numbered 2015, covering an age range from 18 to 60. The
research showed that there are an uneven proportion of young volunteers for the
2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Volunteers from 18 to 35 comprise 90.62 percent of
the total. Those over 36 only take up ten percent.
One reason for this may be the low rate of Internet use among seniors.
Another reason for the low number of senior volunteers is that many seniors may
not be willing to reveal their wish to be volunteers as many think it is an
activity for the young. This presents a challenge to organizers on how to
include more seniors in the volunteer activities.
The survey also found that 21.88 percent of potential university volunteers
had a lot of energy, but little experience. A representative of the disabled
suggested finding more mature volunteers who would be more capable of handling
emergency situations and would make better guides. The report also suggested
that comprehensive ability be examined along with education levels.
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