Got the urge to contribute to society but don't know where to start? Find out how to transform yourself and become an "active citizen" at the Good Society Expo (GSE) where more than 80 social purpose organisations including Central Pattana and the Stock Exchange of Thailand partner up to help alleviating five key social problems in Thailand: education, corruption, people with limited capacity and the ageing society, environment and health. The GSE will be held for the first time from today to Sunday at CentralWorld and Ratchaprasong Shopping District.
The Khonthai Monitor Research showed that most of Thais are willing to help society, but lack ideas. The finding from Thailand Development Research Institute Foundation (TDRI) supports the statement by pointing out that Thais donate an average of 70 billion baht a year to charitable causes. As social issues have worsened recently, collaborations with the public have become crucial.
"Limited Education And Disparity" will be the key message from the education pavilion, with life skills and access to qualified education seen as the main solution. The anti-corruption pavilion will be seeking volunteers to act as independent observers for the government's Integrity Pact Project. "Social Inclusion" will be the theme for the limited capacity and ageing society presentation. Meanwhile, the environmental pavilion has "Only You Who Can Change The World" as its key message, highlighting the late King Bhumibol's philosophy on environmental sustainability. The last pavilion aims to raise awareness that good health can be created at home through behavioural changes.
The GSE focuses on connecting partners to optimise their social impact as well as developing active citizens to create a positive influence on society. According to Vichien Phongsathorn, chairman of Khonthai Foundation, the intermediary organisations and their networks will show how individuals can contribute to solving social problems. The GSE impact will be measured based on the resources received including human capital (individual and corporate volunteers as well as pro bono), financial capital, and participants' commitment to working after the event.
The "Good Society Expo" will be officially launched today, from 10.30am to noon, at Central Court, CentralWorld.
-- Nillapat Sanchaichana
Visit www.goodsocietyexpo.com for registration.
Good Society Expo is an offshoot of the 'Sharing Street' where over 200 organisations turned the Ratchaprasong area into a charitable event. photos courtesy of Premier Group of Companies
