Discovering the Power of Collective Action: A Journey from Volunteering to Environmental Advocacy

Like many young Singaporeans, my first taste of community service came in Secondary 2, where I volunteered to supervise children with special needs, introducing them to simple culinary tasks. Each session was an eye-opener, revealing the challenges these children, along with their families, faced on a daily basis. This experience ignited my passion for volunteerism.

Over the past six years, I've immersed myself in various community organizations such as Care Corner, Heartware Network, and CaringSG. However, it was my recent focus on combating climate change that truly galvanized me. Determined to make a difference, I adopted significant lifestyle changes to reduce my carbon footprint, only to be met with skepticism and resistance from those around me.

Despite my frustration, I persevered, seeking solace and answers within the environmental community. It was there, among fellow activists and organizations like the National University of Singapore College’s Ecoplanet and Students’ Association for Visions of the Earth, that I found clarity.

I realized that while my individual efforts were commendable, true impact lies in collective action. Forcing drastic lifestyle changes upon others only breeds resistance. Instead, by fostering understanding and providing accessible avenues for participation, we can inspire meaningful change.

My journey taught me that the power of community extends far beyond individual action. Together, we can tackle even the most daunting challenges, paving the way for a brighter, greener future.

Empowering Change: From Individual Action to Collective Impact

Engaging in discussions with fellow activists provided me with a crucial insight: while individual efforts are commendable, the true power lies in collective action. With renewed vigor, I redirected my energy towards broader initiatives, focusing on policy changes, education, and top-down approaches.

In 2021, I embarked on Project Step by Step, an initiative born from the Youth Action Challenge, with the goal of combating food waste and promoting a circular economy through composting. The initiative aimed to foster collaborations between farms seeking fertilizers and major food waste generators such as schools, restaurants, malls, and residences.

However, amidst our endeavors, a sobering reality emerged. A survey conducted in 2023 by the Singapore Management University’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation and the National Council of Social Service revealed that the primary reason for volunteer dropout was a lack of time. In an era of increasing time constraints and perpetual distractions, maintaining focus becomes a formidable challenge.

Consider this alarming statistic: in 2000, the average human attention span was 12 seconds. By 2015, it plummeted to a mere 8.25 seconds—less than that of a goldfish! In the face of such dwindling attention spans, the imperative to prioritize volunteerism becomes ever more pressing.

If we aspire to cultivate a more compassionate and equitable future, we must recognize volunteerism as a fundamental activity for all members of society, irrespective of background or circumstance. By embracing this ethos, we not only contribute to the betterment of society but also nurture our own well-being in the process.

In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of modern life, it becomes increasingly evident that the challenges we face demand collective solutions. From combating climate change to addressing social inequalities, the path to progress lies in unified action.

Through my journey from individual volunteerism to community activism, I've learned that true impact is achieved when we work together towards a common goal. By harnessing the power of collaboration, advocating for policy changes, and prioritizing education, we can create tangible change in our communities and beyond.

As we confront the constraints of time and attention in our fast-paced world, let us not lose sight of the transformative potential of volunteerism. It is not merely a charitable endeavor but a fundamental pillar of a more compassionate and equitable society.

Let us heed the call to action, recognizing that each of us has a role to play in shaping a better future. By embracing volunteerism as a shared responsibility and a source of personal fulfillment, we can build a world where solidarity triumphs over adversity and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.