1-4 Roles of citizens in working for the good of the society

Roles of citizen

Avenues of citizen participation

○ channels of communication between citizens and government

○ individual participation

○ organised groups

Outcomes of public participation

1. Contributing to needs of society

Individuals

Individuals contribute to society by volunteering their time, effort, and money towards social causes they are concerned about.

For example, Ms Elisa Ng started a programme called “A Litter at a Time” back in 2013 to encourage citizens to go the extra mile and pick up a piece of litter a day.

By picking up litter and encouraging other citizens to do the same, Ms Ng is contributing towards a cleaner society.

Hence, the actions of individuals can benefit many people directly and the improvements that result can bring immediate benefits to the society. Their actions can also inspire others to make similar improvements.

Formal Groups

Formal groups are organisations that have clear objectives and are formally registered with the government. They address a wide range of interests such as persons with special needs. These include Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs).

For example, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) aims to advance the development, well-being and aspirations of persons with intellectual disability and their integration into society.

By representing the intellectually disabled of Singapore, MINDS can contribute to their needs by having specialised support programs for them and their caregivers.

Hence, formal groups cater to the needs of specific groups in society. By doing so, they complement the role of the government in working for the good of society, reducing the use of the government’s scarce resources and the government’s burden.

Informal Groups

Informal groups are organisations with a specific, short term objective related to issues that arise suddenly. These groups are temporarily formed and may not be registered.

For example, when the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) levels hit 321 in Singapore during June 2013, Mr Jeremy Chua started an informal group called “SG Haze Rescue” which sought for masks donations and distributed these masks to those who could not afford them.

SG Haze Rescue helped to contribute towards the efforts to ensure that Singaporeans remained healthy during the haze period.

Hence, informal groups organise themselves to attend to a specific need that arises when a gap is noticed in an area of need. By doing so, they are able to complement the support structures provided by the government at that time to work for the good of society.

2. Influencing government decisions

Individuals

Feedback and suggestions from Singaporeans influence the decisions made by the government for Singapore. In instances when there are proposals or draft plans, citizen feedback and suggestions may enable necessary changes and improvements be made.

For example, in 2012, there was a national level conversation where citizens came together to share their views and ideas about what matters to Singapore. This was known as “Our Singapore Conversation”.

As a result of the OSC, the government learnt about Singaporean’s aspirations, and Singaporeans also learnt more about each other’s hopes for the future. The common hopes and desires of Singaporeans were collated and have helped chart future plans for Singapore.

Hence, citizen feedback and suggestions enable necessary change and improvements to be made to government proposals or draft plans.

Formal Groups

Efforts of NGOs and VWOs can also help refine government policies and point to areas which require more attention.

For example, a VWO that contributes to society in MINDS. It focuses on catering to the needs of persons with intellectual disability.

It helps to ensure equal opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to receive education and later, to be integrated as contributing and responsible citizens in Singapore.

Hence, by pointing out areas which require more attention to the government, the government will then be able to devote more resources to work on areas to be improved which will otherwise not be highlighted.

3. Strengthening citizens’ sense of belonging

Citizens will feel a stronger sense of belonging to Singapore when they participate in shaping its future.

For example, reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry@Home (REACH) is an initiative by the Singapore government to reach out to gather feedback from citizens about various national issues and policies.

When citizens are involved in the sharing and discussion of views related to the future of Singapore, they will develop a stronger sense of attachment towards Singapore as they feel the government is listening to their feedback and they have a say in decision making.

When citizens feel a greater sense of belonging, they will feel more motivated to work for the good of the society.