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Community Governance 1 | When a small government meets a big society - Hong Kong's community organization is weak?

2022-06-20T23:11:27.927Z


Three months ago, Chief Executive Carrie Lam quoted an anti-epidemic expert from the central government's aid to Hong Kong who pointed out that "Hong Kong's community organization capacity is weak", so the "compulsory testing for all" preparations for full-term can only be temporarily put on hold. But in fact, Hong Kong social groups


Three months ago, Chief Executive Carrie Lam quoted an anti-epidemic expert from the central government's aid to Hong Kong who pointed out that "Hong Kong's community organization capacity is weak", so the "compulsory testing for all" preparations for full-term can only be temporarily put on hold.

But in fact, the strength of social organizations in Hong Kong is not weak. There are more than 50,000 associations that have reported to the "Social Organizations Ordinance" alone, covering all walks of life in Hong Kong, covering labor, capital, fellow villagers, professional, regional associations, etc. At least 11 of this nature, involving millions of citizens.


However, this force was ignored by the SAR government in the face of the extremely severe fifth wave of the epidemic and was not mobilized in time.

Looking into the crux of the matter, is the government incapable of organizing because of the large number of associations, or is the government unwilling to spend energy to organize because of the inextricable vested interests?


Associations have three characteristics, which are conducive to mobilization: first, they have sufficient resources such as manpower, money, and political and social networks; second, the backgrounds of members of the association are similar. Social and economic background and common interests; thirdly, there are various mobilization modes of associations, which are easy to gather members.

Whenever a society responds to a public crisis, the mobilization role of associations becomes more obvious: on the one hand, associations can make up for the government’s deficiencies in providing public goods, maintaining public order, and regulating social relations. Better decision-making; on the other hand, by mobilizing the general public, the association makes citizens actively respond to the call for anti-epidemic, forming a civil society of mutual assistance.

However, it is precisely because associations are often able to supplement the role of the government on their own, and in disguise, the government has become more and more accustomed to allowing the society to solve problems on its own. Create greater results by actively leading different societies.

Chief Executive-designate Li Jiachao promised in the "Election Platform" that he would strengthen the ties between the government and regional organizations, so as to "enhance the effectiveness of regional governance and enhance the capacity of grass-roots social service supply", and to systematically organize and study local associations may be to strengthen the The first step in organization.

Specifically, it should...

For details, please read the 322nd issue of "Hong Kong 01" Electronic Weekly Newsletter (June 20, 2022)

"When "Small Government" Meets "Big Society" - Is Hong Kong's Community Organization Weak?

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Community Governance 1 | When a small government meets a big society - Hong Kong's community organization is weak?

The strength of social organizations in Hong Kong is not weak. There are more than 50,000 associations that have reported to the "Social Organizations Ordinance" alone. However, this force has been ignored by the SAR government in the face of the extremely severe fifth wave of the epidemic. Mobilize in time.

(Photos provided by Hong Kong Community Anti-epidemic Connection)

Shi Lishan, deputy director of the Hong Kong Association of Community Organizations, suggested that the government should improve the capacity of community organizations. It is far from enough to rely on NGOs or mutual assistance from residents.

(File photo/Photo by Ou Jiale)

Associations have three major advantages: sufficient resources, consistent interests, and strong mobilization.

(File photo/Fangjia telephoto)

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2022-06-20

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