Volunteerism is a powerful way to give back to society while also gaining valuable personal and professional benefits. For leaders, volunteering can provide an opportunity to develop new skills, build their network, and make a positive impact on their communities. Engaging in volunteer work can also help leaders cultivate empathy and gain a deeper understanding […]
What is the most socially meaningful activity youths are doing in Singapore, be it as a leader or a participant? Of late, more youths are engaged in social work. In fact, social work means a lot more to them than its charitable purposes. According to Gwendolyn Thong, director of mental wellness initiative, Chatty Caterpillar, volunteerism […]
Gwendolyn Thong is a mental health advocate, scholar and educator. She is the founder of The Chatty Caterpillar, a holistic Mental Wellness Management company and is a convener of the interministerial committee Youth Mental Well-Being Network . After teaching history at local schools over the last decade, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at […]
Image via FreepikI’m sure you’ve given yourself a pat on the back for giving up that straw at Starbucks. Or for buying a compostable phone case. Maybe you went even further – agreeing to spend that extra $2 at Cotton On to ‘help’ some kid in a comfortably distant country. The thing is, (and I’m sorry to […]
Image by Tim Mossholder via UnsplashDo-gooders. Good samaritans. Philanthropists. Those who help the elderly cross the street. Those who spend the weekends volunteering at their nearest homeless shelter. Those who fund the eradication of polio. If we gain a confidence boost, if we feel uplifted by our pledge of generosity, are we truly being selfless? Does altruism actually exist? That […]
