187 Days of On-Site Volunteering Across 340 Locations
In 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju–Jeonnam Association carried out large-scale community service activities across the region, reaching 22,574 residents through sustained, on-site volunteering.
According to the association, volunteers were active for a total of 187 days at 340 locations, working together with local civic groups and institutions. The activities were conducted by 5,747 volunteers from six local branches based in Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu, Suncheon, Songha, and Gwangyang.
The association reported that its 2025 activities focused on responding to climate-related disasters, supporting vulnerable groups, honoring veterans, improving the local environment, and strengthening community solidarity.
Responding to Heatwaves and Flood Damage
During the summer of 2025, the Gwangju–Jeonnam region experienced repeated heatwaves and heavy rainfall, causing widespread inconvenience and damage. In response, the association launched a “Healthy Summer Campaign” to provide immediate, practical support in high-traffic public areas such as terminals, plazas, parks, and traditional markets.
Volunteers distributed approximately 10,000 bottles of drinking water, along with health, hygiene, and fire-prevention kits. These kits included items such as salt candies, glucose supplements, handheld fans, cooling arm sleeves, mosquito repellent, and electrical outlet covers. At the same time, volunteers shared basic safety guidelines for dealing with extreme heat and heavy rain.
When flooding affected homes, shops, and farmland, volunteers were quickly deployed to assist with recovery. Activities included removing damaged materials, reinforcing floors in flooded stores, and helping restore daily living spaces. Volunteers also visited the homes of seniors living alone and supported flood recovery efforts at community facilities, including local park golf courses.
In Yeosu, more than 200 volunteers participated in a coastal cleanup at Manseongni Beach, collecting approximately 20 tons of marine debris that had washed ashore following heavy rainfall.
Honoring History and Supporting Veterans
The association also continued its long-running efforts to promote remembrance and respect for those who sacrificed for the country. Through its “Love for the Nation Campaign,” volunteers carried out activities related to history education and veteran support.
After a five-year pause, volunteers resumed headstone-cleaning activities at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery. Around 130 volunteers took part, cleaning headstones and paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the democratization movement.
Additional activities included environmental cleanups at independence movement sites, as well as citizen-participation programs such as historical performances, photo exhibitions, national flag education, and letter-writing campaigns expressing gratitude to independence activists.
Support for national merit recipients included portrait photography for seniors, delivery of nutritious meals, and visits to the homes of elderly veterans living alone to assist with cleaning and basic living support. Intergenerational dialogue sessions were also held, bringing together youth and veterans to share experiences and perspectives, reinforcing awareness of the value of remembrance.
Environmental Improvement and Community Care
Environmental and landscape improvement activities continued throughout the year. In cooperation with residents, volunteers carried out mural painting projects in villages such as Gwangyang Seuseung Village and Hwasun Gwanyeong Village, reflecting local history and community identity.
Other environmental efforts included creating small gardens using recycled tires, cleaning public parks and tourist sites, maintaining bus stops, and conducting neighborhood cleanups focused on everyday living spaces.
The association also supported the promotion of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, continuing awareness campaigns for more than a year to encourage public interest among residents and visitors.
Tailored Volunteer Programs for Local Needs
Beyond large-scale campaigns, the Gwangju–Jeonnam Association operated a variety of customized volunteer programs designed to meet specific local needs. These included market safety initiatives, youth-focused history education campaigns, senior care programs, disability inclusion activities, and community support services aimed at strengthening everyday social connections.
Through these efforts, the association emphasized cooperation between citizens, volunteers, and local organizations, aiming to move beyond one-time assistance toward sustained community engagement.
Looking Ahead to 2026
A representative of the Gwangju–Jeonnam Association stated that 2025 reaffirmed the importance of volunteering as a force for solidarity and recovery during times of climate-related and social challenges.
The association announced plans to continue developing sustainable, field-based volunteer models in 2026, working closely with local communities to provide timely and practical support where it is most needed.
A Year Defined by Continuity and Cooperation
The 2025 activities of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju–Jeonnam Association demonstrate how consistent, coordinated volunteering can respond to both urgent crises and long-term community needs.
By remaining active across seasons and issue areas—from disaster response to environmental care and historical remembrance—the association’s year-long efforts highlight a model of volunteering rooted in continuity, cooperation, and direct engagement with local communities.
Source: https://vo.la/bPdzbhR
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