Beyond Geography -- Shincheonji Volunteers are Closing the Gap in Community Service
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The "Volunteer Polarization" Problem
In the world of community service, there is a hidden imbalance. Most volunteer activities are concentrated in convenient, urban centers—areas easy to reach by public transport. Meanwhile, remote fishing villages, aging neighborhoods, and disaster-prone zones are often left behind due to their geographical isolation and high work intensity.
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan West Branch is changing this narrative by shifting the focus from "where it’s easy to go" to "where we are needed most".
Responding to the "SOS" of Fisherman (Gadeokdo Island)
Coastal areas like Gadeokdo’s Cheonseong Port often suffer from marine debris left by tourists and campers. For elderly fishermen, clearing heavy nets and tangled waste is an impossible task.
The Action: Upon a direct request from the local fishing village chief, volunteers dove into the debris, recovering 4,500 liters of marine waste.
The Impact: "I was at a loss with the endless trash, but these young volunteers cleared it as if it were their own task," said the local chief.
Mobile Photo Studio for War Veterans
Access to professional services is a major hurdle for veterans living in aging, secluded housing districts.
Customized Service: Since February 2023, the branch launched the "Longevity Photo Project," bringing a professional mobile studio directly to veteran halls.
Expanding Reach: What started in the Saha District quickly expanded to Sasang and Yeongdo districts following urgent requests, eventually serving over 200 veterans.
Filling the Gaps During National Crises
During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, the Saha District Vaccination Center struggled to find volunteers due to its remote location near an industrial complex.
The Response: While others hesitated due to the distance, Busan West Branch immediately deployed a team of young volunteers.
The Commitment: They provided consistent support—from parking management to patient monitoring—ensuring no "blind spots" were left in the city's safety net.
"The Need of the Field is Our Standard"
The Busan West Branch’s philosophy is simple: Action is most effective when it meets a specific, practical need. By maintaining a "hotline" with local merchant associations, elderly groups, and resident centers, they ensure their help goes exactly where the government’s reach might fall short.
As Deputy Branch Manager Kim Yo-han stated, "Even if it’s a task others avoid, we will continue to find the 'blind spots' where real change is needed".
Source: https://vo.la/wApXesh
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