[MANNAM heal the world] Conformity in Volunteering!

 [MANNAM heal the world] Conformity in Volunteering!

 Some people are waiting in front of the crosswalk for the traffic light. But suddenly one of the people looks around to see if there is a car coming, and as soon as he knows that there is no danger coming up, he crosses the street. Like this, two more crosses the road as the same way like the first. In this situation, what would you do? If you were in the same situation would you cross the street even though it is a red light? Well, some psychologists found that people have psychology to follow the others behavior. This is called conformity theory. What I wrote up is a bad example about people’s behavior. But what if this theory comes into a good situation?

A person’s thinking is very simple. If the others do it, they think “Why not me?” This is why people follow what others do. This is another example. If one man stares at an object far away, a stranger who passes by doesn’t care what he is doing. But if there are more than three people who are doing this, a stranger who watches this can’t just pass without stopping. The stranger does the same act with others.

Now let us think about this. There are things that we can do to save and make peace to the world. Because we do not have money like Warren Buffett, we can’t donate money like him. Then what can we do? We can volunteer with our hands and with our hearts. Although it doesn’t appear that much, but all the small efforts this does can make a big movement to the world. The Association which is doing a good job is MANNAM! Why don’t we volunteer or donate and make this into a big movement though MANNAM? If one starts, and more than three people does this, we can make and motivate others to follow this great movement in MANNAM. Remember that your action and behavior can influence others. Be careful! It can make other fall into a bad situation or in to a better way. Let us share and love others though MANNNAM Volunteer Association!

[MANNAM Heal the world] We are the world - for Haiti

[MANNAM Heal the world] We are the world - for Haiti

 

 

  Do you remember the song for the poor which was written by Michael Jackson? It happen in the 1900's when Michael Jackson gathered all the famous singers at that time to help others. Although Michael Jackson is gone now so he is not with us, the song still remains. Like it happened before, the singers who are famous these days, got together this time, for Haiti. It was after 25years since this song was sang again.

What was different from the last song was, there were new and the original singers who sang together. Also, there are new parts, like rapping inside. And this time, the propose for the song was clear then last time. This means, the audience who watches the video clip can easily know that the song is for Haiti because there were Haiti video clips inside.

Sharing and loving each other can be an easy but difficult thing for human being. It has been, and still will be the task for us. But we know that it is possible and that we are responsible for it. No matter what kind of person you are, sharing and loving each other is important for love. If we help the people in need, same love and respect we will achieve even if it is in the future. MANNAM Volunteer Association is a place where we try and work for peace. Haiti was suffering because of the disasters that happened in that area. Not others but you and me can make the things different by doing donation or by helping them. With love and passion MANNAM is a place where the song of peace can come true. Even though we are not as famous as the singers who is in the video, but the effort for every donation will be remembered to those who get the help. So let us help and share in MANNAM. They will remind you and also we ourselves are the ones who can prove it. Let the peace song spread around the world to bring peace! It is starting in MANNAM!
 

[MANNAM International] how many languages are in this Earth?

[MANNAM International] how many languages are in this Earth?

Have you ever learn any language other than your first tongue? Perhaps you can speak multi-languages naturally. But for me and so as the many other people around the world, we need to study hard to speak another language. Sometimes learning a new language seems like a never ending process of acquiring new vocabularies (although it is very fun to speak new language once you reach certain level.). Then, have you ever wondered how many languages are in this world?

Right now, there are 7,170,412,884 (according ‘worldometers’ on Aug 7th, 2013) people living together on this single planet, the Earth. And we speak 6,800 different languages according to Linguistic Society of America. 6,800 languages! I was quite shock there are so many unknown languages that I’ve never heard of before.

Isn’t it interesting? The world is so diverse; there are more than 6,800 languages and more than 100 countries living on this single planet. Each country has its own language, races, national and customs.

Once we understand there are such many people and different languages in the world, it is not a surprising thing to see why we are so different compare to each other.

That is why MANNAM is doing cultural clubs to know each other better and make people unit regardless nation, religions, and races.

If we understand each other without any stereotypes, there would be no conflicts

In MANNAM International, we become one under spirit of volunteerism and peace regardless the race, religion, political opinion and nationalities.

Becoming one does not mean we ignore your culture and backgrounds. We MANNAM respect each other’s cultural and differences. MANNAM want to understand each other to establish a peaceful world that everyone is respected by their own natural characteristics.

Through that process, as a pure volunteer organization MANNAM will keep doing what we are best at, helping people in need and achieving peace through understanding each other’s culture.

We can achieve peace through understand and help each other.

Youtube:

' Many Languages, One Hope, MANNAM International'.

Image and reference from:

Linguistic Society of America

1howmany.com http://1howmany.com/how-many-languages-in-the-world

Worldometers.com http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

[MANNAM International] interview Korean volunteers

[MANNAM International] interview Korean volunteers

  

I visited the place where MANNAM international volunteers are preparing for upcoming orphanage volunteer. I wanted to watch the process of how they prepare before they do volunteer. I was lucky to meet two Korean young men. They are Park and Jun-sung. They were making some material of activity for children. “No matter how we prepare before volunteer, I used to feel it’s not enough when we get there.” Jun-sung said. 

Q: I think volunteer work is really not popular for youth in Korea. What would you like to accomplish in the future?

P: I want to become an international lawyer. During my high school years, I’ve usually watched world news and I found myself I can’t put up with injustice. To make better world, I want to devote for something worth to do.

J:  I want to become an educator of English. What I really hope to accomplish for children is the change of Educational System. While I was in the army, I taught English and mathematics at children’s center. At that time, I realized that the way I have learned English in school was not helpful for speaking with foreigners. So, now I’m preparing for a civil service exam while volunteering.

    

Q: That’s good to see, both of you are passionate about dream. Is there any particular memorable volunteer work or event in MANNAM? Tell me your episode!

J: I just remember my first volunteer. The outside of the building was full of snow when we visit the nursing home. It was massive work shoveling snow even if we worked together. After finish our work, one of manager of nursing home served us hot tea and that was unforgettable moment of happiness. I guess we might shovel snow with one though, keep a safe elderly people from dangerous slippery road.

P: For me, it’s Mongolian festival. I wanted to be more familiar with Mongolian friends. That’s why I participated in Mongolian festival and I got to know about Mongol by joining activities like wrestling and shooting. I changed my mind through participating culture program.

Q: What is the advantage of volunteering with foreigners?

J: You know, when I work with them, I can’t complain it’s hard or tough. It is heartening to see the foreigners in volunteer work because it’s very thankful. By talking and volunteering with foreigners at the same time, I think it makes good use of my time. It’s interesting and sometimes it changes my mind like education. In real, one of motivations to transform the system of Korean education is from conversation with German friend.

Q: Do you think PEACE IS POSSIBLE?

J: Yes. If we have a strong leader advocate peace, Peace is possible.

P: It’s possible. I think the role of media is important to bring world peace. Recently, I think there is some of part the media caused democracy movement over the Middle East. We could make it if we can spread peaceful message throughout the world. 

Thanks again to these two healthy Korean guys who answered my questions J  

[MANNAM around the world] The symbol of war turned to the symbol of peace I

[MANNAM around the world] The symbol of war turned to the symbol of peace I.

 

             There were numerous tragic and wars happened in history of mankind. No matter whether we wanted it to be happened or not, those tragic already happened and there's nothing we could do to change the past. However, we can change the trace of the war into hopeful place for the future.

              In Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin, there is Mauerpark. Mauerpark translates to "Walk park." It is called as "Wall Park" because it was built at the former part of the Berlin Wall and its Death Strip. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a public linear park was built along with the 300 meters of former Berlin Wall.

              Today the park is one of the most popular place for citizens, especially for youths in Germany. Germany's biggest flee market is held in every Sunday in Mauerpark. Some people sing and play instruments, while others ride bicycles or lying on the grass to relax. Especially on every Sunday, the combination of music and cheerful energy from people look like they are having a festival. In the efforts to change the symbol of division to the symbol of peace, Mauerpark became the peaceful place that provides comforts and entertainment. 

              Moreover, have you ever heard of East Side Gallery? It is not a indoor gallery, but it is the painted Berlin Wall that located along Spree riverside. Since 1990, the Berlin Wall was start filled with painting by 118 artists from 21 different countries. Today, the Berlin wall is painted beautifully as it wanted to wash out the tragic history of war and divided Germanies.

              There is another peace park between Norway and Sweden. 'Morokulien Peace Park' is the world's first peace park which was completed in 1914. After the battle between Norway and Sweden in 1910s, they designated the peace park on the border where two countries meet.

              Not only these places but there are many more peace parks and transformed place around the world. Yes, people are trying hard to make a world better place. Slowly and step by step, the world is changing to better place. This beautiful change can be fasten if you roll up your sleeves for peaceful world. I don't literally meant you to go out and do physical work for building park. (Don't get me wrong that would be one of the great way to spread the peace too.) What I meant was taking a little action for peaceful world. It could be sharing your own opinion for peace, exchanging cultures to understand each other better or doing volunteer works to help people in need. There could be so many other ways to create the wonderful world without conflicts. MANNAM Volunteer Association want more people to aware about the importance and needs for peaceful world. MANNAM International is opened for everyone who wants to be involved in peace campaign volunteer works.

MANNAM Volunteer Association : http://www.mannamintl.org/





Images from @Corbis

[MANNAM] We Maskara with Kids Center.

[MANNAM] We Maskara with Kids Center.

 

We, MANNAM International spent great time with children in orphanage.

We prepared the dance performance for them and played group games together with kids.

We sang songs together, and amazingly, children also sang song for us which was a very touching moment for everybody.

For Masskara, we painted our own mask that portrays our individual identities. Some painted it with vivid colors and some decorated it with beads.

We danced and danced in the paper rain (although the place became quiet messy after the paper rain, Of course we cleaned the place after the event.)

Sharing hard labor work together is also one of great and amazing way to help others. And also, dancing and sharing love is also wonderful way to do volunteer.

We MANNAM International Association helps people and environment in varieties ways.

Here is the video clip of fun time we had with children. Hope you can also feel the love that we felt on that day.

 

 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R1mK2yDU5Oc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MANNAM ]Peace leader of today, Aung San Suu Kyi Daw.

[MANNAM ]Pece leader Aung San Suu Kyi Daw.

There are many touching speeches lectured by Aung San Suu Kyi. Among all those many speeches, I wanted to share a piece of her speech that Aung San Suu talked for her Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech.

In Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace prize Acceptance Speech, she said

“Every thought, every word, and every action that adds to

the positive and the wholesome is a contribution to peace.

Each and every one of us is capable of making such a contribution.

Let us join hands to try to create a peaceful world

where we can sleep in security and wake in happiness.”

Like what Aung San Suu Kyi, each one of us is Capable of making contribution to peace. Your positive word and actions could bring peace on this world we are living on.

We MANNAM, welcome you to join volunteer works for peaceful and positive world. Your positive action of helping others can be the stepping stone for peaceful world.

Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the peace maker in the world, and so as you .

We MANAM international believes that every one of us is peace maker of today.

Together, let’s make a positive and peaceful world though our positive action of volunteering.

MANNAM GW: To shine for the world peace (Volunteering in the mountain)

MANNAM GW: To shine for the world peace (Volunteering in the mountain)

 It was a beautiful day today! The weather was nice and it was not that hot. On this beautiful day, beautiful minds gathered together to volunteer. With plastic bags in one of their hands, and gloves on the other, MANNAM volunteers started to hike the mountain. MANNAM gathered again to pick up the trash on the mountain! It was good to volunteer and at the same time it was good because we could also exercise hiking the mountain.

Although there was not much trash on the mountain, it was a precious time to think about the environment and the nature. We don’t think about the thankfulness of nature in daily life. We forget how precious the air, wind, sun is. Because it always exists and make us live. But when something goes wrong and we come to a situation which we are lack of something, that is when we remember the valve. Think if you can’t breathe for one minute. No, maybe thirty seconds? You couldn’t even bare the situation. Before we regret of the foolish things we do, let us think again the things around us.

 By picking up the trash on the mountain all of us felt really great about the thing we did. I was proud because MANNAM did a job that nobody thought of. And it was good to be with friends that have the same hearts to volunteer. Even if I have the thought to do something, friends can make it better by joining and helping. Want to be the crew with us? Come and let’s share the hope, love, peace that we are making. It really feels good. It is happening in MANNAM Volunteer association.

[MANNAM] End of May

[MANNAM] End of May

Today is 30th of May, it could be 29th of May in some countries too.
But whether it is 29th or 30th, we are all heading to the end of May and welcoming the new month within few days.

Looking back to May, how did you spend your month?
Was it meaningful? Do you think you used your time wisely?

In my case, I wasn't able to manage all my time wisely nor meaningful.(Ha-ha)
But, I spent some of my time meaningful through MANNAM, which I am really appreciate to MANNAM international.
MANNAM provided me various programs that I can use my time more meaningful.
I got to spend time with cheerful and energetic kids at kids center.
Also, I participated some events that I could meet many other amazing volunteers.
MANNAM gave me chances to spend my time on volunteers, which I found very meaningful and interesting to be part of it.

Another month is passing away.
And as always, another new month is coming.
If you want to spend your time in another way, like participating in cultural club or volunteering, visit official website of MANNAM international!
http://www.mannamintl.org/

You could be able to find out MANNAM branches in your country or city too.
So as many different volunteer activities and cultural clubs of MANNAM too.

[MANNAM] Kids Center epilogue

[MANNAM] Kids Center epilogue – By Shawnt

This is the epilogue of MANNAM member Shawnt Walken, about how he felt after visiitng kids center.

Volunteering has never felt so felt rewarding as when I had the opportunity to spend time with the children at Wonju Kids Centre. These kids, whose lives and perspectives I can scarcely imagine… I consider myself the lucky one, to have been the recipient of their genuine smiles, contagious bursts of laughter, and joyous celebration. It was not the activities themselves that stood out, as they were beautiful in their simplicity: ice cream, chocolate, nail art and balloons. It was the collaboration, the celebration we had together with other volunteers and with the children themselves that made the experience unforgettable. It is in those briefest of moments, where a small child asks for nothing more than a hug, which touches your heart the longest, and rejuvenates both body and soul. Such an experience can only be found when you whole-heartedly and freely offer your most precious possession to those who will benefit most from it: your time and your love, unconditionally.

[MANNAM] Nursing home – By Renuka newpaney

[MANNAM] Wongang nursing home – By Renuka newpaney

This is the epilogue of volunteer work done by one of MANNAM member, Renuka newpaney.

“I volunteered because I have always been a firm believer in giving back to the community. The best thing about volunteering was the positive environment that is automatically set by the members; therefore everyone had a lot of fun. And I found this experience to be very satisfying. Helping as a volunteer is not a work to me. I didn’t feel that I am helping others; it surprised me when all my worries were gone because it was a special day for me and I was working for the first time with MANNAM Team. I felt great that I can contribute a little to be part of a team. My team members were very kind and helpful, the rest came naturally. I probably waited for the next day with bigger anticipation. I would strongly recommend volunteering to all my friends. It makes us feel good, worthy and valuable person. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“전 항상 사회로 환원하는 것에 확고한 신념을 가지고 있기에 봉사를 합니다. 봉사에 대한 가장 좋은 점은 멤버들에 의해 자동적으로 긍정적인 환경이 만들어 지는 것 이었습니다. 그래서 모든 이들은 매우 즐거워했고, 이러한 경험이 만족스러운 것이라는 것을 알게 되었습니다. 봉사자로서 도움을 준다는 것은 나에게는 일이 아니었고, 내가 다른 이들을 도와주고 있다고는 전혀 느끼지 못했습니다.  저를 놀라게 만든 것은 이러한 것들이 저의 모든 걱정을 사라지게 한 것이었습니다. 왜냐하면 제가 처음으로 만남 팀과 함께했던 일이었기에 저에게 특별한 날이기 때문입니다.  저는 내가 팀의 한 일원이나 부분적으로 조금이나마 기여할 수 있다는 사실에 기분이 너무나 좋았습니다. 우리 팀 멤버 모두는 매우 친절한 친구들입니다. 휴식은 자연스럽게 와질 만큼 말입니다. 난 아마 (함께 봉사할) 다음 날을 더 많은 기대 속에서 기다리게 될 것입니다. 저는 모든 친구들에게 봉사하는 것을 강하게 추천하고 싶습니다. 이러한 봉사가 기분을 좋게 하고, 가치 있고 또 소중한 사람들이 되게끔 만들어줍니다. 이런 기회 주신 것에 감사합니다.”

MANNAM! Let's be a person like the light

Light shines down on all of us from the heavens. Stars light up the skies above, and their light can be seen from all over the earth. In the same way, we should work to unite all people by lighting up the world through our selfless acts of volunteerism as we serve all equally without discrimination.

                                                                                                -Mr. Lee-

When lights shines on us, like the quotes up there, they don't choose.

They light up the world without any condition.

When they shine on us, they don't do it expecting any paybacks.

Some can remember them and be thankful about offering the light.

However, some can just forget about it take it for granted.

No matter who remembers or not, they are still offering us the life and we are getting those love from them.

Like them, because we also got it from them, why don't we pay those back as volunteering?

Let's unite people with our lights and get rid of discrimination. 

[MANNAM] One direction: volunteer work is FUN!

[MANNAM] One direction: volunteer work is FUN!

Do you remember boy band who sang at the Closing ceremony of 2012 London Olympic?

Yes, I am talking about ‘One Direction.
One Direction is pop boy band.
Then this popular band was being formed in British TV singing competition program in UK ‘The X Factor.’
Their first and second album topped the charts of many major music markets.
Their debut single with the leading song “What Makes You Beautiful” sold 153,965 copies in the first week of release. This song ranked number four on the Billboard Hot 100, also topped many charts around the world.

This popular boy group One Direction participated the volunteer work of helping children in Africa. On Feb 16th of this year, on the Red Rose Day, One Direction visited Ghannaian capital Accra-Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital and also houses of children in Africa. It was tapped and telescoped through TV program of BBC "Let’s Dance for Comic Relief" for the fund raising of vaccine for developing countries.

This boy group uses their talents to give warm hands to children in Africa.

Isn’t it amazing that an actor of kindness can save life of children?
Don’t they seem to happy in the video while they are taking the music video for charity?
The volunteer work doesn’t always have to be a lanor work.
Use your talents to brighten the world.
MANNAM is already offering many MANNAM clubs to use our gifts in helping others.
So why don’t we use our talents together?
That way, we could be able to make more people to be smile and happy.
Volunteer work is not so difficult as you think.

It’s FUN and interesting.

If you want to join MANNAM international, here’s our official website.

http://www.mannamintl.org/

Below is the YouTube link for One Direction’s music video of the song ‘One Way or Another.’
(There already more than 72,00,000 viewers.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36mCEZzzQ3o

We Are MANNAM International!

Hi, MANNAM International friends! Do you know how many ethnic groups and languages in the world? It is said that there are more than 200 ethnic groups and over 5,000 languages in the world today.

As you know MANNAM International is made up of international members from all over the world. Within MANNAM International, you can meet various ethnic groups and hear all kinds of language.

Here is a video clip made by our members. The reason MANNAM International members made this was to highlight the diversity within our wonderful group of volunteers. This diversity is something we are proud of, it is something that makes us beautiful.

Source: http://mannamintl.weebly.com/1/post/2012/09/we-are.html

MANNAM International Friends! Donate Your Talent!

Hi, MANNAM International Friends!

Are you good at drawing pictures?

Are you keen on painting?

Are you looking for a place to do some volunteer work?

Are you enthusiastic about creative activities?

Are you pursuing happiness?

If so, join MANNAM International wall painting volunteer activities. Here are two video clips for you.

1. MANNAM Daejeon: Wall Painting 

  

2. MANNAM Seoul: Elementary School Painting

Source: http://awesomemannam.blogspot.kr/2013/02/manam-let-wall-be-transformed.html

LETTER TO MANNAM FRIENDS: IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE OF 100 PEOPLE

To. MANNAM friends,

Hello, my friends,

Hope you had nice day.

Today, I have two stories to tell you.

Hope you like these two stories.

IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE OF 100 PEOPLE

In the world today, more than 6 billion people live.

If this world were shrunk to the size of a village of 100 people, what would it look like?

59 would be Asian

14 would be American (North, Central and South)

14 would be African

12 would be European

1 would be from the South Pacific

50 would be women, 50 would be men

30 would be children, 70 would be adults.

70 would be nonwhite, 30 would be white

90 would be heterosexual, 10 would be homosexual

33 would be Christians, 21 would be Moslems, 15 would be Hindus, 6 would be Buddhists, 5 would be Animists, 6 would believe in other religions, 14 would be without any religion or atheist.

15 would speak Chinese, Mandarin, 7 English , 6 Hindi, 6 Spanish, 5 Russian, 4 Arabic, 3 Bengali

3 Portuguese.

The other would speak Indonesian, Japanese,German, French, or some other language.

In such a village with so many sorts of folks, it would be very important to learn to understand people different from yourself and to accept others as they are. Of the 100 people in this village:

20 are underonurished.

1 is dying of starvation, while 15 are overweight.

Of the wealth in this village, 6 people own 59% (all of them from the United States), 74 people own 39%, and 20 people share the remaining 2%.

Of the energy of this village, 20 people consume 80%, and 80 people share the remaining 20%.

20 have no clean, safe water to drink. 56 have access to sanitation

15 adults are illiterate.

1 has an university degree.

7 have computers.

In one year, 1 person in the village will die, but in the same year, 2 babies will be born

So that at the year's end the number of villagers will be 101.

If you do not live in fear of death by bombardment, armed attack, landmines, or of rape or kidnapping by armed groups, then you are more fortunate than 20, who do.

If you can speak and act according to your faith and your conscience without harassment, imprisonment, torture or death, then you are more fortunate than 48, who can not.

If you have money in the bank, money in your wallet and spare change somewhere around the house, then you are among the richest 8.

If you can read this message, that means you are one of the 7 lucky people who have computer.

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.

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You probably had heard this story of ' If the world were a village of 100 people'

But do you know that there are another story of 'If the world were a village of 100 people'?

If you are one of the 20 people who can drink clean water, then you are lucky one who can share your clean water to other 80 people.

You are 85 who can read this message, you are able to help and give light to other 15 illiterate adults!

If you are one of 1 has an university degree, then you can use your major to help people in need.

If you are one of 80 who do not live in fear of death by bombardment, armed attack, landmines, or of rape or kidnapping by armed groups, then you are more fortunate enough to help other 20 who do are not.

If you can speak and act according to your faith and your conscience without harassment, imprisonment, torture or death, then you are one of lucky 52 who can spread the idea of peace to the world!

If you are reading this through computer, then you are one 7 people who can use your computer to share this message and inspire others.

When we read ' If the world were a village of 100 people ', we realize how fortune we are.

On the other hands, it means we are one of the lucky who can give our hands to people in need.

Some people might think they don't enough time or resource to help the others, but doesn't it look like we are one of the fortune people who have ability to help the others?

We can help people in need!

How amazing is that?

All of MANNAM friends, hope we can be one of the fortune one who can bring peace to this world, and help others in our daily life.

Hope  enjoyed two stories and hope you wonderful, and wonderful day!!

Here is the video about If the world were a village of 100 people

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfGolVS5TfQ

Reference: http://www.mysterra.org/webmag/coup-de-coeur_en.html