VDMI Regional Representative Sharing
This August, VDMI held an online event to introduce some Regional Representatives (RR) and encourage other RR that have not activated yet. Combining VDMI Zoom as well as Youtube channel, five RR from Kupang, Padang, Makassar, Jawa Timur (Jatim), and Banjarmasin participated in this event. Each RR explained their activities and shared their motivation in doing social activities together. On August 15th RR Kupang shared about their struggle in initiating Taman Baca Mangrove Oesapa. Besides, they also conserve mangroves at Oesapa Beach since 2012. The mangroves are expected to be one of the solutions of abrasion.
On August 21st, RR Padang shared about their fundraising activities such as the charity concert held for the patient shelter, donation for the victim of the disaster occurred in Padang, and donation for an orphanage. On August 25th, RR Makassar shared their activities in building their member capacity in writing. Also, they collected donations for the disaster victims in Makassar and taught children in the rural area of Lakkang. Next, RR Jatim was live on August 28th. Their programs focused on educating children and society. Furthermore, helped by the VDMI Yogyakarta office, they collected the donation from the VDMI family to support children and people with HIV-AIDS in Surabaya.
Finally, RR Banjarmasin, on August 31st, shared their activities from 2013 up to now. Their recent activity was providing self-protection devices. During the session, many participants asked questions such as how to maintain motivation to continuously initiate social activities and how to manage time. As appreciations for the participants, each RR provided gifts for the best question in each session. The biggest challenge that the RR faces mostly is the members’ limited participation. Thus, the current RR keeps doing their programs with limited people and resources. They believe that small action can still benefit society. They hope there are many more VDMI alumni and grantees that are willing to actively participate in the RR programs. Thus, all VDMI families can together initiate goodnesses wherever they are.
