The positive thing is that immediately after the incident was reflected, the Nui Thanh Commune Former Youth Volunteer Association admitted that the approach was not appropriate, decided to stop mobilizing contributions and publicly acknowledged shortcomings.
This is a way of behavior that shows listening, receptiveness, worthy of recognition. But it is from this story that we also draw a thought-provoking lesson in organizing gratitude activities.
According to the explanation of the Nui Thanh Commune Former Youth Volunteer Association, the mobilization of contributions stems from financial difficulties after the merger, the number of members increased while resources are still limited. The purpose is to have more conditions to organize a more thoughtful meeting and have gifts to support members in difficult circumstances.
This is not wrong. However, between desire and expression, sometimes there is only a very small detail apart but it creates a very different feeling.
When an invitation to the anniversary comes with a message to contribute money, whether it is voluntary or just mobilizing some subjects, it still creates "hesitation" in the recipient's mind.
Former youth volunteers today are all in their twilight years. They once spent the most beautiful years of their youth for the country during the war or on construction sites after peace.
What they expect from meetings like this is not a "full tray of food" or accompanying gifts, but respect, care and sincere feelings.
If the funding conditions are still limited, it is entirely possible to organize a simpler program. Fewer performances, less formality, even just a meeting to reminisce and ask about each other's health.
The story in Nui Thanh also shows another principle that needs to be noted in the activities of association organizations. That is, that members voluntarily contribute to build association funds is one thing. But mobilizing contributions associated with a meaningful gratitude activity is another.
If these two things are not clearly defined, it will be very easy to create unwanted feelings, even though the organizer has absolutely no such intention.
Finally, although the Nui Thanh Commune Former Youth Volunteer Association listened, recognized shortcomings and promptly adjusted, the aftertaste of this incident is still a lesson in how to express gratitude to many units, organizations and other fields.
