17/08/2025
350 years of experience!
[350 years of experience!]
I was appointed Grassroots Advisor in 2011, in Jalan Besar. At that time, and even now, 15 years later, I value the advice and guidance of many senior and experienced grassroots leaders. They bring with them a wealth of experience and instinct, broad networks and a depth of knowhow, all of which are invaluable in grassroots and community work.
Years later, in 2022, I initiated the Grassroots Mentor scheme, at PA. I wanted to ensure that even as we continually make space for and nurture younger leaders in the grassroots organisations, we could continue to tap on experienced grassroots leaders. They still have a lot to give.
We started with a small, pro-tem committee, to develop engagement, thought leadership as well as mentorship for grassroots leaders. This has now expanded, with more GRMs coming onboard, lending their counsel to both staff and volunteers of PA.
I enjoyed a very nice lunch with 9 of them yesterday, reminiscing about the past but also charting a path for the future.
I could see that their volunteer fire still burns strong – little wonder, as they tell me that amongst the 9 of them, there is close to 350 years of volunteer experience!
