This article highlights 10 keywords from China Philanthropy Times’ reporting on the public welfare industry in 2014.
They are:
- Charity Law
The new Charity Law, first proposed in 2005, defines and codifies charitable organisations, their governance, composition, asset allocation and tax codes.
- Child Welfare
A spate of child sexual abuse cases were exposed by the Chinese media in 2014. Several positive new policies have been pushed forward to protect victims and punish perpetrators but the author is concerned that they are not yet being implemented fully.
- Ice Bucket Challenge
The Ice Bucket Challenge swept the world in summer 2014, creating a new model for fundraising campaigns by emphasising self-experience, a feeling of participation and duplication.
- Fundraising on Foot
Apart from the Ice Bucket Challenge, the most popular public interest activities of the year were charity runs and challenges, including cross-country races, time challenges, AIDS walks and “Colour Runs.”
- Combined Disaster Relief
There was cooperation between the social organisations and foundations that provided disaster relief to areas affected by the Ludian earthquake in August. This cooperation is though still in its early stages and yet to become the norm.
- Crowd-funding
A large number of crowd-funding websites have been established in China since 2012 to raise funds for creative and public interest projects. This tool is becoming more important for the public welfare industry.
- Environmental Protection Lawsuits
The lawsuits brought by individuals that aim to protect the environment and citizens’ environmental rights, breaking the ice on a controversial issue.
- Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts were much talked about in 2014, especially those started by business leaders like Alibaba’s Jack Ma. The author suggests that these trusts are an important “new game” for philanthropists.
- Social Worker Pay
2014 was a year of worry and happiness for social workers in China. Their pay remains comparatively low and unstable compared to other professions but social work institutions are increasing in number and pay is beginning to be standardised across the country.
- The Socialisation of Elderly Care
In 2015, China will officially launch faculties of social work in a number of universities, with provisions for those with and without academic qualifications. Those without will focus on elderly care, increasing its scope and socialisation.
