5 things you can sabo your Grassroots Leader to do free for you

Grassroots? What's that?

Mothership| August 21, 12:47 PM

With all the earlier brouhaha online over accountability and a Minister coming forward to explain the ‘good intentions’ of the grassroots (which tbh, was a commendable initiative taken during the 2013 haze, just that they should’ve checked first), one might wonder – what do these grassroots leaders really do?

We will tell you five things that you can ask your community's grassroots leaders to do and ultimately get them to improve your lives.

1. Get them to improve your estates' surroundings

covered walkway

See that stretch between your block and the bus stop/market/hawker centre that’s not covered and sheltered?

Don’t fret, gather up enough feedback from your neighbours asking for the shelter and tell your grassroots leader.

That's how you game the system. No need to wait till elections come by for improvements to be done to your estate. Just ask, and all will (ok maybe not confirm guarantee plus chop) be given.

 

2. Ask them to help the needy around your estate

Too busy to help the needy and want to alleviate your guilt? You can actually do so by asking your grassroots leaders to keep a lookout for those people who seem to need a helping hand.

kindness

Well that's what grassroots leaders can do. They go around trying to make sure people who need help receive it. Sometimes you may see them talking to those old uncles sleeping at the void decks. You may think they are chasing them away, but actually, it is not all that nefarious..

Generally these “homeless-looking people” may not really be homeless, they just have a home that they cannot return to. Instead of having them rough it out in cold void decks at nights, grassroots leaders can call in the necessary social services to help get these people back into their warm homes.

Here's a better idea: You can also help the needy in your community. It could be as simple as just stopping and chatting with them.

Or you can volunteer to be part of a food delivery programme to deliver food for those people who are in need in your community.

3. Get them to explain this entire Pioneer Generation Package thing (and other important policies that you should know) to your grandparents in their dialect

We know that this generation of Singaporeans is severely handicapped when it comes to speaking dialect. No, ordering kopi-C-siu-dai and chap cai png does not count.

What better way to explain to your old folks the intricacies of the Pioneer Generation Package than to arrow your grassroots leader? Bring your grandparents down to the nearest RC and see magic happen.

limpeh

Hopefully, they will not just screen the PGP video on YouTube for your gramps.

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Don't expect the grassroots leader to take them to the doctor for you though.

4. Arrow them to organise bonding activities or even tours for your estate

party

Do block parties organise themselves? Nope.

They take careful planning by the grassroot leaders and of course with the cooperation of residents involved.

Another idea would be to get grassroot leaders to organise community tours around your estate to give you access to places that were previously not allowed - for e.g. a tour of the police station or places of worship.

Who knows, you may meet your future boyfriend/girlfriend during these tours and activities as well.

 

5. Ask them to escalate concerns about Government policies for you

complain king

Basically, grassroot leaders are walking, talking feedback boxes.

Unhappy with Budget 2015? Have a better idea on how to encourage public transport use other than increasing petrol tax? Give them all to your grassroots leaders and if your suggestions are reasonable and holds water, they will escalate it for you.

*This is a sponsored article

Top photo via