What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association 02: Be Myself

How much did you grow last year? I can surely tell you, I found myself developed so much at the end of last year.

Volunteering in MANNAM Volunteer Association, I learned to Be Myself.

I didn't have confidence to show and express myself-my idea, opinions, and emotion. In the period during which I participated in activities in MANNAM with other volunteers and planned cultural events together, expressing each idea was so important to make international events.

And communicating with many friends, found them shining in their own color! More and more, I can express myself and be myself.

Hope you to be yourself in your all life and also to have a chance to grow together in MANNAM,too ! :)

What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association 01: Appreciate

In MANNAM Volunteer Association, I learned to Appreciate others. 

I am in youth, so often I used to focus not on what I am, but on what I don't have.

However, volunteering in MANNAM made me focus on what I am, and what I have.

Meeting many elders when delivering briquettes, and radios,

I learned their philosophy and really appreciated all elders. 

They enjoyed talking about their children, and their life,

I felt they had difficulty raising children, living in poverty.

Actually, I did not thought much about my grandma and grandpa, 

even my parents' love and their struggle to live their life.

Also, I met many friends who have different backgrounds.

My friends whom I met in MANNAM, they are from all over the world,

and they make me think in different way,

they broaden my knowledge of cultures. 

I can tolerate 'difference' much more than before! 

Now, I appreciate all people whom I meet in everyday life,

and especially, the learning from volunteering in MANNAM is so valuable.

I learned to appreciate,

and now I appreciate all learning.

Thank you, MANNAM :)

What I Have Learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association: Prologue

What do you know about MANNAM Volunteer Association?

Have you ever met people in MANNAM or joined its activities?

Do you know about our motto?

MANNAM Volunteer Association started in 2003, based on Ap-gu-jeong, Seoul, South Korea, and it has been growing to be one of the largest international volunteer association. I joined MANNAM at the end of 2011, in Busan. Busan branch started then. 

What is merit or attractiveness which made me and other people join and work together? There are several reasons, I summarize them into four. 

• Love and Understanding among Members; we break down the barrier of difference. 

In MANNAM International, there are a lot of people who come from all over the world. We do communicate with each other, and different people who have different nationalities, cultures, religions, and political views. We break down the barrier among us called 'Difference' little by little. 

• Opportunities to Volunteer; Extension of Love

There are many opportunities to volunteer in local communities in MANNAM. We visited nursing homes, orphanages, hospitals, welfare centers to help people who need help and care. Also, we held many cultural concerts or festivals for donations and we held awareness campaign for people who suffered from natural disasters. This year, MANNAM International Youth Coalition held the walk for peace on April. 

The Busan branch started '더(The) Radio Campaign' for elders who live alone, presenting them radios as their friends, and every 2nd and 4th Saturday, we are attending the Soup Kitchen.

• Understanding Based on Learning Other Cultures

Working and volunteering together, I met many people who are different from me. First, I could not understand and had difficulty communicating with them, but in MANNAM, through many events and other cultural programs, I learned about other cultures and other people's thought. Through learning, we can understand better each other. 

• People; you can learn many things from volunteers in MANNAM

I want to tell you what I have learned in MANNAM Volunteer Association for last two years.

I have met many nice volunteers, and the Honorary Chairman Man Hee Lee 

and the Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim are also among them. 

So, now, do you wonder the details/stories/information about MANNAM Volunteer Association? I will tell you about MANNAM A to Z! I want to write using a word which includes an alphabet character. 

I hope you not to misunderstand MANNAM, but to understand MANNAM, even though you do not like or do not want to join us. You just need to tolerate us. You do not need to love us, you do not need to accept us, you do not need to lead us, but just tolerate. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association, now this is the part of my life.  

Summary of Speech: MANNAM The PEACE #5: Poverty

Poverty

Generally, people regard poverty as lack of money or goods. What do you think about it? Of course, it’s true. That’s why governments, organizations, and each person try to help the poor people. But, I want to talk another one, too. Who is poor? My opinion might be different a little from general thoughts. What I think is that everyone is poor. 

So, why is everyone poor? There are two reasons of poverty. First, it depends on the problem of thinking. If you think you are poor, you are poor. If you think you are not poor, you are not poor. Secondly, poverty is caused from lack of something. As I said before, that something doesn’t mean only the finance. I mean, lack of anything. You may lack of money, you may lack of power, and you may lack of social support. It’s not just about goods. 

According to my view, there are a couple of solutions for poverty. First, we need to change our thinking about poverty. It’s not limited to certain classes. Then, we need share money, knowledge, power, love, and anything which you have that we can share with others. This issue, which world face, is serious and difficult one, but we can try to end poverty of world and it can begin from how we are approaching that problem. What is your opinion about poverty and solutions?

 Hope we will discuss about solutions more today.  - Maksudur Rahman

일반적으로, 사람들은 '가난'을 돈이나 물질의 부족한 것으로 생각합니다. 그래서 정부와 단체들로부터 각 개인에 이르기까지 가난한 사람들을 돕기 위한 노력이 필요합니다. 하지만, 저는 다른 측면에서 이야기하고 싶습니다. 누가 가난하지요? 저는 모든 사람이 가난하다고 생각합니다. 

그렇다면, 왜 모든 사람이 가난할까요? 가난에는 두 가지 이유가 있습니다. 첫째로, 가난은 생각의 문제입니다. 만약 당신이 가난하다고 생각하면, 당신은 가난한 것입니다. 만약 당신이 가난하지 않다고 생각하면, 당신은 가난하지 않지요. 두 번째로, 가난은 무언가 부족한 것으로부터 유발됩니다. 앞서 말했듯이, 이 무언가는 돈만을 의미하는 것은 아닙니다. 어떤 것이든 부족한 상태를 말합니다. 당신은 돈이 부족할 수도 있고, 힘이 부족할 수도, 사회적인 지지가 부족할 수도 있습니다. 

따라서, 가난에는 몇 가지 해결책들이 있습니다. 먼저 우리는 가난에 대한 우리의 생각을 바꿀 수 있습니다. 단지 특정 계층에만 한정된 것이 아닙니다. 그리고, 우리는 돈, 지식, 힘, 사랑, 무엇이든 자신이 더 갖고 있는 것을 다른 사람과 나눌 수 있습니다. 오늘날, 세계가 마주하고 있는 이 문제는 심각하고 어려운 문제입니다. 하지만, 우리는 가난을 없애기 위해 노력할 수 있고, 또한 그것은 우리의 생각으로부터 시작됩니다. 여러분의 '가난'에 대한 생각은 어떠십니까? 

오늘 함께 해결책에 대해 더 토론하는 시간을 가졌으면 좋겠습니다. –막수드 라흐만

The 5th MANNAM Peace Talk concert, The PEACE #5: Poverty

Hello, everyone. 
The Busan North branch of MANNAM International is going to have the 5th peace talk concert, <더 PEACE>! This month, a Bangladesh member, Maksud will talk about Poverty. Main languages in The PEACE talk concert are English and Korean, but if you need Chinese/Russian translation, please let us know ahead of time for staffs to help you on the day! 

*’더 PEACE’ #5. <Poverty> 

*When: May 25th, Saturday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
*Where: Learning Square Seminar room @ Seomyeon (Seomyeon subway Stn. Exit #1)

*Program* 
7:30-7:50  Reception, Share Snack&Tea 
7:40 Opening 
7:40-8:20  Part 1. ‘Listen’ : Speech (Speaker: Maksud) 
8:20-8:30 Q&A
8:35-9:05  Part 2. ‘Share’ : Discussion and Share your opinions
9:10  Announcement
9:25  Closing 

#Contact: 010.6718.0091 Kristen / mannamthepeace@gmail.com
If you want to join and enjoy the concert, Please confirm ahead of time! :)

On every 4th week, we will have a talk concert, with the title ‘더 Peace’
Every month has a theme related to establish World Peace. 
Why don’t you join us ? :) Do not miss it!

안녕하세요, 여러분.

만남 인터내셔널 부산 북부에서 5번째 <더 PEACE> 토크 콘서트를 엽니다! 제 5회에서는 방글라데시에서 온 막수드가 ‘가난’이라는 주제에 대해 이야기하려고 합니다. 더 PEACE 토크 콘서트의 주요 언어는 영어와 한국어입니다. 하지만, 혹시 중국어나 러시아어 통역이 필요하신 분 있으시면, 미리 말씀해 주시면 스텝이 도와 드리겠습니다!

*제 5회 <주제: 가난>

*일시: 5월 25일 토요일 저녁 7:30-9:30

*장소: 서면 러닝 스퀘어 세미나실 (서면 지하철 역 1번 출구)

*프로그램*

7:30-7:50 다과 나누며 자유로운 토크 시간

7:40 개회: 프로그램 소개

7:40-8:20  강연: 막수드

8:20-8:30  질의 응답

8:35-9:05  그룹 토론 및 의견 나눔

9:10  활동 발표 및 공유

9:25 폐회: 광고, 발표자 및 스텝 지원 받음

#연락처: 010.6718.0091 크리스틴 / mannamthepeace@gmail.com

오시고자 하는 분들은 사전에 미리 연락 부탁 드립니다!!!

매월 4째 주에, 토크 콘서트 '더 PEACE'가 열립니다.

매달 주제는 세계 평화와 관련한 한 가지 주제를 가집니다.

평화를 향한 우리의 도전에 함께 해요 ! 놓치지 마세요~ J

After MANNAM The PEACE #4. Terrorism : What Can We Do?

Hugo, a Mexican-American friend from MANNAM Busan North, made a presentation about Terrorism at the 4th MANNAM The PEACE talk concert last Saturday, 27th, April. Monthly talk concert 'The PEACE', which had started with the start of 2013, on January, this time was the 4th talk. We listened to the speeches about ‘My War and My Peace,’ ‘Discrimination,’ and ‘Culture of Violence.’ Then, the 4th theme was ‘Terrorism.’

His speech was divided into 5 parts:

1. Definition: What is terrorism?
2. Reasons: Why do they do it?
3. Goals: What do they wish to accomplish?
4. Effects: How governments and people react?
5. Solutions: What can we do?

And, this time, after the presentation, many questions were asked to the presenter. 'Terrorism' is very sensitive and controversial issue and there can be many perspectives for this problem. As members who was preparing this 4th talk also expected, people discussed very actively to make the time for part 1 longer than we planned. Even before the concert, there was discussion on facebook, too. However, we did not fight, but just share and listen to others. In part 2, we tried to find further solutions which we can do and share each solution to the panels. Yellow papers in the right picture are the papers on which people write solutions. In next posts, will share them :) 

Actually, there was a big discussion and people wanted to talk more and more, we were running short of time!!! 33 friends from Ethiopia, Russia, Mexico, China, Sri Lankar, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Pakistan, Canada, and Korea talked about the issue which threats world peace worrying it seriously, and expressed their opinions trying to find further solutions to help to decrease these acts of terror and fear of people from very specific solutions to comprehensive ones. Each person comes from the countries which experienced wars, or are in war or other problem which people don't need to experience, and now, we are talking now. No more fight or war, but now conversation starts. How amazing! What I was touched is that people who have all different nationalities can be one, worrying the earth and thinking about world peace. 

MANNAM International Volunteer Association, where many youth from all over the world come together and exchange their cultures with pure volunteerism and we are really enjoying it! Furthermore, there are conversations for WORLD PEACE! MIYC, which consists of MANNAM and many youth communities and organizations that hope peaceful world, also expects you guys to take part in the conversations for peace and is preparing other programs, especially, you can meet 'The PEACE' in the Busan North branch of MANNAM Intl.!!!

On 25th, May, we are going to have the next, the 5th concert! Please cheer us up through any feedback/advice! 

[Zoom In Other Branches: Jeonju, Korea] Amazing MANNAM !

These days, as I am running my blog about MANNAM volunteer association and its programs, especially our branch's <더 PEACE>, reading other branches' blogs and contacting with them helps me to run blogs as well as the programs. 

One of branches, Jeon-ju is also doing many activities and its blog offers many interesting information for all members of Jeonju branch but also for all MANNAM-ers all over the world! 

The title of blog is AMAZING MANNAM. Jeonju is one of the big cities of Korea and it has many cultural heritage and if you taste the best BIBIMBAP, you should come once and taste Jeonju Bibimbap. Even you can find  Samgak-Kimbap (Onigiri) of which name is the name 'Jeonju Bibimbap' in convenience stores. And in Jeonju, there is a Han-Ok village!

Jeonju has Hanok mauel which is a famous Korean traditional style house village. There are numerous of traditional houses huddled together. …This village was started to build around 1930. There is a gate called Pungnam Mun near the village. It was the entrance into the castle but it was pulled down because of Japanese merchanters. They had broken into the castle and constructed their houses their way. So, the ancestors started to build the houses in traditional way to resist them and maintain our own culture. The village has the spirit of people who had lived that in that time.  

Above this, you can enjoy and learn Korean traditional culture in Jeonju. And in the blog, useful information about Jeonju you can get! 
Like JEONJU, its richness of traditional culture, MANNAM Jeonju branch also is volunteering as the light of society. I recommend to visit the blog, not only for people who are interested in Jeonju or joining Jeonju branch, but also I want to introduce members in Busan and other branches because there are other information and many articles about our association.

On the other hand, if you are living in Jeonju, how about joining the volunteering activities or culture classes of MANNAM Jeonju? They visited orphanages and did meaningful programs with kids, and the volunteers gave hope to them practicing the culture of peace and love. You can see pictures and schedule and get contact information: amazingmannam.blogspot.com !!!

MANNAM 더 PEACE, The Peace Talk Concert #2 Equality&Discrimination

Our 2nd peace talk concert video clip!

There was some problem in the editor's computer so we had to wait till her computer was repaired. Finally, got it!

Hope you all to see this video clip if you get to know about 더 PEACE talk concert and MANNAM Volunteer Association. We consists of many international friends from all over the world. And it's the fact that we respect each other and try to share our love to other people who need our help. It's also true that we are trying to make the culture of peace however you thought. So, I ask you to see the video!

Thank you our speaker, Rodrigo Braune, and all friends who discussed actively and shared experiences of discrimination. We will not just listen and stay there, we will really practice and hope that we do not mistake same as before.

Why don't you join us? You can thought it is the small group discussion as normal and talking about peace is useless. But you don't know that we, MANNAM international members, already started to dream together in Busan, Korea and made the 2nd concert, looking forward to reaching more and more peace, 더 PEACE!

The 3rd MANNAM Peace Talk concert, The PEACE #3: Culture of Violence

Hello, everyone.

The Busan North branch of MANNAM International is going to have the 3^rd peace talk concert, <더 PEACE>!

Finally March, and spring comes round! This month, the director of program, Kristen is a speaker. Do you wonder why she started and why MANNAM supported it, <더 PEACE> talk concert? Are you hesitating to involve in the program? Please come and hear at first hand!

*’더 PEACE’ #3. <Culture of Violence>

*When: Mar 23th, Saturday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

*Where: Learning Square Seminar room @ Seomyeon (Seomyeon subway Stn. Exit #1)

*Program*

7:30-7:50  Reception, Share Snack&Tea (There are some snack, juice, coffee and tea)

7:45  Opening

7:50-8:20  Part 1. ‘Listen’ : Speech (Speaker: Kristen Hwang)

8:20-8:30 Q&A

8:35-9:05  Part 2. ‘Share’ : Building Culture of Non-violence through Conversation

9:10  Announcement

9:25  Closing

#Contact: 010.6718.0091 Kristen / mannamthepeace@gmail.com

If you want to join and enjoy the concert, Please confirm ahead of time! :)

On every 4th week, we will have a talk concert, with the title ‘더 Peace’

Every month has a theme related to establish World Peace.

Why don’t you join us ? :) Do not miss it!

*제 3회 <주제: 폭력 문화>

*일시: 3월 23일 토요일 저녁 7:30-9:30

*장소: 서면 러닝 스퀘어 세미나실 (서면 지하철 역 1번 출구)

*프로그램*

7:30-7:50 다과 나누며 자유로운 토크 시간

7:45 개회: 프로그램 소개

7:50-8:20  강연: 황 지민(크리스틴)

8:20-8:30  질의 응답

8:35-9:05  자유 활동: 비폭력 대화를 통한 비폭력 문화 세우기

9:10  활동 발표 및 공유

9:25 폐회: 광고, 발표자 및 스텝 지원 받음

Our Pledgement to End Discrimination: After the 2nd talk concert

The end of this month is already coming again, and there will be the 3rd concert on this Saturday! Ahead of time, I share the summary of promises when we did in the part 2 of last concert. It will be exhibited on the 3rd talk concert, in front of the gate of seminar room!  Hope you reading this blog to come and see, but I upload it for people who cannot come because of the distance or previous appointment.

Our Pledgement to End Discrimination

-MANNAM Busan North <더 PEACE> staffs and participants-

We are seeing there is still discrimination in our society, although UN made Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Today, people are talking about ‘global village’, ‘globalization’, and ‘multiculturalism,’ but how much has it developed their understanding and tolerance for other people different from them? MANNAM International in Busan North held the 2^nd peace talk concert, <더 PEACE> and 35 members from 12 countries found many cases of discrimination in our everyday lives then we discussed how we overcome and end discrimination.
As many charters and declarations which have been made in human history announced, truly all human beings are equal without distinction of race, property, sex, birth or other status. There is only one race in the world: the human race. We are human whose common characteristic is being different. The fact that we are all different cannot be the reason of discrimination but it makes us equal.

We promise as below hoping to be doers to contribute to realization of equality, and to construct the culture of love and peace among our community and society without discrimination.

First, we will learn about others and understand and tolerate enough each other.Second, the barriers of discrimination and prejudice which cause misunderstanding and war will be broken down through communication between us.Third, in our family and school, we will educate family members, friends, and students that we are all equal, but we are just all different, in order to make them think human rights.Fourth, ‘I’ will stop discrimination first.
By putting these promises into action we can achieve human equality in our life and construct the culture of peace. 

MANNAM International Busan North branchMonthly Peace Talk Concert, <더 PEACE>, the 2^nd story, ‘Equality and Discrimination.’ 

1948년 UN의 인권 선언이 있었음에도 불구하고, 아직도 오늘날 우리는 사회에서 차별이 이루어지는 것을 목격하고 있습니다. 지구촌, 세계화, 다문화주의를 말하고 있지만 실제적으로 자신과 다른 상대방에 대한 이해와 관용의 태도는 100년 전보다 얼마나 진일보했을까요? 만남 부산 북부지부 주최의 제 2회 평화 토크 콘서트 <더 PEACE>에서, 세계 12개국의 35명의 회원들은 대화를 통해 도처에 존재하는 차별의 실례들을 확인하였으며, 이를 끝내기 위한 약속을 하였습니다.
역사 속 수많은 헌장과 선언문들이 재차 말해왔듯이, 참으로 모든 인간은 평등하며, 인종이나 소득 수준이나 남녀 노소를 불문하고, 세상의 인종은 오직 한 가지 인종, 사람밖에 없습니다. 우리는 각각 다르다는 공통점을 가진 인간이지, 다르다는 것이 차별에 대한 이유가 될 수 없습니다.
우리는 인간 평등 실현에 기여하는 주체가 되며, 우리의 공동체, 나아가 사회에 차별 없는 문화, 사랑과 평화의 문화를 건설하기 위해 아래와 같이 약속하는 바입니다.

첫째, 우리는 타인에 대해 배움으로써, 서로를 충분히 이해하고 관용하겠습니다.
둘째, 대화를 통해 소통함으로써 오해와 전쟁을 불러 일으키는 차별의 벽은 허물겠습니다.
셋째, 가정과 학교에서 모든 사람이 평등하며, 다만 다 다를 뿐이라는 것을 가족과 친구, 학생들에게 교육함으로써 인권에 대한 의식을 심겠습니다.
넷째, 나 먼저부터라는 생각으로, 차별을 중지하겠습니다.
위와 같은 조항을 실천함을 통해서 우리의 삶 속에서부터 평등의 가치가 실현 될 것이며 나아가 평화의 문화를 건설할 수 있을 것입니다. 

만남 부산 북부지부월간 평화 토크 콘서트 <더 PEACE>, 두 번째 이야기 ‘평등과 차별’

[Zoom In Other Branches: Seoul, Korea] MANNAM IMPACT

When first MANNAM Busan North branch was planning to make the global campaign/program of world peace, we saw the project of Seoul area on mannamimpact.wordpress.com.

This is a developing program, started by the Mannam International Volunteer Association , in support of The World Peace Initiative. It aims to share and cultivate the richest, most interesting and misunderstood aspects of humanity – our cultures. We hope to play a small role in bridging the gap between this worlds many nations, leading all people, regardless of our vast differences to a united culture of peace, love and respect.

As you see, its purpose is to share and cultivate our cultures. Group members who want to share their culture with people can make a presentation. What's more, it is not just a presentation, it includes the opportunities to experience the culture through eating their foods, learning art activities, and seeing many craft items, etc..

IMPACT consists of cultural exchange, cultural acceptance, and cultural appreciation to make space for co-existence, understanding others truly. And it contributes to establish World Peace among us.

After the 2nd talk concert with the theme 'Equality and Discrimination' all groups which discussed and made the pledge to end discrimination, suggested first 'understanding differences between others' as a solution and the first step to keep human rights and equality.

Acceptance comes from a place of understanding, and understanding from a place of learning… learning comes from a place of interest, and interest is a little portion of love.

The quote is from introduction of Impact program.
How do you think about it? It has one important point. If we do not communicate, and we do not learn about each other, we can never understand others.
That's why the Busan North branch made up mind to communicate with each other to reach 더 PEACE.

How much do you understand yourself, them, and us?

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 2: Love for Taeguek, and Love for Mugunghwa

In Korea, June 6th is Memorial Day for commemorating people who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. On June 6th, Memorial Day of 2009, a public patriotic event was held which one hundred thousand people participated on Yeongdong main-street (blocking eight-lanes) in front of the Coex Mall.  

It was the 54 th Memorial Day, and there 54 volunteer organizations in Korea and abroad participated in and set up many booths as well as prepared many performances. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association became much larger and more known by public through this event, as 54 organizations united. You can see the names of organizations (more than 54 now) on mannam.org.

Actually, MANNAM mainly volunteered around Gangnam, Seoul, unnoticeably, but with a pure heart from 2003. In 2008, a bazaar was held for those in need at the Apgujung, Chungdam elementary school and ten thousand citizens, including local residents participated. Gangnam district office was surprised with the outcome and suggested holding another event together. Finally, 'Love for Taeguek, Love for Mugunghwa' was held!!!

The Biggest Taeguek flag in the World

There were impressive performances and monuments, one of which was the biggest Taeguek flag (Korean national flag) in the world. It was recorded on the Guinness book!

This flag was made by 17,337 people's fingerprint, of which size is 60*40 meter. 

Look at the right picture! Can you imagine how big it is? 

The flag was completed in the square of peace in Olympic park and exhibited in the KEPCO building during the event.

Among 54 volunteer association, there are volunteer groups who share their skills and talents as artists so there were various performances and it was really surprising, touching, even inspiring some people said. 

Also, there was a fun, but meaningful performance, 'Mixing Bibimbap.' Bibimbap is one of the well-known Korean traditional foods, which is a symbol of harmony and balance. 

On the day, Bibimbap for 1,000 people was in a very huge bowl, then VIPs in the event came and mix it wishing Korea society to be in harmony.

During this event, many people including international families learned about not only Taeguek and Mugunghwa but also Korean histories. 

MANNAM did not stop loving for Taeguek, loving for Mugunghwa, and loving for cultural heritage! Many branches are connected to elementary schools and educational centers run by local communities, and yearly have held the event or offered educational programs to teach Mugunghwa and Taeguek,and make people recognize its meaning. 

And Now, we, MANNAM International wants to share each nation's culture and histories as well as each member's stories through communication each other, because when more than 50 organizations became united and MANNAM was born at the beginning, we understood and recognize the importance of culture and histories, furthermore, the value of volunteerism to make the world more beautiful. 

World Peace, and Victoryis started from understanding.And for understanding and communication, there must be 만남 (meeting)! :)

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 1: Rememberance for March 1st Movement

Today, March 1st is a national holiday in Korea when March 1st Movement took place. There a lot of Koreans including many students and intellectuals participated in the movement, and they shouted for freedom. 

Even if they looked weak and powerless because they lost their land and ruled by Japan, they just rose Taeguek flag (Korean national flag) and shouted hurray for independence of motherland, restoration of light. 

Like them in 1919, today, on March 1st in 2013, MANNAM Gwangju branch organized the parade of cycling with Taeguek flags (It was covered in Korean news channel YTN: http://bit.ly/YOy95G)

In Seoul, there was a '응답하라 1919' event ('응답하라' means 'Do respond.' This title is a parady of '응답하라 1997,' which was a popular drama that made people who were students in 1997 felt  nostalgia. So, the title is intended to make audience think about 1919 when March 1st Movement occurred.)

One of MANNAM Busan North members visited Seoul to see families and she happened to see the event, and got the stickers! She guessed it's MANNAM event because there were many people including many international friends, and her thought was right! :) Then, she took pictures and sent these to Busan North members!

MANNAM members and citizens in Seoul walked together from Insa-dong to Gwang-hwa gate remembering March 1st Movement and wishing world peace! Also there were the parade to represent March 1st, 1919 - with similar clothes, and short drama. 

MANNAM volunteer association, which started from Korea, has been planning and held the national festival once or twice a year. Remembering Korean and world histories and giving a respect to many people who tired to make world peace is also what we want to do. 

Furthermore, our activities like these make people- especially for children and youth groups-rise awareness of the truly important values. We held 'Love for Taegeuk,  and Love for Mugungwha' on Memorial Day of 2009, gave thanks to UN participation in the Korean War on June 26th, 2010, held 'Festival of World Peace, Light Restoration, and Victory' celebrating the Independence Day in 2010 and 2011. Next posts I will introduce other events! 

MANNAM The PEACE: To End Discrimination-after the 2nd talk

Pledge to End Discrimination

MANNAM International Busan North, 

The 2nd <더 PEACE> Talk Concert!

Time flies! Again the 4th Saturday came to us, and we held the 2nd <더 PEACE> talk concert!
On 23th, February, in Learning Square in Seomyeon, about 35 people came to the talk. In part 1, Rodrigo Braune, a Brazilian friend in MANNAM International Busan North branch gave us speech with the theme 'Equality and Discrimination.' (You can see the summary of speech the prior post)


In part 2, people was divided into a few of groups, then we shared our experience of discrimination and made the pledge to end discrimination. 

There were variety people and variety stories. First, discussion was going on in the group, then one of the members announced their experiences and pledge. Listening to others' experience, people found discrimination was around us and my experience was not severe one. What we discussed and shared will be posted more this week soon.

It was really great talking to share our experience and through the group activities, we found that we can overcome and end discrimination because we have seen and heard how people discriminated our friends and solutions to end it. Many friends came and wanted to share their stories, so some friends gave us feedback that 2 hours was short to pledge to end discrimination. We will longer discussion time but, though this time we didn't have enough time to establish specific and practical solutions, each group was talking about the basic and fundamental things and there are common grounds. We will make and announce soon our pledge to end discrimination!


After all presentations of the groups, we got feedback and received application to be a presenter. Constructive feedback is needed to develop our program, so thank you for all feedback we got if it helps us make the concert better! If you want to see pictures on the spot please visit our facebook: www.facebook.com/mannam.busan.north