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.  

MANNAM Volunteer Association & MIYC - 10 Km in Their Shoes (Pledge of Peace)

  Luckily, I joined MANNAM volunteer association at the end of 2011, and took part in events last year, 2012. One of the biggest events was 10 Km in Their Shoes: Global Awareness Campaign. The 2nd 10 Km walk-a-ton was for global awareness about people who suffered from natural disasters. They are still in need, but many people easily forget their pain. 10 Km in Their Shoes was first held in 2011, to remember people suffered from natural disasters, and a friend from Turkey gave a speech to thank MANNAM, which was covered in Turkish news.

  And the next year, the 2nd 10 km-walk was held on a nationwide scale on 14th April. And from MANNAM Busan branch, around 500 foreigners walked for awareness to generate more support by better understanding suffers of people who fight an endless struggle against the forces of natural disaster. The walk focused on the following countries: Pakistan, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, New Zealand, Austrailia, and the United States.  

  I was also volunteering as a staff last year, and the route of MANNAM Busan branch was from Haeundae to Dalmagi. Many friends came and reminded us of how many people are being suffered and walked together. 

  This year, on 21st April, The 3rd '10 Km in Their Shoes' was finally held! It was in Seoul Grand Park, and It was supervised and planned by MIYC, which is a coalition of international youth communities/organizations and MANNAM do planning and core communication as an organization of it. This walk was for global awareness for PEACE, remembering 13 countries who experienced/ are experiencing wars, but many international friends, over 1,000 people, from all over the world came together and walked for world peace!

  From MANNAM Busan North branch, about 110 members came to Seoul. First, when we arrived, already the speeches from youth organizations were almost done and speaker had some problems, our branch couldn't listen to the speeches well. Next, we learned world peace flash mob dance (was very easy even for me who is a bad dancer!) and danced together! 

(I am among the people in the right picture! So exited face:-P)

   After exiting dance time, we started 3Km with flags which were chosen as 13 representative countries. We walked along with India row, but our Bangladesh Members found their national flag and other Bangladesh people from other cities, then they greeted each other, then they held their flags and walked together! The Busan North and some branches not from Seoul, walked 3Km, considering the distance and time taken to come to Seoul. 

   On a sunny day, with great people, we had a meaningful time through this walking campaign. The first meet-up and big event for MIYC, and there were some mistakes and negative feedback. But, I believe MIYC to develop more and more and will do a great project this year. I saw the sign of hope in our MANNAM members' face with smiles when they danced, greeted other global families from other cities, and walked for peace! Hope World Peace to Come Finally ! Now, I met and am with Peace Leaders of Today :)

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 5: Declaration of Unification

  These days, international societies are worrying about Korean Peninsula, especially the escalating tension between South Korea and North Korea. Some of friends not in Korea may send messages or call their friends in Korea and ask if they feel the sign of war. This issue is being covered in daily news every day and it makes me worry about Korea and think of the past histories of Korea and Korean War. A few of person argue the war between two Koreas then Korean Peninsula will be reunified. However, is it the best way of reunification?

  War with the arms – nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, landmines, uranium munitions – causes countless victims to be killed or live in pain in their whole life. Especially, nuclear weapons – I’ll write about it later posts – are many times powerful than the Hiroshima bomb. Today’s typical bomb (150-kiloton) would cause between 730,000 and 8,660,000 deaths depending on the population density of the city.[1]

  Can you imagine what will happen in Korea if war breaks out? Why do we have to pay numerous deaths to reunify Korea although we can achieve peaceful unification?

  You may agree the reunification of Korea or not and you may agree peaceful unification or not. But the one thing that you keep in mind is that violence begets violence, terror inspires terror, and war gives rise to war. If Korea will not be unified, there is still the probability of a war in the world. And if Korea achieved unification through war, there is still the probability of a war, too!

  Recently, I read Declaration of Unification from MANNAM official website: mannamintl.org when visiting to see the newly updated site to get sources to introduce national events of our organization. It is worth reading. It was written by 33 representatives of citizens. The main representative writer is Man Hee Lee who is the honorary chairman of MANNAM Volunteer Association. Many controversies are there about him. The members never want a certain religious group to rule / occupy our MANNAM. Rather, whatever religions members have, MVA members try to tolerate one another and make harmonious life together. Despite of controversies around him, his experience of war and an insight into histories cannot be ignored.

Here are the parts of Declaration of Unification:

           …we are still pointing guns at people of our own race. How can this be the will of our forefathers, patriots and the Korean people today?
 First, just like East and West Germany, the leaders of South and North Korea must gather to discuss unification for the sake of this country and its citizens. This is not only the wish of the nation and its people but the peace the whole world whishes for. Second, if our leaders truly love this nation and its citizens, they will work to establish a unified nation the citizens with for and a country where people live happily in abundance. How can a nation which is divided stand with confidence in this world? The leaders of South and North Korea must ensure that the Korean Peninsula will not be shamed. Third, we must all lay down our weapons and allow our citizens to travel freely throughout the Korean Peninsula.

Peace cannot come from gun. How do you think? 

---

[1] Mary-wynne Ashford & Guy Dauncey. (2006). Enough Blood Shed: 101 Solutions to Violence, Terror and War. Canada: New Society Publishers.

[MANNAM Volunteer Association] Why are they so kind to foreigners in Korea? : Another Definition of Peace

  Last year, MANNAM Volunteer Association joined WPI (World Peace Initiative) movement, and one of the campaigns was to ask people 'what do you think peace is?' then asked each of people to write their definition on a piece of paper on which just the phrase 'Peace is' was written.

  At that time, I wrote "Peace is what people hope it, but what people do not believe possible." I had been facing many skeptical and cynical views to our campaign so, at the first time when I got the paper, I wrote like above. And I met many people from all over the world and saw what they wrote.

  One day, a sweet girl who volunteers as a main translator in Busan North branch, Anna, talked about her view and her definition. And I was impressed and even surprised. From then, I don't care about the skeptical views (now I think I learned to tolerate them and understand there are different views among people) and feel proud of myself and MANNAM.

  Her definition of peace was 'FAMILY.' She was also '외국인 (a foreigner)' when she did study in Canada over 5 years for the graduate school. Fragile, being a stranger, she felt many things. There were many difficulties living as a foreigner in a new culture, new society, and with new people. When she got in troubles, she came up with her family and really missed family. In this case, she thought that if she made friends who are like her family members who warmly accept, tolerate her as she is, her feeling can get better. That's why she supports MANNAM and MANNAM's activities, she said.

  First time when some people try talk to you with kindness, you may shrink into yourself wondering why they are kind to you. However, if you experience them, and after founding a basic trust, they can be your friends. But, when you find that they are really interested in you and ready to accept and tolerate you beyond just kindness, and superficial relationships, you can open your heart more and you guys teach each other and learn from each other. Finally you will laugh with them, sad with them, empathize with them, like a family.
  Then, peace can be established among people, because we became the family, though there is no biological relatedness.

  That was her explanation and what she imagined and dreamed in MANNAM Volunteer Association. A real international family in this global village, as numerous news, advertisements, policies, education systems have been saying, can be truly made? I know It's difficult but disagree that's impossible!


  I often call MANNAM friends '엄마(Mom), 이모(Aunt), 언니(sister), 오빠(brother), 동생(younger brother/sister), 할아버지(Grandfather).' First it was just joke, but now I use them I feel these days they are my families! And believe that in the MANNAM family, we can make it come true, World Peace !!!

[MANNAM International Busan North] Korean Class : Learn, Understand, Culture, Peace!

On this post, I'm going to introduce our amazing Korean Classes in MANNAM Busan North branch!!! I can't wait to show you all many pictures and news because our blog is being prepared to upload many useful materials and contents which teachers are using in the classes and pictures. It's too bad that you cannot exactly see how the classes are going, but you can see pictures on facebook: www.facebook.com/mannam.busan.north

MANNAM Busan North branch has been volunteering to teach Korean language for free since last November, 2012 on weekends. Saturday classes are held at a room in Pukyeong university or Seomyeon office (depending on the day), and Sunday classes are held at the center for foreign workers of Shinpyeong Busan bank. 

 There are 5 level in our classes:

• 1-A: Korean alphabet, Pronunciation, Basic conversation
• 1-A-1: Basic conversation, Basic grammar (You would feel interested in Korean language!)
• 1-B: Intermediate conversation and grammar (You can make more various expressions)
• 2-A: Advanced conversation and grammar (You can get a lot of knowledge about Korean culture through variety materials)
• TOPIK: For people who are preparing TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency In Korean)

At the end of March, the classes ended a semester and took a break on 7th and 8th, April. It means the new semester will be held soon!!! About 100 students registered for classes and it will be the first lessons on coming Saturday and Sunday, 13th and 14th, April.    

MANNAM Korean Classes do not only offer the knowledge of Korean language but also it is the place that you can learn how to understand other culture and languages. We share our cultures learning one of them, Korean language, and we feel love, kindness, and volunteerism. Many friends who took the classes shared their foods, their countries' problem, and their thinking about peace and culture through the classes. Also, have great times and create memorable moments like a birthday party or a farewell party. 

How about joining this amazing class? Actually studying is difficult and boring, but it's not school which you have to hit the book! Do not miss it :) !!!

Contact# mannam.busan.north@gmail.com

  

[Zoom In Other Branches: Gang-won, Korea] Interesting Articles and Information about Korean Culture!

여러분, 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo) ?

Korean people use that phrase when greeting each other, like 'how are you?' 

A word 'An-nyeong,' which is combination of two characters, '安' and '寧,' means health of body as well as peace of mind. All people who live in or visited Korea have heard that phrase at least once. But, do you know that phrase is related to 'war'?

These days, I enjoy reading the blog of Gang-won branch and sometimes the articles about Korean vocabularies and culture make me surprised because I didn't know or think of it before. And, the meaning of Korean greeting was also new to me. 

In fact, these Koran greetings are related to war. In the past, there were so many wars in Korea that it was not easy for people to spend every day peacefully or safely. Nobody knew what would happen in the next minute. People might have to unexpectedly leave their homes, suddenly guard against the enemy, or unfortunately lose their lives. Therefore, when Korean people spent a night and got up the next morning, the first greeting they ask was “An-nyeong-ha-se-yo?” — “Have you spent a peaceful or safe night?” 

-From 'Let’s Make An “An-nyeong-han (Peaceful)” World Together!' Retrieved from mannamgw.blogspot.com

Isn't it amazing? There are many articles that explain the meaning of Korean expressions and interesting stories related to Korean culture. I am sure that if you are interested in Korean language and culture, you will definitely love them!!! It provides us with a fresh perspective to see the culture of Korea :) Get fresh information here: mannamgw.blogspot.com

[MANNAM International Busan North] Sports: Beyond the Barriers, Achieve Harmony!

On 31th, March, MANNAM Busan North had a media day for the 2nd Victory Cup league, which starts soon on 7th, April. And it was covered on Daum, one of the main web portals in Korea: http://bit.ly/YtpWVl Its slogan was 'With Playing Soccer, Beyond the Barriers, Achieve Harmony.'
 How do you think about sports? You may or may not like sports, or you may love to do sports or just to watch sports games. To all involved in games including players and spectators, Sports provide opportunities to be united as one. 

On the other hand, as our sports team leader, Mr. Choi often says, if there will not be war anymore on the earth, how can people exude their passion? In other words, he often says sports are the kind of alternative as outlet for people instead of wars. 
Here some quotes from our sports team's blog: 

MANNAM International started to hold this sports league from last year to achieve world peace through sports. Beyond the nationality, ethnic, religion, and every single walls that blocks world peace, we gather and bring our pure hearts to share love, peace, and respect toward others. There are still a lot of wars exist in this world right now. It does not matter you aware of it or not, a youngman might be killed by the other during the war in this time. What a tragedy!!

MANNAM International is not supporting any kind of war. War should be stopped. People should stop to kill others by the name of war. It cannot be justified any of reason. That is why MANNAM International started sports league. Each teams were just an opponent each other when we met first time. However, we are getting to know each others and become friends in the end of the sports league. We do not play sports for just winning the game, but we try to understand and respect others. Our aim is that becoming a winner by the true and pure sportsmanship. What if we toss a ball instead of pointing guns!!    

Actually, there has been no sports team in our branch, but there are a dozen of friends who want to play soccer together, members gathered on 24th, March and it was the beginning of MANNAM Busan North Soccer club. Still, there are not many people but we will advertise it and invite more friends. Please contact to sports team if you want to play soccer and you live near Busan (including Gimhae, Gangseo, Yangsan!!!)

• Contact # : Elly 010-5599-4744 
• Blog: mannambusansports.blogspot.com

And, I have news to inform you. Finally, the 2nd Victory Cup starts this weekend! 

2013 Victory Cup Soccer league Busan trials Schedule!!

• March 23 (Sat): Deadline for application
• March 24 (Sun): A friendly game @ Shinpyung (1pm ~ 3pm)
• March 31 (Sun): Opening day (group drawing) @ Seomyun MANNAM Busan North office (7pm ~ 8pm)
• April 7 (Sun): 1st trial match @ Eulsukdo (4pm ~ 7pm)
• April 14 (Sun): 2nd trial match @ Eulsukdo (4pm ~ 7pm)
• April 20 (Sat): 10km in their shoes, charity walkathon event @ Sasang & Saha area (1pm ~ 6pm, prearrangement)
• May 5 (Sun): 3rd trial match @ Eulsukdo (4pm ~ 7pm, prearrangement)
• June 16 (Sun): Final tournament @ Seoul

If you need further information, please do contact to Elly 010-5599-4744/ vcupbusannorth@gmail.com!!

[MANNAM International Busan North] Volunteer Activities: Share Your Warm Heart!

How do you think about VOLUNTEERING? 
I learned one thing in MANNAM, volunteering is easy and it starts from me first. 

Last week, two members of MANNAM Busan North visited again one of the houses where we had visited in November in order to deliver briquets. There was an old lady who lives alone. She is 104 years old this year. The members presented some foods. She was happy to see us and said that what she really wanted is not other foods or financial aids but friends that chat with her. 

Sometimes, volunteer activities can make you feel difficult because it requires you put your energy - your financial aid, time, physical labor, etc. - and even it can make you think, 'Am I a worker? Why am I doing this? Oooh, feeling sick of it.' (Of course, If you feel like it, I recommend you stop taking part in volunteering activities and take a rest! There can't be force) However, when I came up with the result of my volunteering, and after I considered people whom I help as my friends, it was easier than before. Above all, when I found there were more people to work together, it was not difficult one more, rather it was fun and amazing moment!

MANNAM Busan North branch Shared Our Warm Heart with Delivering Briquette(Nov 17th, 2012) and Making Kimchi (Dec 12th, 2012)!!! More pictures on www.facebook.com/mannam.busan.north

MANNAM Busan North branch has been doing volunteer activities for elders who live alone, and the members are volunteering as teachers and assistants in Korean classes, and some members are helping our programs as staffs who take videos and pictures. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, we are going to Minju Park and there is a Soup Kitchen. And we are planning to do volunteer activities in a farming community this summer. And as I said first, we want to visit them periodically and have a meaningful time with them! It will be definitely nice and meaningful time to deliver lunch boxes of love, chat with themselves, and massage them. 

And if you have any good idea to do volunteering activities, please contact to us! Please remember that MANNAM is run and made by you, your imagine, your energy, and your participation! 

If you have any good idea to help others, or if you know the place or people who need our help, please contact to us: mannam.busan.north@gmail.com

[MANNAM International Busan North] Do you know Busan in South Korea?

Hello, how are you today?
I made up my mind to publish posts about Busan and MANNAM Busan North branch.
Actually, the program which this blog is introducing is run by Busan North branch, but I found there was few posts about it though many readers may wonder whether there are other activities and want to get information about Busan.

The Busan branch of MANNAM International started at the end of 2011, and it has been doing many activities and running classes since then. You can see many pictures and news on MANNAM News Letters in 2012. As you know, in their beginning period, most organizations or businesses learn from trial and errors. We opened many classes and found many places to visit to help as volunteers as well as planed the events to help people in need. There were a lot of culture classes/club: Korean language classes, K-pop dance classes, an English class, a Korean cooking class, a Soccer team, a Basketball club,

Through the year of 2012, MANNAM Busan, which was started with about 20 members, has grown and now it has more than 500 members. Then, from 2013, MANNAM Busan is run divided into two branches, South and North branches.

MANNAM Busan North branch has been trying to do volunteer work periodically and planning and doing meaningful programs, one of which is '더 PEACE.' And, I am sure that Busan North branch's Korean classes are the best classes among many Korean classes in MANNAM branches and it is even one of the most high-qualified classes in South Korea, I'm sure! There are about 100 members who registered, and average 60 members are studying Korean language with us every weekend.

The blog of Korean classes was newly started, now more useful information and important posts will be uploaded: mannambusankorean.blogspot.com

More information about the programs will be uploaded and you can get information about Busan, too! :)

[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 Volunteer Association in South Korea 4: World Peace and Independence Festival of Victory

There have been many empires and colonies in the world history from even prehistoric era. Often, a nation’s desire to control other countries made people who had believed in human development through enlightenment. Accordingly, many colonial empires and colonies appeared. One day, I just wondered how many nations have Independence Day. You can check on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_day

One of countries which has Independence Day is Korea!

In Korea, Independence Day is called ‘Light Restoration (光復).’ ‘光’ is Chinese character which means ‘light.’ It is one of the most joyful holidays in Korean history ending the 35year-colonial era. In 光復, ‘light’ means culture as well as national sovereignty controlled by Japanese empire.

In MANNAM’s slogan, you can see ‘light’ on the phrase ‘When Light Meets Light There is Victory’ It means each person who can be a light for the world as volunteering, but also it means ‘culture’ as mentioned above. Accordingly, we believe creating culture is so important and doing many cultural activities and huge events with cultural performances!

MANNAM in South Korea 'World Peace and Independence Festival of Victory' celebrating 65th Independence Day in 2010. A lot of VIPs and ambassadors from 34 countries participated in this national event.

There were a lot of cultural performances and booths about not only Korean traditional culture, but also 23 international culture booths.

The most impressive and special event was laser show, using light and symbolizing Korean Light Restoration day with introducing MANNAM’s slogan.

It was meaningful work to preserve the valuable cultures and stimulate people to think about the past history and give thanks to ancestors.

How do you think of all these events?

 As mentioned before, MANNAM’s slogan includes ‘Light Meets Light,’ if ‘light’ means culture, how about helping us to meet your culture, too?

[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 3: Korea Will Remember You Forever

On June 25, Sunday 4:00am, 1950, the tragic Korean War began with gunfire and after 3 years and 1 month, the ceasefire negotiation ended, leaving an everlasting pain and many scars behind. 

With the precious sacrifice of the veterans, we rose up and made unimaginable progress and developments. Within 60 years, trying to leave the pain behind, Korea was able to flourish in the world by holding the 88 Olympics, 2002 World Cup, and the G-20 Seoul Summit.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, MANNAM held this event in remembrance of the veteran’s sacrifices which made Korea truly what it is today.

By the Arrangement of Collective Security, ‘UN takes effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace' UN forces enter the Korean War to protect Korea's liberalization. The Korean War was the first war involving the UN forces in an effort to bring forth Peace and freedom to Korea. So this became not just Korea's war, but a war in which the world shared.
We will never forget the sacrifice and dedication of the UN forces which allowed Korea to exist today. (Retrieved from mannamintl.org)

On June 26th, 2010, Sejong Center on Seoul Gwanghwa gate street, there were a lot of special guests early in the morning. They were war veterans of the Korean War and their family from many cities of South Korea, and the ambassadors of nations which had participated in Korean War as UN forces. 

From 10 a.m., the Nara Sarang National Event, 'Korea will Remember You Forever' was started. With opening, the biggest Taeguek flag, which was made in Memorial Day of 2009, appeared and flag bearers first emerged then many variety performances followed, to remember soldiers and many people who sacrificed their lives because of war. 

The representative of MANNAM volunteer association, Nam Hee Kim's speech was followed by the rememberance of one of war veterans, Man Hee Lee. 

Next, an unveiling ceremony for a special monument which had been made by ambassador's hand print from each country that helped Korea during the war as UN forces. The monument has Taeguek mark!

Also, with the handprinting monument, there was a meaningful event, made a time-capsule and put 1,300 letters from citizens in South Korea and the monuments which make us come up with this event for remembering Korean War. 

From April, students in 7 elementary schools took part in leaving their fingerprint, appreciating of UN participation, the flag made with fingerprints of children. Korea remember you forever!!!

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 Volunteer Association: What is True Volunteerism?

MANNAM is an association that has the mindset of true volunteerism. We serve our communities in love and through love because we extend the same love to others as we feel for ourselves.

This blog is for the peace talk concert <더 PEACE>, which is directed by '더 PEACE' project team in MANNAM Busan North branch, and this page is for introducing the organization and is going to introduce other activities to shape world peace.

Members of MANNAM did a variety of volunteering activities for neighborhood. 

The Busan branch (now in 2013 Busan branch is separated into Busan North and South) visited the orphanages, rehabilitation centers, cleaned up the Hwangryeong Mt., and participated in wall-painting volunteer work. Also, we held the big campaign '10 Km in Their Shoes', which was global awareness walk-a-ton campaign to remember people who are suffered by natural disaster. In the end of year, in winter, there are more people in need. MANNAM delivered briquets for elders who live alone and made Kimchi and delivered. 

Now, the Busan North branch is working in a Soup Kitchen 2nd and 4th Saturday every month. 

(Press the 'Join'! :www.facebook.com/mannam.busan.north)

We came, we saw, we painted!  (Wall-painting @ Asia Community school)

"These days, I feel like everything is going too fast! It's all about the young and the wealthy in this fast paced driven-for-success world. It's not often that people take the time to consider those who we've 'left behind' like the orphans and the elderly - or anyone else who doesn't fit perfectly into society for that matter. So, it was really amazing to spend time painting the Asia community school. Not only did it involve a wonderful mess, but it would also mean leaving a visible sign, that there are still people who want to take the time to make a difference.
We met at Munhyeon staton and made our way up the side of a hill in the hot, hot sun to the most colorful - from bright blues to vivid greens! We started painting to the music styling of Gangnam style, like this and shiny. Basically, we came, we saw, we painted, and then some of us got a chemical lesson (when we were cleaning the paint brushes we tried to was off the paint with turpentine and water and it ended up on our hands - it burned! Luckily we found some soap to solve the problem). Later I realized how awesome it actually was to see how a bunch of people from different backgrounds, places and races were working together to make a difference in some kids' lives!"
-Elizabeth Schoeman (South Africa)-

On the other hand, the members volunteered as class managers / teachers in MANNAM culture classes. We help our friends sharing our own knowledge and experiences.

"It wasn't my first time in teaching, but to teach something that was never my strong subject like Korean, I was a bit taken aback. I know my Korean level was (and still) pretty low. Almost hit the bottom, to be honest. But since in MANNAM, anything that can be shared would be better to be shared, I braced myself to help my friends who attend MANNAM TOPIK class every Saturday at Bukyung University. I'd say, it was fantastic. Not because I can teach the others, but I can accompany them through hardship they experienced. Together.  Side by side. ;)"
- Raffy Sammy (Indonesia) -

"Hi, I'm Li Ge from China.I joined in MANNAM family in May. Doing volunteer activities is a very interesting and special experience for me. Not only I can feel happy through helping others but also I can improve my Korean and English speaking. As the assistant of English class, it's fun for me to learning Korean with people all over the world. Thanks to MANNAM and 은정 언니 (Eunjung, the Korean class teacher) for giving me the chance and stage to being one of you."
- Li Ge (China) -

If you join MANNAM, you will soon find that volunteering is not difficult one. It's very easy to start if we make step forward together. Doing volunteer work makes you have fun and it's really enjoyable and memorable moment when we share what we own and make people smile. You will meet many friends and neighbors from all around the world through MANNAM's volunteer activities. 

Do you want to know more about Volunteering activities in MANNAM Busan North ?

Please do contact Anna 010.7197.7680 and get more details :)
Also, more schedules and information will be uploaded on busanmannam-event.blogspot.com

Let's do Share Our Warm Heart together!!!