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Guan Haoming, newly elected chairman of the Hong Kong Social services Federation, is calling for a significant shift in how social workers engage with the government. Known for his past involvement in social movements, Haoming now champions a collaborative approach, prioritizing dialog and partnership over protest.
social workers do not need to take an oath. (Photo by Lin Junyuan)”>
Haoming’s election this month marks a turning point, replacing Chan Chi-si, who held the position for 22 years. In a recent interview, Haoming acknowledged the past emphasis on protest as a means of advocacy. He stated, “Either demonstrating, making noise, or scolding, evil enough that the government is afraid of you and fight for it, as this method was taught in the past.”
A New Era of Collaboration?
Haoming’s vision centers on fostering a more constructive relationship between social workers and the government.He believes that open communication and collaborative problem-solving are essential for effective advocacy. He aims to “make social workers understand how to work with the government,where resources always come from.”
He attributes the previous reliance on protest to a lack of complete training, stating that past training focused solely on the needs of those in distress, neglecting the financial realities and operational challenges faced by the government.He emphasizes the need for greater transparency regarding government funding and operations. he explains, ”The shouting is over, everyone has to go back to (review), some things need to be read longer.”
Understanding the financial Landscape
Haoming also criticized a lack of understanding within the social welfare sector regarding government spending.while acknowledging the considerable social welfare budget (over $100 billion), he points out that a significant portion is allocated to social security and direct services, leaving a smaller amount for other initiatives. He stated, “(The social welfare sector) is accustomed to getting (money) against it, not as a business… In fact, you (social welfare organizations) are also a business, (should think about) how to do it better, it really helps.”
haoming’s call for a more collaborative approach resonates with similar discussions in the United States, where non-profit organizations and government agencies are increasingly exploring partnerships to address complex social issues. His emphasis on understanding the financial constraints of government funding mirrors the challenges faced by social service providers across the globe.
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