Advertisement
This is an attempt to open up a discussion about the Monks of Wat Phreah Enkosa. To make a long story short, the first time I was in Cambodia, these monks solicited me for help in building a Dam that will feed over five thousand people. Unfortunately, they have little to no experience interacting with westerners, so I have become one of their few "links" to the first world.
Since then, i've built them a small website, provided them with a way to raise money online, and worked out some marketing materials to help give them legitimacy. I've also begun raising funds, which is where I'm looking for insight.
We're throwing a fundraiser party to help them, but I'm really interested in brainstorming on further ways to raise awareness for these monks, or other interesting methods of connecting them with the outside world. Cambodia is a beautiful place, but it's far removed from people's minds on this side of the earth.
Any thoughts at all...
Since then, i've built them a small website, provided them with a way to raise money online, and worked out some marketing materials to help give them legitimacy. I've also begun raising funds, which is where I'm looking for insight.
We're throwing a fundraiser party to help them, but I'm really interested in brainstorming on further ways to raise awareness for these monks, or other interesting methods of connecting them with the outside world. Cambodia is a beautiful place, but it's far removed from people's minds on this side of the earth.
Any thoughts at all...
posted by:
|
SF Bay Area
|
Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Re: Cambodian Monks
Sat, September 25, 2004 - 10:35 PMi'm on the way out the door, so i'll elaborate on this more later, but I think the key here is to find a way to create a direct relationship between people that are in a position to help and people that are in need of this help. I know this sounds overly simple and obvious, but humor me for a second... (i'm also a bit tipsy so probably i think i have some profound insight when there's very little to none ;))
It's not simply an issue of raising awareness. I am aware of the suffering that goes on in many parts of the world, but why is it easier for me to detach myself from, say, genocide in Rwanda, than my friend Hamadi wanting an English map of constellations sent to him in Morocco? why is one more deserving of my attention than another?
You had a very real interaction with those monks and the people of that village, and it's the better side of our human nature that because of this interaction it caused you to become emotionally invested in their future. I have to be honest and say I'm only even responding to your efforts because I was in Cambodia a few years ago and I related to a lot of the experiences & emotions you wrote about in your website. How do you get someone who's never been out of the country to even blink an eye?
I think it would be interesting to find a way not only to raise awareness of the situation they are in, but also to bridge the relational gap between potential donors/volunteers/ idon'tknowwhattocallthem and this commune. I'm not suggesting that you fly everyone to Siem Reap to meet each other in person, but something along those lines? maybe through some kind of media project (like video penpals?) there could be a way for people here to feel the impact they are effecting on people halfway around the globe.
We live in an age of cynicism, and half your battle here, if not more, is to figure out how to show people that they CAN make a difference, they CAN change the course of someone's life- sometimes just by a well-timed smile, a kind word, a gesture that seemingly meant nothing to the giver but everything to the recipient.
enough raving for now, must get air.
more later? -
-
Re: Cambodian Monks
Sun, September 26, 2004 - 3:59 AMI think that you're raising a tremendously good point. After spending a bit of time abroad, then at home, it's easy to take for granted the kinds of human connections that one might establish. While these monks have very real names, personalities and faces to me, to all the people I tell about this project they are romantic abstractions. Romantic abstractinos are better than vague abstractions, fortunately, but still aren't as powerful as the human reality.
I've been mulling this one over for awhile, trying to make these connections. Since it's a bit cost-prohibitive (at least right now) to either fly a monk out here, or fly interested parties out there, objects and records can provide a significant link to these people. I've just received a DVD from a german friend of mine who I introduced to the monks many months ago, and while we were there he made a short film about their endeavors. I know this kind of thing is typical, and there are probably better more creative methods of making connections, but seeing these people and their problems, and listening to them talk is definitely something.
Communication is a big issue. Of the 11 monks that run this organization, there's only 3 of them that speak decent english. If there were more english skills, i'd feel really good about trying to connect my friends here with them via the internet or snailmail or otherwise.
Objects with context and history mean a lot to people too. The last time I was there I got three silk offering scarves from the monks, for myself and my parents who they have never met. Gifts, even as simple as that can really make a difference to people's perception.
Ok, so before I ramble on anymore i'd like to throw this out there. What kinds of creative connections can we make to these people that need help? What might incite compassion in someone who has never been to Cambodia, or even out of the country? What inspires people?
Any suggestions? -
-
Re: Cambodian Monks
Sun, September 26, 2004 - 2:54 PMSpeaking from the perspective of someone who hasn't been to Asia, let alone Cambodia... I know that my interest in the situation stemmed from your accounts. I know that one thing that motivates people is not so much striving to create inspiration so much as pass it on. You were inspired and passionate when you wrote your accounts of your travels. Anyone reading them with a semi-compassionate soul could see that. Essentially, I was inspired because YOU were inspired. Doing events is a great way to get people involved. Especially those within our circle. This is a great cause because it is so specific and thusly has the potential to become personal to people. This isn't some large amorphous fund with a vague mission, this is something tangible and personal and a way for all of us to become involved in a very direct sense. In terms of raising awareness there just need to be ways for all of us to be introduced to the cause, the culture, and the people. When you do these events, not only post your art, but be sure to make available your stories of interacting with these people. That's what really brought it to life for me. Do different kinds of events coordinating with Cambodian Cultural groups ( there have to be some out there ). Maybe talk to the earthdance folks and see about having them out as speakers at one of the Earthdance parties next year. Of course Im just throwing stuff out, but Ill chew on it more and see if I can't come up with some more stuff.
-
-
