Efficient volunteering,
Abu Dhabi will soon launch a comprehensive platform for volunteering and social innovation, and a new government department dedicated to community development.
The initiative, called Maan – “together” in English – was announced on Monday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Sheikh Mohammed said it would “activate social co-operation and contribution in Abu Dhabi for all sectors of society, including nationals, expats and organisations, and will also support the efforts of government organisations to strengthen volunteer work in the emirate”.
While there have been previous volunteer and social responsibility initiatives in the emirate, Maan will ensure that volunteers’ efforts are put where they are needed.
“Maan was created because there is no specific organisation on the ground to promote everything relating to community management and participation,” said Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of the new Department of Community Development. “There is no platform that encourages the creation of NGOs in the third sector.”
Maan will fall under the auspices of the department, which was also announced by Sheikh Mohammed on Monday.
The department will regulate community activities and issue licences to those who wish to carry out social projects, while Maan will execute initiatives and provide a platform for members of the public to share ideas and efforts.
Once a person has registered with the department, they are in the database and can browse a range of options for volunteering and to offer support.
“You should be able to use members of society to create a cohesive, robust and inclusive society for all individuals, departments and organisations to work together,” Dr Al Khaili said.
“If you look at the models around the world, and specifically the West, it is built on this shared responsibility approach, but unlike there, where you have a lot of NGOs and partnerships that promote this kind of work, this is a big gap we have in society today.”