Mercy Relief (MR) has established the Mercy Overseas Volunteer Expeditions MOVE Programme in 2010 to provide an operative platform for individuals and groups to exercise the spirit of active global citizenry. MOVE volunteers (MOVERs) shall serve disadvantaged and poor communities at MR’s development project locations overseas such that they can personally and meaningfully experience and appreciate the plight of the less fortunate, and in tandem, learn the mechanics and philosophies of humanitarian work. This would also allow MR to identify and nurture future humanitarians.
In 2011, a more structured pre-expedition training course and post-expedition activities were incorporated into MOVE to acquaint, equip and reinforce the mechanics and philosophies of effective volunteerism and humanitarianism. This would also allow MR to identify and nurture future humanitarians. MOVErs will learn and deliver the 'software' and ‘heartware’ elements of humanitarian work which will complement and supplement the ‘hardware’ components which MR had already provided to the needy communities.
The slogan ‘It’s Good to Feel Bad’ seeks to inculcate into MOVErs to consciously avoid the ‘hero’ mentality after their volunteering services overseas. It is constantly drummed that whilst the MOVErs live in safe, secured and successful Singapore, hundreds of millions of their Asian neighbours are struggling to merely survive, hence the need for them to do even more for the less fortunate.
Returning MOVErs will automatically be integrated into the MOVE Network, a platform to allow them to further immerse themselves in active volunteerism, both locally and regionally. MOVErs shall promote an active volunteering spirit, civic life of compassion and care amongst the Singaporean society.