BVF Parks’ Friends Program

　　Background

　　Parks, important living spaces for people outside their houses and work, are key to improve people’s quality of life. In 2010, parks in Beijing received more than 210 million tourists. To improve reception services for an increasing number of domestic and international visitors Beijing Park Volunteer Corps will integrate volunteer resources across Beijing to carry out voluntary variety of volunteer services. A shift mechanism for volunteers will be established for peak seasons, e.g. 3-day holidays, golden weeks and summer and winter vacations.

　　Duration

　　1 year, from April 2011 to March 2012. (Note: this program will be regularly run, but the operation cycle is one year).

　　Implementation Model

　　This program is mainly backed by park volunteer teams as well as other volunteers. Regular volunteer activities will be carried out to improve effectiveness and establish a long-standing mechanism.

　　Content

　　(1)To provide tour guide, information, translation and interpretation services, public welfare publicity, public security maintenance, assistance to the elderly and disabled, etc., with the purpose to contribute to a better tourist experience of the city.

　　(2)To provide voluntary services to people in need (e.g. those in communities and nursing homes), contributing to a harmonious society.

　　(3)Emergency voluntary services, e.g. reception services at large-scale cultural events.

　　(4)Care for Migrant Children Action under Parks’ Friends Program