Are we doing more damage than good?

(The thoughts reflected here are based on the BB Malaysia context and not of the BB in other parts of world)

Recently several cases have caused me to ponder the overall direction of the BB and if we are truly making the impact we've set out to do.. or if we could in fact be paving the way for the demise of lives.

One of BB's greatest strength's - loyalty - is also turning out to be one of it's greatest flaws. I suppose it is good to cultivate a sense of loyalty which comes with values like commitment, sacrifice, interest and passion which are things good for them to have in their future workplaces, families and so on.. so by most counts, this strength on it's own is not a bad thing. But if our members overemphasis on loyalty, like say, giving up a life decision for BB - this becomes destructive. Surely we cannot be teaching our members to be more committed to BB rather than their work or family.. but in some instances, that appears to be the case.

There is a root cause to that - all companies aspire to be bigger. To do that, you need more officers to take up positions, manage programs, to give personal care to our members and so on. With this knowledge, we mastermind how to retain or create a higher pool of office. While in some cases we are able to recruit non-rank and file officers, the default mindset is to prepare our members and NCOs from the rank-and-file to become officers in the future. This is achieve through instilling a strong sense of loyalty. Though this itself is not wrong, there is a potential danger in what seeds we sow. If it has reached a level where our members think "BB is life!" or "I don't want to be anywhere else but here in BB", we as responsible officers should start being worried.

We do not want to train our members, or future officers to be fanatic BB drones - we want them to be effective leaders in their workplaces.. people who can bring a positive impact to society and most of all, shine the Light. Unfortunately, in some cases our hunger for more members and to retain officers at all cost has significantly hampered their lives. We have become too protective on our members, barring them from trying out other activities beside BB, where in companies where this problem persist, BB is not a once a week event, but probably 3-4 times (unofficially) a week. To enforce this further, we punish our members who are "irregular" by decreasing their chances for promotion and creating an environment where if one is to do well in BB, they truly need to give up everything.. or resign. There are even companies discouraging their members from thinking through round, after round of punishments (into the thousands).. and the end objective is to make them understand that "an officers word is final".

Shouldn't we be encouraging our members to get out there.. perhaps joins other societies, church/CF programs, go for their friends birthday parties and so on - rather than always locking them in on their BB parades. Perhaps the interest, skill or experience God wants them to gain is not in the BB? I'm sad to see that some of our members struggle with reality when they hit tertiary education and fare even worse in work (assuming they only have BB as part of their lives).. but that is hardly surprising when BB is all they have known, isn't it?

Here's a real-life situation of what typically happens:
There is this person who has graduated from a local university, but is not able to get a job (yet). He has spent most of his time in BB, serving diligently and is well love by his offices for his enthusiasm and participation in all BB activities. The problem is that in his career line, he should have done internships during his holidays. Internships are typically 2-3 months long in most industries but he has never done any because he has choose to spend his time in the BB.. and in some cases through the insistence of the officers/captain. Because he has nothing to show for, he can't get the job he wants. So who's fault is it? His officers for urging him to come back on Saturdays? Or himself for his unquestionable loyalty to the BB?

I had a chat with a friend years ago.. young officer and nice chap. He was a proud BB member - but that's all he knew about. He was sure that if one came from the BB and did well, many organisations will hire - especially as a BB members reputation for loyalty is well known. I was quick to drop the bombshell on him. If I were an interviewer and the person hiring, I will most likely not hire a BB member if that's all they've ever joined.. regardless if they're Sergeants or Staff Sergeants with a President's Badge. Not being exposed to how other organisatiosn function, no prior job experience.. not even casual/part-time experience.. probably no interpersonal skills (BB is very command and control.. and is far worst in companies with both Boys and Girls - extremely superficial behaviour) and most of all - no life! Seriously, I would not want to hire a person with some personality.

(Having said all that, I have to note that BB members who are loyal and are also active in other activities do stunningly well in their careers and have a huge network of friends and contacts. Unfortunately, these are also the ones who normally have hell from officers for "dividing their attention" between BB and something else).

Though what I'm reflection on could only be the based of certain individuals (and surely a small percentage of members going through our ranks will not do too terrificly in life), there is still a responsible need to analyse if there was anything we could have done to prevent the worst from happening.. or discover if the current BB program has actually contributed to it. It also must be said that smaller companies seldom have a choice when it comes to the need to enforce this sense of loyalty - if the company only has 2-3 officers.. the situation is more desperate and their actions cannot be taken out of context.

This is something we need pondering upon.

The straightforward answer is that we need to allow our members some flexibility - let them do other things once in a while - let them take leave, not too often, but enough to at least try something different and to spend time with the non-BB peers. Perhaps when a member comes to a time closer to their careers, encourage them to do that all important internship and force him too if he doesn't.

The easiest to do is to remember what BB is about - building the leaders of tomorrow. Officers must remember the BB Object and readjust if there has been deviation. This must be dealt with some amount of importance as these are lives we are dealing with.

Visit to 12th KL

With a relatively free weekend due to school replacement classes a particular Saturday, when I normally go to 6th KL in the morning, I decided to pay 12th Kuala Lumpur Company a visit. The company meets at the Wesley Methodist School in Sentul, having attained it as base in 2011, having meet in another school in Bandar Sri Damansara before that. There were over 30 Boys that Saturday morning, with more around school but joining a leadership camp organised by the school. Mr Yeap and ateacher advisor were the officer in attendance.

12th Kuala Lumpur is sponsored by the Wesley Methodist Church Kepong and was started in year 2006 by a Mr. Koh Kok Hwa who became it's first captain. I was actually there during the first recruitment in Kepong and wrote an article on 3dklbb.org about it. 

Overall, I was quite impressed with how Mr Yeap managed his Boys. Being a one-man show is no easy feat . With some Boys moving into their second year, which means they already have Target, and with new recruits, Target is "restarted" and with a need of conducting a form of badgework, 12th KL is of desperate need for volunteers who can fill this responsibility. If you're interested or wish to find out more, please contact me for more details. 

The Soon to Be - 1st Seremban Company

Since the beginning 2011 while I was still working with BBM Headquarters, I frequently made trips to Seremban to conduct BB meetings at the Wesley Methodist School Seremban, a private school owned by the Methodist Church. 

The company was first formed in 1961 at the Wesley Methodist Church Seremban and the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) which shares the same compound. Although the BB made quite a big impression on the community of Seremban, it went defunct a decade later for reasons unknown (most likely the unavailability of officers). Right now, we're in the midst of getting the 1st Seremban Company revived by April 2012. 

With easily over 30 Boys, the Target program has been running smoothly since 2011 and it is due for completion in March, an a fresh in-take of recruits in 2012 - the company is steadily growing, though not yet registered. 

However, a piece of good news came a few days ago as a nearby church which happens to be 1st Seremban's original sponsor - Wesley Methodist Church Seremban, finally agreed to be it's sponsoring authority once again. They were even able to confirm a captain, chaplain and two officers as they transition from a weekday to normal weekend parades when volunteers can enter. 

Students of proposed-1st Seremban being taught drill by Sgt. Kodie Low of 3rd KL

BB and GB being taught basic drill 

Since before I started working full-time, 1st Seremban has always been on my cards due to its proximity to where I live. I thank God that has happened sooner than I expected. I hope and pray that this company will keep on going forward and that registration will be uneventful.

10th Annual General Meeting

The Kuala Lumpur State Council of The Boys' Brigade in Malaysia held it's 10th Annual General Meeting at Sekolah Sri Sempurna, home of the 10th Kuala Lumpur Company, on the 8th January 2012. It was a routine meeting and the first one I organised for the Council. All companies were present along with over a dozen observers from various companies, as well as from KL Stedfast Association. 

The meeting in session

Made a few typo errors in the booklet, but overall I was happy with the meeting, though I hope companies can see beyond their own interest and support the Council's activities. At the same time, I understand that companies are struggling are need to focus on preventing their own ship from sinking first. Hopefully, somewhere, I can make a difference.. not sure how yet. 

Group photo of the 10th AGM of KLSC

First Parades of 2012

My first parades of the year took place in four companies. The first stop was 6th KL which is officially revived (though under probation under the church, but ok in the eyes of BBM) after a two year recess due to the lack of officers. 13 Boys were present, including three already in secondary school, manned by three officers (excluding myself). A joint program was conducted with several dozen members of the 4th KL Girls' Brigade which focused on having fun programs that day. Overall, it was a great job by all the adults from BB and GB. Well done!

Fun activities being conducted with the BB and GB members at Holy Light Church

Closing parade in 6th KL

4th KL having a band practice 

After 6th KL, I had a little time to spare (or so I thought) and decided to drop by St. Gabriel's for awhile, in doing so catching the 4th KL band in practice. It was only a 10 minute visit, but it's good to see them in action. They've mentioned that recruitment has not been favourable in St. Gabriel's school this year with only 7-8 members. Need to pray for more!

Boys and Girls in CMC Kepong having fun activities

At 2.30pm I proceeded to my next assignment at Chinese Methodist Church Kepong. Results there was less encouraging as the Boys are quite undisciplined and naughty. Much work to be done here. Big credit to Mr Low Zhen Yu who was able to control the Boys much better than I. We also did a fun orientation program for the Boys and Girls. But with them hard to control and not cooperating, it was pretty frustration. There were only 8 Boys that day as well. We need another 10 at least to meet BBM's requirements to form a company. I believe the struggles today can be overcome by prayer and proper planning of our roles and programs. Let's see how that goes. 

After Kepong, I headed back to the YMCA in time to catch 3rd KL having their early year promotions to deserving new and old NCOs for their hard work. 

Newly Promoted Sergeant Wong Kin Phan receiving his sash

Performance at 1 Utama for Selangor State Government

On the Christmas of 2011, 3rd Kuala Lumpur Company was given a rare opportunity to perform a band performance at 1 Utama for the Selangor State Government. VIPs included the State's Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dato Seri Khalid Ibrahim and members of the Selangor EXCO. The purpose of this occasion was celebrate the joy of Christmas, a Christian event, with other Malaysians regardless of race or religion. 

3rd KL band performing outside 1 Utama New Wing

Despite a relatively last minute arrangement (one week notice), the Boys played alright. The band wasn't the only performance from us, also lined up was a choir led by Mr Lawrence Tay. 

It also so happened the 4th Johor Bahru Company was in town, mid-way through their tour of several towns as part of their year end trip. They were also given a slot to perform their fancy drill/dance which they performed during their recent fundraising dinner. 

4th JB Fancy Drill/Dance Performane

All in all, it was an interesting outing for all of members, making it a productive holiday. 

3rd KL and 4th JB group photo

Write up on 3rd KL Website 

3rd KL Year End Camp

I participated in 3rd KL's Year End Camp cum Band Camp at Chefoo Centennial Methodist Center at Cameron Highlands, which was held from 3-7th December 2011, though I only joined them on the 2nd Day at night. We took to longer route to Cameron's via Kampung Tanjong (which I honestly thought would be faster) and ended up reaching Camerons later than expected. Upon arriving, I was greeted by a bunch of Boys, some which looked tired after a long day of activities, in the hall rehearsing songs which were to be presented just a week later during a public Christmas event hosted by the Selangor State Government. 

The night was young when I arrived. In fact, the plan was to catch them in time to go for the Camerons Night market. After that, I was meant to conduct devotion and vesper that night which we based on a movie, Facing the Giants. Despite some extensive preparation, I found my "preaching" skills quite rusted and require more practice. I also gave the Boys a good old fashion time-challenge as I found their standards of tidiness grossly under-par, in particular the way the arranged their shoes outside the hall (no shoes allowed in the hall). As a BB Company, it is good to give them these reminders once in a while.. not have a "fun" camp and forget everything else.   

Heading up and down to a trail - apparently they went the wrong way

And up they go into the abyss! 

The next morning the Boys had an interesting 4-5 hour walk along the great tracks of Brinchang Hill. Yen Mun and I only walked them to the entrance of the trail.. though we initially planned to follow them, laziness got the better of us. We joined Lawrence and Joe Wong at Berinchang Town instead for a nice breakfast, shopping for items the NCOs needed to conduct games and enjoyed a nice piece of durian! 

It wasn't all fun and games for me either. I was requested to head up to Camerons to support the officers in keeping more eyes on the Boys. That didn't mean that I could stop working with my job at the KL FTO. I brought my laptop and monitor to Camerons and spent significant hours working on various assignments during my stay there. It almost seemed "anti-social" but that was how it was.

The Boys getting briefed of a game

The camp committee - made out of Form 4s conducting a night program

An interesting highlight of the trip was the Boys helping out in community work by assisting the Local Town Council clearing up overgrowth and rubbish along one of the Cameronian Trails. It was good exposure for the Boys as these program helped instill a sense of selflessness. All of them were cramped unto a truck like cattle on the way there and back. 

The Boys clearing up one of trails

Band session 

Character and Team Building Games 

What I particularly liked about this camp was that it was organised by the Form 4s (aged 16 or 17 if they were in removed classes). Most are Privates and have not been given the opportunity to show what they are made off. This camp certainly has given them a chance to shine and most would stand a chance in getting promoted. But ranks alone is not what it is about, BB is here to train leaders and getting the younger ones involved will boost experience and sharpen skills necessary in becoming a model citizen. 

This camp was also laying the foundations for the highly (over-emphasised) Pesta which will be held Kulai, Johor in June 2012. So.. we're back to this Pesta madness. God help us all. 

Read 3rd KL article here.