Research Of Shanghai Refugee Relief Association

After the "August 13th" Incident,a serious refugee crisis occurred in Shanghai.In order to solve the refugee problem,the private charitable organizations assumed the responsibility of relieving refugees after the government moved to Chongqing.With the suspension of the Shanghai International Red Cross,Yu Qiaqing joined forces with various parties to establish the Shanghai Refugee Relief Association in order to maintain the relief work in Shanghai.The Shanghai Refugee Relief Association adopted a hierarchical framework with the board of directors.The division of labor between the various departments is clear,mutual checks and balances.Besides,monitoring mechanisms were established to regulate the behavior of members and ensure the efficiency and integrity of the work.At the same time,the Association had perfected an excellent accounting system to improve financial management;published financial statements to achieve transparency;compiled the "Record" to win the trust of the people.The implementation of credibility construction is the basis for the Association to raise funds and implement relief work successfully.The Association’s Advocacy Committee adopted various methods of fundraising to lay the economic foundation for the relief work.Such as organizing fundraising teams,holding charitable performances,charity sales and competitions,implementing rescue plans,formulating salary increments and broadcasting propaganda conferences.Under the close cooperation with the concession,the association not only mobilized the people of the city and led the various charity groups in Shanghai to participate in the relief work,but also fully practiced the modern charity concept of “cultivating and applying”.This makes the refugees no longer dependent on the support of the shelters and can be self-reliant.Faced with the shortage of funds,the Shanghai Refugee Relief Association had to stop in April 1942.The lack of persistence in method of fundraising,the corruption within the association and the lack of strong assistance from the central government formed the reasons why the association’s work cannot be perfect.However,we still should affirm the contribution of the association to the society,that was to alleviate the refugee crisis and maintain social stability in Shanghai.The experience of the Shanghai Refugee Relief Association also provided inspiration to today’s philanthropy in which charities should maintain their relationship with the government and the people,truly win the trust of the people and cooperate with the government.On such condition,charitable organizations can have Long-term development.