There are countless aspects that must be considered and dealt with in order to successfully pull off this kind of event, the sole purpose of which is to realize our dream of “A World without Drugs”.  Editors at Beijing’s Drug Control Online website have been tracking the reports of one Drug Control Volunteer who has participated in all five Drug Control Auto Tours.  His demonstrated passion and strong personal feelings for drug control are enlightening.

 

Since the first Auto Tour in 2004, which set out from Humen in Guangdong Province, there have been five tours altogether.  I have participated in each one.  I am very passionate about the Drug Control Auto Tour.  The reason why I love this event so much, and the reason I think it is so important, is:  It breaks through the boundaries of professions and regions and truly reflects the public’s feelings toward drug control.  In addition, an activity of this magnitude is capable of attracting the attention of our entire society

 

The Auto Tour has received immense support from the government and other organizations throughout society, and has certainly achieved remarkable results.  However, this success has not come easy.  Many obstacles have been faced and overcome in order to bring about this success.

 

 

Government functional departments should increase support to drug control volunteer efforts.

 

Chapter 1, item 3 of the PRC Drug Control Regulations states, “Drug control is the responsibility of our entire society.  State, social, and business organizations, as well as individual citizens, should carry out their drug control obligations.”  Item 10 states, “The State encourages volunteers to participate in the promotion of drug control education and drug rehabilitation social service efforts.”

 

Everyone knows that without the participation of all people, the fight against drugs cannot be won.  This is why the Central Committee called for the “Peoples War on Drugs”.  Drug Control Volunteers are an essential part of this war.

 

When people hear the terms “Everyone Participating” or “the Peoples War”, most think of news reports about the drug control efforts by public security organizations.  When they think about drug control education, they incorrectly think that it is sufficient to simply support the principles of the matter.  I’ve noticed this phenomenon as I’ve participated in each of the Auto Tours since 2004.

 

However, even if it is just a volunteer activity, government support is still necessary.  Moreover, this support should not only come in the form of words and media reports, but in deeds and actions that provide real support and leadership.

 

These days, “actions” are difficult to come by.  “Leading policy”, “activity safety”, and “principle support”, are not “actions”, rather they are the embodiment of bureaucracy and regional narrow-mindedness.

 

 

During each Auto Tour, I felt that obtaining support from businesses was very difficult.  Actually, there is no lack of support for or enthusiasm to participate in public charity among businesses, however, their support and participation is often selective.

 

When charity and welfare, environmental protection, student financial aide, disaster relief, etc. are mentioned, businesses are the ones who show a willingness to help.  But as soon as you mention the cause of drug control, many businesses and individuals hesitate.  One time while soliciting support with a business, as soon as they heard the words ‘drug control’, they quickly responded with, “Our company doesn’t have any drug users.  We support you, but please don’t mention our company’s name.”  When promoting drug control in the public, nearly half of all people say, “I don’t use drugs”, and then quickly walk away.

 

Currently, many businesses provide support for the cause of AIDS, but are hesitant to support drug control.  We know that the Netherlands Company Akzo Nobel provides support for an AIDS prevention program in China.  Anli Company also contributes funds to children with AIDS.  Chinese companies are also quick to support AIDS awareness programs.  The problem lies in the reasons why companies are unwilling to support drug control programs in China.  One aspect is that they are afraid the public will misunderstand them.  Another aspect is some of our government and media personnel have preconceived ideas about drug control.

 

Throughout history, China has suffered from the effects of drug use more than any other country.  As a result, the attitude that surfaces when drug control is mentioned today significantly affects our behavior and judgment, and retards the further development of drug control efforts.

 

In addition, companies who support drug control efforts are often treated differently by some within our media organizations, to the extent that some are openly discriminated against.  There are also many people who think businesses that support drug control are motivated by profits, or are simply concerned about their public image.  I personally think this point of view is narrow-minded and ignorant.

 

We must understand that drug control work and other public charity work is the same.  Both are noble and great causes, and both require compassionate support and contributions.  You cannot support one and not support the other.  There is no room for misunderstandings and discrimination.  Currently, there is not much active participation and support for drug control.  We must do more to encourage participation and support from businesses.  If government organizations increase their support for drug control work, businesses will be more willing to participate and support it as well. 

 

 

In order to get more businesses and people involved in drug control work, two specific problems must be solved:

 

 

Chapter 1, item 7 of the PRC Drug Control Regulations states, “The State encourages social contributions to drug control efforts, and will grant tax incentives according to the law.”

 

 Drug Control Law also specifically mentions encouragement for social organizations to contribute to drug control efforts.  I think, according to the law, that businesses actively engaged in drug control activities should be given considerable honor.  There should be an organization specifically designated with the responsibility of coordinating and managing this system of recognition.

 

We shouldn’t think of the Drug Control Law’s statement “social contributions to drug control work” to simply mean dealing with drug use, helping drug users kick their habits, or supporting drug investigation and recuperation programs.  If we truly stress the importance of prevention, then business support and contributions to the promotion of drug control education are most important, and should be given special honor.  As I said before, even if there is no tax incentive, there should be other ways to encourage participation.

 

 

 

Whether on the television or through other media formats, we constantly see enthusiastic reports of public support for and contributions to disaster areas, student financial aid, etc.  However, many personnel in the media give a cold shoulder to those who support drug control efforts.  The crux of the problem is that these media personnel don’t understand the drug control cause, especially regarding the importance of promoting drug control education.

 

I began as a Drug Control Volunteer in 2003.  Now, I’m involved with the Drug Control Online website.  Whenever someone asks me what I do for work, even after I answer, they ask me again, “You do what?”  It’s not that they don’t hear me clearly the first time, but that they don’t believe what they hear.  Most people have no idea that “drug control” is a legitimate profession.

 

Drug control is a long term and grand undertaking, one that requires the participation of our entire society.  It is also one which is worthy of the same honor as other public charity undertakings.  In relation to the general public’s unfamiliarity with drug control, our media must change its collective attitude by providing accurate and comprehensive reports.  Only then will we be able to encourage more businesses and individuals to actively participate in China’s drug control efforts.