The Development of Model Volunteering Youth for Enhancing Peaceful Community by Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of Ban Muad Ae Community, Chao Tha Sub-District, Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the general context, community problems, and personalities of youth volunteerism in Ban Muad Ae Community, as well as concepts and theories about the development of model volunteering youth for enhancing peaceful community based on modern science; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma conducive to the development of model volunteering youth for enhancing peaceful community; and 3) to develop and present the development process of model volunteering youth for enhancing peaceful community by Buddhist peaceful means. The study was based on Ariyasacca (Four Noble Truths) model and used the action research approach within the 9-step research framework. Design thinking, 5P techniques, Saṅgahavatthu (4 bases of social solidarity), and mindfulness were used to create training materials for a 16-person experiment group, including 8 activities.

The study achieved the following results: 1) Despite drug problems, crimes, and adolescent pregnancy, there is still a lack of volunteerism among community youth. Volunteerism has been used to help kids and youths acquire life skills such as positive relationships with individuals and communities, as well as to promote peaceful communities. 2) The Buddhadhamma conducive to the development of model volunteering youth for enhancing peaceful community is Saṅgahavatthu (4 bases of social solidarity). 3) The development process of model volunteering youth for enhancing peaceful community by Buddhist peaceful means is called ‘YOUTH Volunteering Model’. The model has the following details: “Y” stands for Yourself, which refers to starting from yourself in terms of thinking, attitude, knowledge, understanding, psychology, and moral principles that will support those who are in difficult situations; “O” stands for Opportunity, which refers to educational and social opportunities to increase opportunity for people to volunteer; “U” stands for Unity, which refers to unity and collaboration aiming for successful outcomes; “T” stands for Talk, which refers to talk that enhances communication skills and fosters positive relationships in volunteering; and “H” stands for Hospitality, which refers to sacrifice and generosity in order to benefit the society.

After evaluating the model, it was discovered that the posttest is higher than the pretest. The posttest mean value of monitoring after activity is higher than the pretest. This shows that the experiment group has increased their knowledge, attitudes, and skills as volunteer models.