An Eventful November with Members
How important is Record-Keeping for Non-Profit Organisations?
Mr. Eric Chin, Director of National Archives of Singapore to talked about the importance of keeping good records at our bi-annual Presidents’ Forum on 5th November. Mr Chin’s presentation, “Record Keeping: From Good Governance to a Public Good”, talked about the work of The National Archives of Singapore. He gave valuable tips and advice for our members on managing records so that they are safe from loss, misuse and destruction.
The first question that came to my mind was how do I know when something becomes an archive? Well, everything that happened up till yesterday can be archived, as Mr Chin said, “Yesterday is already history”.
Good record keeping is vital for every organisation. Record keeping is necessary for the smooth management of day-to-day needs, but it may also be required to support good governance and aid in preserving history that may become valuable in the future. However, while it is beneficial to keep archival records of the organisation, it is not possible to retain everything, as Mr Chin pointed out. Archiving demands vigorous selection and the need to be able to identify records that are of archival value such as those that reflect the values, goals and activities of the organisation.
As technology advances rapidly, information has to be documented in an appropriate format so that it can be retrieved with ease later on. But technological advancements, we have more avenues to preserve essential information, therefore, giving us no excuse not to do so.
15 member organisations joined us at the forum and took the opportunity to share about upcoming activities happening in their various organisations.
The Christmas Bazaar @ SCWO
Later that month, on the 19th of November, excited shoppers were seen queuing up outside the building 20 to 30 minutes before the stated start time. As the entrance gate to SCWO opened, people were seen dashing in. Most of the shoppers from the morning crowd were headed to the room in which all the branded and designer items were displayed, trying to grab the best stuff possible. With an array of items ranging from clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and toys, the building was packed with people shopping to their heart’s content.
Three of SCWO’s member organisations; Soroptimist International Singapore, Italian Women’s Group and the Singapore Association of Women Lawyers participated in the bazaar. GREAT Women (Gender Responsive Economic Action for the Transformation of Women) also took part in this fun event. The groups sold various products to raise funds for their own organisations, and included handmade items, shawls, Christmas themed products among others.
The wonderful outcome of the Early Christmas Bazaar was made possible with the help and hard work from all our dedicated volunteers. A huge thanks to all our volunteers!
The proceeds from the bazaar will go to the Star Shelter, the only secular crisis centre for survivors of domestic violence and their children, as well as various SCWO initiatives.
