The Story of iNeon Teens Social Responsibility Organization: Inspiring Individuals to Drive Social Change

iNeon Social Responsibility Organization is a social action alliance formed by high school students from Renmin University Affiliated High School. Currently consisting of 15 dedicated members, our team is driven by a mission to explore the future and fulfill our social responsibilities. Our goal is to ignite our peers' passion for social issues through personal stories, fostering a sense of engagement and building a more inclusive and responsible society. We aim to cultivate young people's sense of responsibility towards society, thereby promoting positive social development. Over the past four months, we have visited 12 schools, sharing unique insights on social issues with more than 3,000 participating students. Our activities have spanned across Beijing, Zhangye in Gansu, and Lijiang and Yunxian in Yunnan, allowing our team members to exchange ideas with students from various regions and bridge distances.

Origin

The origin of the iNeon Teens Social Responsibility Organization was quite serendipitous. It all began when Sun Ruihan (Andrew) wanted to visit a classmate in Yunnan with whom he had been co-reading in the WeRead program for a semester. He casually gathered a few other students from different grades and classes to embark on this journey. After their first trip, they were deeply moved by the experience and recognized its significance and impact, leading them to establish the iNeon Social Responsibility Organization.

Initially, the five naive young students simply aimed to share their growth stories with this new group of friends. As they traveled from Beijing to Yunnan, and then to Gansu, more participants joined, enriching their experiences. By immersing themselves in local life, they gained a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Mutual Conversation through Speeches and Workshops

During our activities, the iNeon Social Responsibility Organization engaged in extensive dialogues with students from different schools through a series of in-depth speeches and workshops, discussing multiple important social topics. Our speeches covered themes such as responsibility during the pandemic, mental health, gender and body awareness, the meaning of life, the value of sports, and the interplay between academics and talent. The topics we're exploring are diverse, yet they all focus on the important connection between individuals and society. Through these engaging presentations, we hope to spark a sense of responsibility in local students, encouraging them to step up, embrace leadership, and become better, happier individuals. Each speaker shares their unique journey, demonstrating how personal growth and social engagement can create meaningful change. Let’s inspire each other to tap into our potential and make a positive impact in our communities!

• Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

  • Sun Ruihan （Andrew)’s initiatives during the pandemic, including fundraising for medical staff and promoting public awareness of healthcare rules.

• Youth Mental Health

  • Dong Tiande’s analysis of youth depression and anxiety, exploring emotional communication through innovative products like emotion-interactive dice.

• Interdisciplinary Approaches to Personal Growth

  • Yang Lanxin’s emphasis on the importance of finding genuine interests and the interplay between science and the humanities.

• Gender Equality and Health Awareness

  • Yu Ruomei’s project addressing menstrual stigma and promoting female health through innovative product design.

• Artificial Intelligence and Technology Education

  • Yao Qingyuan’s introduction to AI concepts, hands-on experiences with ChatGPT, and his research on AI in gaming.

• Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Tian Runchang’s insights on the importance of barrier-free environments based on personal experiences with accessibility issues.

• Identity Awareness

  • Wang Siqi’s exploration of identity recognition, addressing societal expectations and personal complexities.

• Physical Fitness and Mental Well-being

  • Tian Zhe’s discussion on the benefits of physical exercise for both body and mind, including common misconceptions about fitness.

• Storytelling in Film and Personal Narratives

  • Tang Shi’s insights on storytelling elements and encouraging others to share their personal stories.

• Value of Domestic Labor

  • Jiang Leyi’s examination of domestic work, its societal implications, and advocating for the recognition of women in this field.

• Growth Mindset in Learning

  • Jiang Zihan’s exploration of growth mindset principles and how they can foster resilience and personal development in everyday life.

    
    
    

    

    

    

    

    
    
    

Following each speech, we organized various workshops, including debates, to encourage active participation and sharing of personal views and experiences. These workshops provided a safe space for students to express their thoughts freely. During a profound discussion about life and death, one student shared her experience of parting with her grandfather, fostering deep reflections on cherishing loved ones. In another session, many students pondered the meaning of life and death, acknowledging what truly deserves appreciation in their lives. Through these exchanges, we not only disseminated knowledge but also encouraged students to think critically about social issues, enhance self-awareness, and commit to social responsibility, contributing to a better future. This two-way, equal exchange enriched our understanding, facilitating individual growth and societal connections.

Our team has been inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of young students, whose passion for life has profoundly impacted us. In one event, during a mental health-themed speech in front of 400 students, when I asked, "Can I get close to you?" every child

responded in unison, "Yes!!!" That moment overwhelmed the venue with their voices, leaving a deep impression on everyone present. The resilience and courage demonstrated by students from Yunnan have deeply moved us. They understand the challenges ahead but never give up, embodying an attitude towards life that has brought us to the brink of tears. We hope more people from large cities can feel the immeasurable spirit of these children. In one workshop, a student shared, "Sister, no one has ever asked me who I want to become before you came." This statement made us reflect; these children crave attention and understanding, and their stories deserve to be heard.

We also witnessed their dreams. In a conversation with a young girl, she proactively expressed her passion and bravely asked questions about majoring in English. Although my knowledge was limited, merely passing on some secondary information, her yearning for the future touched me. I realized everyone has the right to choose what they love, and learning to plan one's life after clarifying dreams is a crucial step for her future. Through our interactions with these students, our team has experienced unparalleled growth and inspiration. Their innocence, dedication to ideals, and life’s challenges have helped us see another version of ourselves. This empathetic process has empowered us and driven us forward together. We reject conventional norms, firmly believing that the world can change, and we look forward to exploring more possibilities alongside these children in the future.

Postcards and Ongoing Connections

In our activities, the "Postcard" initiative has become a significant aspect aimed at deepening our connection with students, allowing them to express their feelings and thoughts following discussions. Each participant received a postcard to write their voices or questions, along with a school-customized postcard. These postcards not only serve as a bridge for communication but also ensure their voices are recorded and valued. From the over 3,000 postcards collected, many students expressed genuine feelings about our speeches and activities, which provided us with profound insights. One student wrote, "I want to go out and see the big cities, to communicate and collaborate with more outstanding people!" This reflects their desire for the future and pursuit of knowledge. Another student noted, "I only realized the misunderstandings I had with my grandfather after his passing. I believe he would want me to be an excellent person who contributes to society, so I work hard every day to not disappoint him."

In discussions about life and death, one student shared, "I feel like death seems distant but is actually very close; it relates to how we face our current lives, matters, and people around us." This deep reflection on life led them to see various perspectives and sparked new thoughts and hopes. Another student confessed, "For the first time, I feel understood. I previously contemplated suicide, but seeing what you all do makes me want to be like you, to live bravely." This shows their courage to express themselves and take on social responsibility. Facing the pressures of the college entrance examination, one student reflected, "The pressure is immense, but after listening, I realize the process is more important than the result. I can be a happy ordinary person, even if I don't get into my desired school." This perspective emphasizes the redefinition of self-worth and a more open attitude towards the future, highlighting that life is not defined by a single outcome.

"I was thinking about forming a practice group to do something meaningful during our break, to learn from you all. Although we may not do it as well as you, we can still engage in activities that help others while also enhancing our own skills."

"I feel inspired by you! Our society truly needs more caring individuals like you. Your charisma has captivated me. After listening to your speech, I had only one thought: I want to explore the world! You seem so gentle and patient. When we asked for your autograph, you graciously signed for us, even kneeling down to do so!"

"Listening to your words really excited me for the whole night and truly motivated me. After hearing you, my desire to attend university has reached new heights! I want to be someone who makes a difference in society and helps others. I don’t know if we’ll meet again, but as a junior, I wish you not just success but also good health and happiness!"

To inspire more people, we displayed these postcards (anonymized) at school, attracting widespread attention. From students to principals, everyone drew strength and inspiration from these genuine voices, prompting deep reflections on social responsibility. We have maintained ongoing connections with students; every weekend, when they have access to their phones (which are usually restricted), they actively share their lives and thoughts with us. Additionally, we created a group chat to facilitate communication. In this space, students can freely discuss issues, share experiences, and support each other, fostering a warm community atmosphere. Through these interactions, we not only spread knowledge but also encouraged students to reflect on social issues, enhance self-awareness, and embrace their social responsibilities as teenagers. Each postcard and message serves as a reminder that this two-way communication allows us to learn from each other, grow together, and move towards a better future.

Future Outlook

After this enriching and meaningful journey, the iNeon Social Responsibility Organization is filled with hope and anticipation for the future. We will continue to promote communication and interaction with students, deepen discussions on social issues, and further enhance the sense of social responsibility and engagement among youth. To this end, we have reached out to relevant foundations and are actively negotiating collaborations. They have expressed strong support for our project and are willing to provide resources and assistance to achieve a broader social impact. This collaboration will enable us to conduct more activities, reach more schools and students, and engage more young people in public welfare.

Moreover, we plan to expand the "Postcard" initiative to showcase more authentic feelings and reflections from students. By bringing these voices to larger platforms, we hope to generate broader attention and discussion, helping young people better understand themselves and others. We firmly believe that through continuous effort and exploration, the future of the iNeon Social Responsibility Organization will become a proactive force for social progress. We look forward to working alongside more like-minded partners, contributing to the construction of a better society together.