There is nothing the mainland Chinese appear to enjoy more than a call to duty and the mass mobilisation of enthusiastic volunteers.
For a dark example, think back 40 years ago and the hysterical Red Guards. More constructive was the Sars crisis, when the most populous nation managed to stop the spread of the disease by relying on its network of neighbourhood communist party members to monitor the movement of the masses. Thankfully, China's volunteerism opened a new, happy chapter this week. The official launch of the volunteers recruitment drive for the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics Games took place in the capital.
'An Olympic Games stands no chance of success without a team of well-trained volunteers and a high standard of voluntary services,' International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said at the launch ceremony.
So true. Volunteers are second only to athletes in rank of importance. Their inclusion cements the 'Peoples Olympics' ethos, and as they are unpaid, they save host countries millions of dollars.
Applications for Beijing 2008 volunteers are expected to set world records. Around 100,000 volunteers are needed to ensure the games go off without a hitch. There is a fervent industry of cover letter writing, CV printing, envelope licking and stamp buying in all provinces, from Anhui to Zhejiang. When Bocog, the Olympic organising committee, advertised for 180 staff openings, 6,450 people sent their CVs. That's nothing. Surveys claim some 95 per cent of Beijing's 12 million citizens wish to be Olympic volunteers. Seemingly, 95 per cent is not enough to demonstrate China's universal zeal and enthusiasm for the games.
So what better way to ensure the nation's postmen become weary hunchbacks over the next 12 months than the comments from 'volunteer inquiry desk' manager Ma Yue? 'In accordance with their work performance, Bocog will reward volunteers with a certificate after the games, which might be good for their future career,' she said.