2025年7月18日 星期五

安瑞希實習心得13:看看台灣的犯罪被害人保護協會

日期:2025718

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我有機會與犯罪被害人保護協會的副執行長蕭逸民先生進行會談。會議中,蕭先生詳細介紹了該協會的宗旨與實際運作方式,讓我對台灣在保護犯罪被害人方面的制度有了更深入的了解。

根據蕭副執行長的說明,這個協會的主要任務是協助犯罪的受害者獲得必要的支持與補償。他們提供的服務內容廣泛,包括協助申請國家賠償金、安排心理諮商與醫療服務,以及提供法律協助和諮詢。此外,協會也會在必要時為被害人與其家屬提供社會福利資源的連結與後續追蹤關懷,讓被害人能在身心皆受到創傷的情況下獲得全面性的支持。

雖然這個協會的經費與部分業務由政府提供,但其本質上是一個非政府組織(NGO),因此它擁有相對的獨立性與行動自由。這種架構使得協會不僅能夠配合政府的政策來執行救助任務,也能在制度不足或需要改進時,主動倡導政策上的修正與制度的改革。蕭副執行長強調,這樣的角色定位使協會不僅是服務的提供者,更是一個為受害者權益發聲的倡議者。

透過今天的會議,我不僅了解了該協會的實際運作,也對台灣在犯罪被害人保護制度方面的努力與挑戰有了更深的體認。我認為這樣的組織在社會中扮演著不可或缺的角色,不僅協助受害者重建生活,也促進了整體社會對正義與人道的重視。

 

Learning About the Taiwan Association for Victim Support

Date: 18/7/2025

Author: Avery Adams

Today I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Xiao, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Crime Victims Protection Association. During the meeting, Mr. Hsiao introduced in detail the purpose and actual operation of the association, which gave me a deeper understanding of Taiwan's system in protecting crime victims.

According to Deputy CEO Xiao, the main mission of this association is to assist victims of crime in obtaining the necessary support and compensation. They provide a wide range of services, including assistance in applying for state compensation, arranging psychological counseling and medical services, and providing legal assistance and consultation. In addition, the association will also provide victims and their families with connections to social welfare resources and follow-up care when necessary, so that victims can receive comprehensive support when they are physically and mentally traumatized.

Although the association is funded and partly operated by the government, it is essentially a non-governmental organization (NGO), so it has relative independence and freedom of movement. This structure allows the association to not only cooperate with government policies to carry out rescue tasks, but also actively advocate for policy amendments and system reforms when the system is insufficient or needs improvement. Deputy CEO Xiao emphasized that this role positioning makes the association not only a service provider but also an advocate for the rights of victims.

Through today's meeting, I not only learned about the actual operation of the association but also gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan's efforts and challenges in the crime victim protection system. I believe that such organizations play an indispensable role in society, not only helping victims rebuild their lives, but also promoting the overall society's emphasis on justice and humanity.

安瑞希實習心得12:探索新北

日期:2025711

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

上個禮拜四,我有一個難得的機會前往新莊區辦事。這是我第一次踏進新北市最西邊的地區,因此讓我感到特別新鮮和有趣。這次出差的任務是協助何宗勳秘書長去取回一把重要的鑰匙。這個出差讓我對台灣不同區域的環境與文化有了更多了解。

不過,在拿鑰匙的過程中,我也遇到了一些小插曲。由於要給秘書長鑰匙的人改變了安排,讓一位我們都不認識的人來交付鑰匙,而這位人士同樣也不認識我或秘書長,導致雙方在現場一時之間難以確認彼此的身份,情況一度顯得相當混亂。

新莊區給我的第一印象是,它與我之前去過的新北其他地區有些不同。相較之下,新莊似乎更偏向工業與倉儲用途,因此街道上比較安靜,人潮也較少。這樣的氛圍讓我聯想到美國某些城市的工業區,那些地方同樣充滿大型倉庫與工廠建築,節奏不快,但仍然井然有序。雖然並非觀光景點,新莊卻有一種務實且沉穩的氣息,讓人覺得踏實。

完成取鑰匙的任務後,我立刻趕往另一個活動地點,參加關於電動車政策的議會會議。由於時間緊湊,我必須迅速從新莊前往會議場地,這也考驗了我對大台北地區交通系統的掌握能力。幸好,這段時間以來,我已越來越熟悉捷運系統,不僅能快速規劃路線,也逐漸學會根據實際情況作出彈性調整。這次的行程正好讓我實地運用這些交通知識與經驗。

整體而言,這一天雖然行程緊湊,但充滿學習與探索的收穫。從踏進不熟悉的新莊區,到高效率地完成任務,再到如期參與重要會議,這樣的經驗不僅提升了我的實務能力,也讓我對新北市有了更立體的認識。未來若還有機會,我也希望能繼續深入認識台灣各個不同的城區與生活樣貌。

 

Exploring Xinbei

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to run errands in Xinzhuang District. It was my first time stepping into the westernmost part of New Taipei City, so it was particularly fresh and interesting for me. The mission of this mission was to assist Secretary-General He Zongxun to retrieve an important key. This trip allowed me to learn more about the environment and culture of different regions of Taiwan.

However, in the process of getting the keys, I also encountered some hiccups as well. The situation was quite chaotic for a while as the person who was going to give the key to the Secretary-General changed the arrangement to deliver the keys to a person we did not know, and who also did not know me or the Secretary-General.

My first impression of Xinzhuang was that it was a little different from other areas in New Taipei that I had been to before. In contrast, Xinzhuang seems to be more industrial and warehousing, so the streets are quieter and less crowded. The atmosphere reminds me of the industrial areas of some American cities, which are also filled with large warehouses and factory buildings, not fast-paced, but still orderly. Although it is not a tourist attraction, Shinjo has a pragmatic and calm atmosphere that makes people feel down-to-earth.

After completing the task of collecting the keys, I immediately rushed to another event location for a parliamentary meeting on electric vehicle policy. Due to the tight schedule, I had to get from Xinzhuang to the conference venue quickly, which also tested my mastery of the transportation system in the greater Taipei area. Fortunately, over the years, I have become more familiar with the MRT system, which not only allows me to plan my route quickly, but also learns to be flexible and adaptable to the actual situation. This trip was a great way for me to put my knowledge and experience into practice.

Overall, although the day was compact, it was full of learning and exploration. From stepping into the unfamiliar Xinzhuang District, to completing tasks efficiently, to participating in important meetings as scheduled, this experience not only improved my practical ability, but also gave me a more three-dimensional understanding of New Taipei City. In the future, if there is still a chance, I hope to continue to have a deeper understanding of the different urban areas and life styles in Taiwan.

2025年7月11日 星期五

安瑞希實習心得11: 現在的電動車的風險


日期:
2025711

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我參加了一場由經濟部能源署主辦的會議,主題是探討電動車可能帶來的負面影響。隨著電動車在全球快速普及,它被廣泛視為降低碳排放、實現綠色交通的重要工具。然而,會議中也指出,目前社會對電動車潛在風險的認識仍然有限,特別是在安全管理方面尚未建立完整的應對機制,因此針對這些問題進行討論十分重要。

雖然我個人認為電動車是一項對環境有益、具發展潛力的科技,但目前仍存在一些值得重視的安全隱憂。最主要的問題是電池所引發的火災。電動車多數採用鋰電池,而這類電池一旦發生起火,會產生高溫且無法以傳統方式撲滅。由於這屬於化學性火災,一般的滅火器或水並不適用,甚至可能加劇火勢。這樣的火災不僅難以控制,也對駕駛人、乘客以及第一線消防人員造成極大的風險。

此外,會議中也討論了現行法規與安全標準是否足以因應這些新興風險。有專家指出,目前多數國家尚未針對電動車火災建立專門的應變指引,許多消防單位缺乏專業訓練與足夠的設備。這突顯出電動車技術雖然先進,但其安全配套措施亟待加強。

這次會議讓我獲益良多。它不僅加深了我對電動車風險的了解,也提醒我科技的發展應與風險管理並行。我認為政府、產業與社會各界都應共同努力,制定更完善的法規與應對機制,確保電動車的發展方向既環保又安全。

 

Electric Vehicles and Possible Current Risk

Today I attended a conference hosted by the Energy Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs on the possible negative impact of electric vehicles. With the rapid adoption of electric vehicles around the world, it is widely regarded as an important tool to reduce carbon emissions and achieve green transportation. However, it was also pointed out that the current society's understanding of the potential risks of electric vehicles is still limited, especially in terms of safety management, and a complete response mechanism has not yet been established, so it is important to discuss these issues.

Although I personally believe that electric vehicles are a technology that is good for the environment and has the potential to develop, there are still some safety concerns that deserve attention. The main problem is the fire caused by the battery. Most electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, and in the event of a fire, these batteries generate high temperatures that cannot be extinguished in traditional ways. As this is a chemical fire, a general fire extinguisher or water is not suitable and may even exacerbate the fire. Such fires are not only difficult to control, but also pose a great risk to drivers, passengers and frontline firefighters.

In addition, the adequacy of existing regulations and safety standards to address these emerging risks was discussed. Some experts pointed out that at present, most countries have not established special response guidelines for electric vehicle fires, and many fire units lack professional training and sufficient equipment. This highlights that although the technology of electric vehicles is advanced, its safety measures need to be strengthened urgently.

I learned a lot from this meeting. It not only deepened my understanding of the risks of electric vehicles, but also reminded me that the development of technology should go hand in hand with risk management. I believe that the government, industry and all sectors of society should work together to develop better regulations and response mechanisms to ensure that the development direction of electric vehicles is both environmentally friendly and safe.

 

 

2025年7月10日 星期四

【邀請函】共築十年民主路──台灣公民參與協會 感恩餐會


親愛的支持者 您好

轉眼間,台灣公民參與協會已邁入第十個年頭!

2015年成立以來,我們始終堅持「大公民、小政府」精神,透過倡議、立法、教育與行政監督,促使政府建立「公民參與」機制,讓政府的決策公民可以直接參與,公民的建議政府可以被採納,選民變公民,達到深化民主之願景。

 

十年來,我們共同見證並參與催生了:「公視台語台」、「全國台語政策民間會議」、「台北市政府公民參與委員會」、「台北市NPO聚落」等重要里程碑;同時完成《全國各縣市公民參與調查報告書》、舉辦六都「公民參與願景座談」,並促成「全國NGOs環境會議」與總統對話平台,自2019年持續至今。協會也長年提供國際實習生來台體驗公民行動,擴展台灣民主影響力。

 

然而,協會經費長期拮据,使我們在推動各項工作時面臨極大挑戰。除了資源有限,還需仰賴友團協力提供場地、人力支援。為了讓協會穩定運作、持續推進各項行動,我們誠摯舉辦本次「十週年感恩餐會」,期盼大家支持,為下一階段的行動儲備能量。

 

這十年走來,點滴成果離不開您長期的關心與支持。讓我們齊聚一堂,回顧走過的民主路,也共同描繪未來的願景與方向。期待您的蒞臨,一起為台灣的民主再加一把力!

 

敬祝 平安順心

 

時間| 2025816日(六)11:30-14:00
地點| 台北市天成飯店(忠孝西路一段43號)

餐費3,000元(註明葷素)

 

台灣公民參與協會 全體理監事 敬邀

 

理事長:葉國樑
副理事長:王唯治
常務理事:何宗勳
理事:許慧盈、周聖心、粘麗玉、洪志杰、林秉豐、張俊龍
常務監事:張天鷞
監事:賴綉琪、楊士慧

 

戶名:社團法人台灣公民參與協會

遠東國際商業銀行 台北忠孝分行

代碼:805

帳號:0310-0100-019957

ATM轉帳,請來電告知後四碼及金額

聯絡:lineid或電話:0910020687 林育葶

2025年7月8日 星期二

安瑞希實習心得10:台灣收容所和遊蕩犬的挑戰

 
日期:202578

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我學習了關於台灣遊蕩犬數量增加所帶來的挑戰。由於何宗勳秘書長是這方面的專家,我也向他請教了一些問題。

目前在台灣的政策中,收容所不得對犬隻無理由施行人道安樂死。這些政策本身反映出台灣社會對動物生命的尊重與人道關懷,值得肯定。畢竟,沒有正當理由的情況下,為什麼要殺害狗呢?

然而,這些政策也帶來了其他層面的問題。部分收容所因犬隻數量過多,導致資源有限,無法妥善照顧所有動物。雖然台灣擁有多處尚有空間的收容設施,但仍需進一步規劃與設立新的收容所,以分散壓力、改善現況。

另一項挑戰是部分民眾領養狗後又遺棄。許多人起初認為狗既可愛又能成為朋友,卻因缺乏足夠資源或耐心而最終放棄飼養。這種情況令人難過,但仍有改進空間。

秘書長表示,目前台灣已有針對棄養行為的懲罰機制,但效果仍有限。與其一味懲罰,政府應該提供教育,讓民眾不隨意棄養。而針對收容所爆籠更要有多元創新的領養機制。

此外,遊蕩犬對民眾與其他動物的安全也構成威脅,有些犬隻可能會出現攻擊行為,導致受傷或恐懼。這問題目前仍難以完全解決,因為這些狗已脫離人類飼養,成為具野性行為的動物,仍需要安置之地。

針對這點,秘書長認為最根本的解決辦法,是全面推動犬隻絕育,只允許專業機構進行繁殖。此政策不僅能有效控制遊蕩犬的數量,也能降低棄養犬繁殖後代的風險。

儘管這些挑戰相當嚴峻,但只要政府與民眾共同努力,仍有機會逐步改善。人們選擇與狗為伴,享受牠們帶來的陪伴與溫暖,也應承擔起相對應的責任,為牠們創造更友善與安全的生活環境。

 


Taiwan's "Fight for Zero" and Wandering Dogs

Date: 8/7/25

Author: Avery Adams

Today I learned about the challenges posed by the increasing number of euthanized dogs and wandering dogs in Taiwan. Since Secretary-General Ho is an expert in this area, I have also asked him some questions. In Taiwan's current policy, shelters are not allowed to euthanize dogs, nor are they allowed to cull wandering dogs. These policies themselves reflect the respect and humane care for animal life in Taiwanese society, which is worthy of recognition. After all, why kill a dog without a valid reason?

However, these policies also pose problems on other levels. Some shelters have too many dogs and limited resources to properly care for all animals. Although Taiwan has a number of shelter facilities that still have space, further planning and establishment of new shelters are needed to spread the pressure and improve the current situation.

Another challenge is that some people adopt dogs and then abandon them. Many people initially think that dogs are cute and can be friends, but eventually give up on keeping them because they lack sufficient resources or patience. This situation is sad, but there is still room for improvement. The Secretary-General said that Taiwan currently has a punishment mechanism for abandonment, but the effect is still limited. Rather than punishing dogs, the government should provide a more convenient mechanism for people to send their dogs to shelters when they are truly unable to keep them. At the same time, resources and support for shelters should be strengthened.

In addition, wandering dogs pose a threat to the safety of people and other animals, and some dogs may behave aggressively, resulting in injury or fear. This problem is still difficult to fully solve, as these dogs have been removed from human custody and have become wild animals that still need a place to live. In response to this, the Secretary-General believes that the most fundamental solution is to comprehensively promote the sterilization of dogs, and only allow professional institutions to breed. This policy not only effectively controls the number of wandering dogs, but also reduces the risk of breeding offspring for abandoned dogs.

Although these challenges are daunting, there is still a chance for gradual improvement if the government and the people work together. People choose to be with dogs, enjoy the companionship and warmth they bring, and should also take the corresponding responsibility to create a more friendly and safe living environment for them.Today I learned about the challenges posed by the increasing number of euthanized dogs and wandering dogs in Taiwan. Since Secretary-General Ho is an expert in this area, I have also asked him some questions. In Taiwan's current policy, shelters are not allowed to euthanize dogs, nor are they allowed to cull wandering dogs. These policies themselves reflect the respect and humane care for animal life in Taiwanese society, which is worthy of recognition. After all, why kill a dog without a valid reason?

However, these policies also pose problems on other levels. Some shelters have too many dogs and limited resources to properly care for all animals. Although Taiwan has a number of shelter facilities that still have space, further planning and establishment of new shelters are needed to spread the pressure and improve the current situation.

Another challenge is that some people adopt dogs and then abandon them. Many people initially think that dogs are cute and can be friends, but eventually give up on keeping them because they lack sufficient resources or patience. This situation is sad, but there is still room for improvement. The Secretary-General said that Taiwan currently has a punishment mechanism for abandonment, but the effect is still limited. Rather than punishing dogs, the government should provide a more convenient mechanism for people to send their dogs to shelters when they are truly unable to keep them. At the same time, resources and support for shelters should be strengthened.

In addition, wandering dogs pose a threat to the safety of people and other animals, and some dogs may behave aggressively, resulting in injury or fear. This problem is still difficult to fully solve, as these dogs have been removed from human custody and have become wild animals that still need a place to live. In response to this, the Secretary-General believes that the most fundamental solution is to comprehensively promote the sterilization of dogs, and only allow professional institutions to breed. This policy not only effectively controls the number of wandering dogs, but also reduces the risk of breeding offspring for abandoned dogs.

Although these challenges are daunting, there is still a chance for gradual improvement if the government and the people work together. People choose to be with dogs, enjoy the companionship and warmth they bring, and should also take the corresponding responsibility to create a more friendly and safe living environment for them.

2025年7月2日 星期三

安瑞希實習心得09:幫助準備公文


日期:
202572

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我協助公民會辦公室主任周明琴準備公文郵寄的相關事宜,隨後我們一同前往郵局寄送這些公文。今天的工作屬於日常行政任務,雖然內容簡單且例行,但我仍然覺得很有意義。這些任務對於TCPA的訊息傳播仍然是不可或缺的一環。畢竟,並不是每天都會有特別重要或精彩的活動,有些日子自然會較為平凡。


儘管今天的任務比較單調,我仍然覺得這是個不錯的經驗。首先,我能夠協助主任完成實際的工作任務,其次,今天也提供了我練習中文寫作的機會。自從來到台灣後,我較少有機會練習書寫中文,而今天的工作讓我學習了許多台灣縣市的寫法。這對我來說非常有幫助;現在我能看地圖,讀得到了更多地方。因此,雖然今天的工作較為平常,但我仍然感到充實並樂在其中。

 

Helping Prepare Documents

Date: 3/7/2025

Author: Avery Adams

Today, I assisted Zhou Mingqing, the director of the Office of the Civic Association, in preparing the relevant matters for the mailing of official documents, and then we went to the post office to send these official documents together. Today's work is a daily administrative task, and although the content is simple and routine, I still find it very meaningful. These tasks remain indispensable for the dissemination of information in the TCPA. After all, not every day can have particularly important or exciting events, and some days are naturally more ordinary.

Even though today's assignment was monotonous, I still found it a good experience. First, I was able to assist the director in completing practical work tasks, and secondly, today also provided me with the opportunity to practice Chinese writing. Since coming to Taiwan, I have rarely had the opportunity to practice writing Chinese, and today's work has allowed me to learn a lot of writing in Taiwanese counties and cities. This has been very helpful for me as now I can look at the map and read more places. So, although today's work is more ordinary, I still feel fulfilled and enjoyed.

2025年7月1日 星期二

安瑞希實習的心得08: 警犬還是朋友們


日期:
2025 7 1

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

上個禮拜五,我和公民會辦公室主任周明琴一起前往板橋,觀看了一部名為《八歲K9》的紀錄片。這部紀錄片的主題是台灣的警犬,從牠們年幼時接受訓練開始,一直到八歲退休為止(這也是片名的由來)。值得一提的是,新北市市長也親自出席了這場放映。


這部紀錄片給我留下了非常深刻的印象。觀眾透過影片,能重新思考對警犬的看法。雖然警犬是執行任務的工作犬,但牠們首先是狗,也是一個生命。牠們同樣需要運動、玩耍和被愛,也同樣擁有可愛的一面。牠們與警員之間,更發展出深厚的情感連結。

影片中也呈現出警犬在救援與偵查任務中的重要角色。無論是地震、颱風等災害現場,牠們能協助搜救失聯者;在機場、高鐵站、公寓大樓等場所,也能偵測到毒品與爆裂物。牠們的貢獻不容忽視。

然而,這部紀錄片也令人感傷。警犬同樣會生病、會死亡,而這正是牠們更需要被愛的原因之一。牠們是我們的夥伴。除了物種不同之外,我們其實有許多相似之處——我們都需要關愛、運動和陪伴。值得欣慰的是,這部片也展示了新北市警方對警犬的關懷與付出,讓人感受到人與動物之間的溫暖連結。

 




Police Dogs are Still Friends

Last Friday, I went to Banqiao with Zhou Mingqin, director of the Office of the Civic Association, to watch a documentary called "Eight-Year-Old K9". The documentary is about Taiwan's police dogs, which begin with their training at a young age and continue until they retire at the age of eight (hence the title). It is worth mentioning that the mayor of New Taipei City also attended the screening in person.

I was very impressed with this documentary. Through the video, the audience can rethink their perception of police dogs. Although police dogs are working dogs on duty, they are first and foremost dogs and a living being. They also need to be exercised, played, and loved, and they also have a cute side. They have developed a deep emotional connection with the police officers.

The film also shows the important role of police dogs in rescue and investigation missions. Whether it is the scene of disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, they can assist in the search and rescue of missing people; Drugs and explosives can also be detected at airports, high-speed rail stations, apartment complexes, and other places. Their contribution cannot be overlooked.

However, the documentary is also sentimental. Police dogs can also get sick and die, which is one of the reasons why they need to be loved even more. They are our partners. In addition to the difference in species, we actually have many similarities – we all need love, exercise and companionship. It is gratifying that this film also shows the care and dedication of the New Taipei City police to the police dogs, making people feel the warm connection between humans and animals.

 

2025年6月30日 星期一

安瑞希實習心得07:台灣的寵物公園不夠

日期:2025 6 27

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

昨天,秘書長讓我參加了一場針對研究生的面試。這次面試的主題是台灣的狗公園,具體而言,是關於台灣目前狗公園數量不足的問題。

在台灣,許多市民都有飼養狗,但由於大多數人居住在公寓中,家中的空間往往無法滿足狗活動的需求。雖然台灣的大城市設有一些狗公園,但現有的設施仍無法充分應對實際的需求。這些狗公園普遍存在多項問題,例如距離住宅區過遠、面積狹小、設施簡陋等,導致許多飼主認為前往狗公園不值得。

此外,大型犬幾乎無法搭乘大眾交通工具,使得飼主與狗只能步行前往,但許多狗公園的距離實在太遠,成為一大不便。事實上,台北市內仍有不少閒置空間,若能加以規劃與改造,將其設為狗公園,將對人與狗皆有幫助。

一般的公園無法滿足狗的需求,主要原因在於缺乏圍欄設施,因此狗必須繫上牽繩,活動受到限制。而在狗公園中,狗可以自由奔跑、社交與活動,這對牠們的身心健康十分重要。狗是我們的朋友,我們也應該為牠們提供一個安全、自由、舒適的活動空間。

 

Not Enough Pet Parks in Taiwan

Date: 27/6/2025

Author: Avery Adams

Yesterday, Mr. He invited me to an interview he was doing with a graduate student. The topic of this interview was about dog parks in Taiwan, specifically, about the current shortage of dog parks in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, many citizens have dogs, but since most people live in apartments, the space in their homes is often not enough to meet the needs of dog activities. Although there are some dog parks in Taiwan's major cities, the existing facilities are still not sufficient to meet the actual demand. There are several common problems in these dog parks such as being too far from residential areas, small size, and poor facilities. This leads many owners to think that it is not worth going to dog parks.

In addition, large dogs aren't able to access public transport, leaving owners and dogs on foot. But many dog parks are too far away and are a major inconvenience. In fact, there is still a lot of unused space in Taipei, and if it can be planned and renovated to make it a dog park, it will be helpful for both people and dogs.

The main reason why the average park does not meet the needs of dogs is the lack of fenced facilities. This makes it so dogs must be kept on leashes and their activities are restricted. In a dog park, dogs can run, socialize and move freely, which is important for their physical and mental health. Dogs are our friends, and we should also provide them with a safe, free and comfortable space to move around.


2025年6月26日 星期四

安瑞希實習心得06:參加台灣環境部的會議



日期:2025 6 26

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我在秘書長的帶領下,參加了一場由台灣環境部舉辦的會議。我認為這次會議非常有意義,主題是探討如何促進公民參與環境保護。這樣的機制相當重要,因為環保措施不應只由政府單方面推動,公民本身也能且應該參與其中。事實上,許多公民可能擁有創新且更實際的做法,因此他們需要有一個可以向政府提出建議的管道。同時,政府也應該對公民保持高度的透明度。

目前台灣環境部已有多項措施鼓勵公民參與,例如:在網路上可以查詢所有現行及規劃中的政策與統計資料;民眾可以透過網路與環境部聯繫;環境部也會定期舉辦公開會議等。自從這些機制實施以來,環境部已取得不少成果,並且未來的進展可望更加可觀。

環境保護是當代最重要的挑戰之一。過去人們對環境議題的關注相對不足,甚至至今仍有人持相同的態度。因此,提升大眾對環保的重視顯得更為迫切。我們共同生活在這個地球上,每個人都有責任為保護環境盡一份心力。

 

Visiting Taiwan's Ministry of Environment

Date: 27/6/25

Author: Avery Adams

Today, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, I participated in a meeting organized by Taiwan's Ministry of Environment. This conference was very meaningful and important; the theme is to explore how to promote citizen participation in environmental protection. This idea of participation is important because environmental protection measures should not only be promoted by the government, but also by the citizens themselves. In fact, many citizens may have innovative and more practical practices, so they need to have a channel where they can make suggestions to the government. At the same time, the government should also maintain a high degree of transparency with its citizens.

At present, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment has taken a number of measures to encourage citizen participation, including: all current and planned policies and statistics can be searched online; people can contact the Ministry of Environment through the Internet; the Ministry of Environment also holds regular public meetings. Since the implementation of these mechanisms, the Ministry of the Environment has achieved a great deal of success in environmental protection and is expected to make even more impressive progress in the future.

Environmental protection is one of the most important challenges of our time. In the past, there has been relatively little attention paid to environmental issues, and even today there are people who hold the same attitude. Therefore, it is more urgent to raise the public's awareness of environmental protection. We all live on this planet, and everyone has a responsibility to do their part to protect the environment.

 

 

 

2025年6月25日 星期三

安瑞希實習的心得05: 給公民“不是”的選擇


日期:2025 6 25

作者:安瑞希 Avery Adams

今天我見到了一位很重要的人物──張天鷞(Sam),他是一位致力於推動選舉改革的活動家。我與他進行了一次簡短的會議。他創立了一個名為 Balanced Ballot Alliance 的非政府組織(NGO),網址是:https://www.balancedballotalliance.org

他的理念非常清晰且具有說服力:在選舉中,公民應該擁有明確表達“反對”候選人的選項。這個想法看似簡單,但目前世界上幾乎所有國家都未提供這種選擇。

他的理由也很容易理解。現在有許多人會投票給他們並不真正支持的選項,只因為沒有更好的選擇;也有些人因為對所有選項都不滿意,乾脆選擇不去投票。如果有機會投下“不是”的選票,也許就會有更多人願意參與投票。

這不只是理論上的想法。Sam 已經進行過多次調查,結果一致顯示:如果讓選民可以針對每個選項投下“是”或“不是”的票,投票率會提高約 7%,而且最終結果也會發生變化。例如:在一個模擬中,原本選項 A 得到 40% 的支持,得到 37%。引入“不是”選項後,得到 38% 的“是”票,但同時也有 8% 的“不是”票,淨支持為30%;而 B 得到 35% 的“是”票、4% 的“不是”票,淨支持為 31%。結果,反而勝出。雖然 A 的“是”票比較多,但因為也有更多人反對它,最終贏得選舉。這依然是民主制度,只是讓公民能更真實地表達自己的意見。


此外,這個制度也可以解決其他問題。例如,在一些國家或選區裡,某些選舉只有一個候選人,或是空缺的名額與候選人數一樣,讓人無法選擇。但如果能針對每位候選人投“是”或“不是”,那麼即使只有一人參選,公民也可以有選擇──至少可以表達反對,而不是被迫接受。

我認為這是一個非常有意義的提案,因為它不僅維持民主原則,更進一步賦予公民真正的選擇權。我相信,這樣的制度才是真正的民主。

 


Giving People the Choice to Vote "No"

Date: 25/6/25

Author: Avery Adams

Today I met with an important person – Sam Zhang, an activist who is committed to promoting electoral reform. I got to have a brief meeting with him today about his work. He founded a non-governmental organization (NGO) called the Balanced Ballot Alliance, which can be found in https://www.balancedballotalliance.org.

His idea is very clear and persuasive: in elections, citizens should have the option to clearly express their "opposition" to candidates. The idea may seem simple, but at the moment almost all countries in the world do not offer such an option.

His reasons are also easy to understand. Right now many people will vote for options that they don't really support, just because there is no better option; the "voting for the lesser of two evils" mentality. Others simply chose not to vote because they were not satisfied with all the options. If there is an opportunity to cast a "no" vote, perhaps more people will be willing to vote.

It's not just a theoretical idea. Sam has conducted several surveys and the results have consistently shown that if voters were allowed to cast a "yes" or "no" vote for each option, turnout would increase by about 7 percent, and the final outcome would change. For example, in a simulation, the original vote turnout was option A is 40% supported and B is 37%. With the introduction of the "no" option, A gets 38% of the "yes" votes, but at the same time has 8% of the "no" votes, for a net support of 30%. B received 35% of the "yes" votes and 4% of the "no" votes, for a net support of 31%. As a result, B won. Although A had more "yes" votes, B won the election because there were more people against A which preferred for A to not win at all. It's still a democracy, but it's just that citizens can express themselves more authentically.

In addition, this system can also solve other problems. For example, in some countries or constituencies, there is only one candidate in some elections, or there are the same number of vacancies as the number of candidates. This makes it so there isn't actually a choice when voting. But if you can vote "yes" or "no" for each candidate, then even if only one person is running, citizens will have a choice – at least to say against it, rather than being forced to accept it.

I think this is a very meaningful proposal, because it not only upholds democratic principles, but also goes a step further in giving citizens real choice. I believe that such a system is true democracy.