Green Scene: Young Professionals Volunteer Organization

Bean Shanghai is a relatively new volunteer group with a twist. Rather than have their own particular cause, Bean works with different NGOs or community groups to support their activities. Since the association is designed for young professionals rather than the full-time Tai Tais, the one-off events are usually held in the evenings or on the weekends. Bean also has a social/networking component and holds a monthly meeting at Kuluska.

We volunteered at Bean’s Heart to Heart (a foundation that raises money for Chinese children that need heart surgery) bag-making event recently. About 15 people showed up to sew together donated fabric into bags for Heart to Heart’s potential heart repair candidates. Everyone was very relaxed and easy going and at the end of the night we had the warm fuzzy feeling that you just don’t get from watching a DVD or drinking to excess.

Bean Shanghai already has over 300 Facebook members, but is always looking for more volunteers and as their motto says, “there is more to life”.

Other Green Scene events

• Immediately- American Citizens can 'Express their Vote' through FedEx for free! Even if you're not a US citizen, you can still vote here. Vote early, vote often.
  
• October 29th, American Chamber of Commerce’s CSR Conference and Awards
  
• November 7th, Charity Benefit for Sichuan Community Flowers
  Soon after the Sichuan earthquake, Hands on Chengdu, sister group to Hands on Shanghai, was created to assist in the long-term redevelopment of the area. They’re holding a fundraising event in conjunction with Bridge 8. All proceeds will go to the group’s Community Flowers program, which transforms shipping containers into functional spaces including classrooms, medical, and entertainment areas. Tickets are 150 RMB for early birds and 200 RMB at the door. There will be food, wine, music and a silent and live auction. Hands on Chengdu is also still looking for corporate or individual donors for their auction.
  
• November 8th, Bean's @ the River of Hearts Sorting Party
  
• November 10th, Bean's Shanghai Networking Night