Innovative method created to improve social governance

Resident of Beimayu village in Laiwu district receive help from the mediation committee. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In recent years, the people of Beimayu village in Hezhuang town of Laiwu district in Jinan, Shandong province have been formulating a system in which they seek help from a mediation committee when they have a dispute.

The village has been continuously refining and improving this system, exploring and implementing a so-called "six-four-one" work method. 

When disputes arise, members of the meditation committee will follow a "six-word procedure", which consists of "reading" and "explaining" laws and policies in plain language, attentively "listening to" and "documenting" the grievances of the villagers, "learning" from successful experiences, and "taking practical measures" to address and resolve the issues.

The village's success also hinges on the cultivation of four attributes: resilience, sincerity, efficiency, and ingenuity. By demonstrating patience and attention to detail, the committee offers genuine support to the involved parties.

The "one" refers to the ultimate solution to such disputes.

To dispel doubts about favoritism and personal connections, especially in disputes related to land, property, and contracts, the village has adopted an open and transparent approach. This method involves presenting the facts, providing on-site evidence, allowing villagers to question and debate openly, and conducting democratic evaluations to fully understand the causes and consequences of disputes, analyze contentious issues, and impartially resolve conflicts.

This proactive approach has effectively diffused tensions and transformed the village from a historically troubled community into a peaceful and law-abiding one. (Edited by Yang Yi)