Front officials need to 'learn how to listen'

On the morning of October 22, the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Nghe An province held the opening ceremony of the 2019 provincial front work training course. Attending the training course were more than 400 trainees who are front officials at all levels in the province. Photo: Thanh Quynh

The 2019 training course on front work was organized to help trainees improve their knowledge, skills and expertise in front work with 5 main topics. In particular, it emphasized important contents related to the Resolution of the 9th Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (term 2019 - 2024); launching campaigns and patriotic emulation movements; supervision, social criticism and dialogue with the people.

This is also an opportunity for students to exchange experiences and good and effective practices in front work, in order to further enhance the position, role and tasks of front work in the new situation, contributing to consolidating and developing the Great National Unity bloc.

Representatives of the Fatherland Front of the districts reflect on the shortcomings and problems in the work of the Front in the current period. Photo: Thanh Quynh

Sharing their concerns and thoughts about the work of the Fatherland Front in the new period, many trainees who are cadres of the Fatherland Front agencies at the provincial, district, town and commune levels reflected many existing shortcomings related to issues such as: The quality of supervision and criticism does not currently meet the requirements and expectations of the people; the awareness of some Party committees, authorities and state agencies about the role and effect of supervision and social criticism of the Fatherland Front is not complete and correct; the staff of the Fatherland Front and mass organizations at all levels is still lacking and not uniform in professional quality; campaigns and emulation movements in some places are still formal, lacking creativity and flexibility...

In response to questions and wishes from grassroots front cadres, comrade Vo Thi Minh Sinh directly and specifically answered them in detail. At the same time, she pointed out that one of the reasons why some campaigns and movements have not been effective is because front cadres in many places are still "far from the people" and are afraid to dialogue with the people.

Comrade Vo Thi Minh Sinh speaks at the 2019 training course on professional development for the front. Photo: Thanh Quynh

To overcome difficulties, the cadres in charge of the front work need to research and innovate the content and methods of operation to suit the practical conditions of the locality. Campaigns and movements need to originate from the aspirations and legitimate interests of the people.

In particular, for the work of supervision and criticism, it is necessary to understand that the ultimate goal of this activity is to increase solidarity and consensus in society, not to fragment society. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a specific and scientific plan based on the people's reflections and recommendations; people working on the front must promote democracy, increase dialogue, exchange and discussion, and learn to listen to opinions from the grassroots.

Officials of the Fatherland Front of Cua Lo town answered questions from people in Nghi Hoa ward. Photo: Thanh Quynh

At the same time, coordinate with the government and member organizations through specific regulations, programs and plans to truly create the strength of the entire political system to carry out common tasks, thereby effectively resolving demands arising in practice.

Thanh Quynh