BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) -- "I couldn't let her drown," said Zhang Mengmeng, a food deliveryman in Desheng Subdistrict of Xicheng District in Beijing, who jumped into an icy river without hesitation earlier this year to save a woman.
Biting cold water penetrated his clothes instantly, sending shivers through his body. "She's alive!" Zhang exclaimed with relief upon detecting a faint sign of life.
Zhang managed to keep her afloat for nearly 20 minutes before rescuers arrived and took over the woman. He quietly left to change clothes and returned to his deliveries. His bravery only came to light after the rescue photos were forwarded in a local gig worker volunteer group on WeChat.
Organized by Desheng Subdistrict, the volunteer group brings together deliverymen, couriers, ride-hailing drivers and other gig workers. Leveraging their high mobility and extensive street-level coverage, the members report potential safety hazards, such as broken manhole covers and streetlights, via the group. The subdistrict responds promptly to resolve the issues and award contributors points redeemable for daily necessities.
Hailing from east China's Anhui Province, Zhang is one of numerous people in new forms of employment seeking better opportunities in Beijing.
Shortly after arriving, Zhang stopped by a subdistrict welfare event. Staff handed him a cup of warm water and told him about the volunteer group. He joined immediately. "I like the idea of contributing to the community, not just delivering food."
Zhang's family was worried when they heard that he risked his life saving people. He admitted he felt a little scared then, but there are no regrets. "Saving someone's life is just human instinct."
Zhang's story soon went viral inside the WeChat group, earning waves of praise from his peers. "That's the new guy who joined just days ago! What incredible courage," a member commented.
He was awarded the title of "Beijing role model." "I only did a small thing anyone would do," he said humbly.
Zhang is not alone in contributing to the community. With support from Desheng Subdistrict, Yang Jiajia, a courier, launched a "Smiley Face" agreement with elderly people living alone: a smile symbol on the door means all is well, while a frown indicates help is needed.
Once, Yang spotted a frown on the door of an elderly woman who usually displayed a smile. He knocked at once and found a leaking toilet. He calmed her down and contacted community staff, who arranged repairs right away.
From fixing small household issues to buying medicine and keeping the lonely elderly company, Yang has become like family to many seniors.
These good deeds are not random coincidences, but the result of the subdistrict's long-term efforts to engage gig workers in grassroots governance.
"At first, only a few workers in the group were actively reporting issues," noted Du Yazhuo, an official with Desheng Subdistrict. "Zhang's story not only attracted more workers to join, but also inspired more active engagement."
As their contributions make the community a better place, the gig workers have gained a real sense of belonging to the megacity. "We are no longer just faces passing along the streets but active participants and builders of the community," said Wang Yongyong, head of a delivery team.
While the volunteers help others, local officials are acting to address the gig workers' own concerns. Desheng Subdistrict has set up a platform for them to voice their needs. Problems they have at work and in life are heard, taken seriously and acted on.
After a courier mentioned the difficulty of finding affordable meals, the subdistrict partnered with local restaurants to offer food packages for under 20 yuan (about 2.9 U.S. dollars).
Knowing delivery riders' concerns about the shortage of scooter battery swap facilities, the subdistrict helped install more in just three days. The government also provides free childcare programs during holidays and even guitar classes.
"These may sound like small things, but they have solved huge problems for us," said Zhang.
As new forms of employment emerge alongside the advancement of the internet and the digital economy, Shanghai and Guangzhou among other cities across China are also encouraging gig workers to participate in local community governance so that everyday concerns of ordinary people can be addressed more efficiently.
The core philosophy is simple: we stand by your side, as Wang Wenjuan, an official with Desheng Subdistrict, put it.
"When the government stands by the workers and the workers stand by the residents, we are all working toward building a better society," said Wang. ■
