Buddhist Innovation In Using Creative Media to Strengthen Volunteer Spirit of Youth in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to present the results of the development and evaluation of a volunteer youth development model with creative media based on Buddhist Psychology. The research methods were an experimental mixed-method design by qualitative research and quasi-experimental research. The 17 key informants were experts in Buddhism, psychology, volunteerism and creative media. The sample were 30 youths of grade 8-9 in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya. Measurements were performed before and after the experiment. The research tools were assessment forms, notebook and participatory observations. Data were analyzed by mean, percentage, standard deviation, t-test and content analysis.

The first research finding is that characteristics of volunteer spirit can be cultivated and promoted by integrating Sikkhàttaya, Saïgahavatthu and Yonisomanasikàra, which are expressed by 1) model creation through online channels, and 2) guidelines for developing, encouraging holistic thinking in youth and raising public awareness.

The second finding was the end outcome of the process for developing a model, consisting of 1) model creation through online channels, and 2) guidelines for creating youth activities and development. The guidelines are: to know how to think in a holistic way, to create public awareness activities, to create a process to show examples, to take into account psychology principles, applying to scouts and red cross activities, to use group activities with leader and follower roles, networking, and group processes and participation. Drafting a model for enhancing moral consciousness according to Buddhist psychology consisted of step 1, basic theoretical concepts, and step 2, model building in two phases, namely a 2-day activity training phase and a 30-day creative media volunteer project phase. The results of the development process consisted of six stages as follows: 1) being a true friend, 2) self-efficacy, 3) volunteerism 4) instant mindfulness media literacy, 5) promoting social media skills and 6) building a network of good conscience for the community.

Lastly, results show that the strengthening of youth volunteer spirit via activities using Buddhist innovation in creative media in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province was statistically significant at the level of .01.