Datun Street's 717 Knight Festival: Empowering Delivery Riders on July 17, 2025
Lu Lee
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7-27Mia: We see delivery riders everywhere, every day, but I think we rarely consider the support systems, or lack thereof, behind them. An event in Datun Street, though, called the 717 Knight Festival, seems to be trying to change that.
Mars: It's a fascinating case study. On July 17th, they brought together over a hundred riders for this event. The theme was Knight's Faint Light, Datun's Warm Current, which already tells you they're aiming for something more than just a corporate get-together.
Mia: Right, and it seems to start with a very formal structure. They launched new guidelines for what they call 'party building' for these new employment groups, like the riders. It's about integrating them into local governance with things like rider community stations and a rider grid member program.
Mars: Well, that's the strategic part. They're using a very established political framework, the Party structure, and applying it to a group that's traditionally been on the fringes. It's a way to create a formal channel for both support and, let's be honest, integration. It's not just theory; it's tied to practical things like skills training and welfare.
Mia: That makes sense. It’s about creating a tangible connection. And they also made a point to celebrate individuals. The festival honored seven riders as Knight Role Models, not just for being good at their jobs, but for community work in things like environmental protection and even emergency rescue.
Mars: I see. So it's not just about job performance. It's about recognizing them as active, contributing citizens. When you highlight someone like Wang Xiaoyi, who's already a recognized Outstanding Role Model, you're sending a powerful message that their value extends far beyond just dropping off a package.
Mia: Exactly. And the event itself sounds like it was quite the experience. They had an outdoor area with gift redemption and even a voluntary vehicle repair station, which is incredibly practical.
Mars: Oh, that's smart. Address a direct, daily need right away.
Mia: Then indoors, they had fun stuff like claw machines and even a lacquer fan workshop. But the second floor is what really stood out to me. It was a one-stop service hub with different government departments offering legal advice, health check-ups, and safety consultations.
Mars: Now that's where it all connects. You draw them in with the fun and the practical help, like fixing their scooter, but then you provide access to this deeper level of state services. It’s a brilliant combination of soft engagement and hard, useful resources.
Mia: Mars, what strikes me about this one-stop service approach for the riders – covering everything from legal advice to health checks – is how it transforms a community event from just a celebration into a tangible support system. It's not just about giving them a good time, but actively improving their working conditions and well-being.
Mars: Exactly, Mia. And by integrating these services with the party building and recognition elements, they're creating a comprehensive ecosystem. It's about empowering them not just as workers, but as valued members of the community who have access to resources and support, which is a significant step in how we view and support new employment groups.
Mia: So, it's clear this Party Building + Service + Culture model is really about creating a more supportive and integrated environment for these essential workers. With over a hundred riders attending and many expressing interest in further engagement, it certainly seems like a successful blueprint for fostering a stronger community.