Villagers’ rights are not given, but gained through struggle. Benefits cannot be protected by relying on others, but by being active.

Liu Fenglan, an ordinary woman from Baishihang Village, Zhaoyuan City, Shangdong Province, has spent virtually her entire life in the service of others, offering and giving help whenever she can. She shares her gains and experiences without reserve because her dream is to live in a world that is full of love, and where life is peaceful and serene.

Liu Fenglan cannot remain unconcerned when she sees others in difficulty. Her childhood experiences inspired her intense interest in learning, especially for national policies, laws and regulations. Ever since she was in the first grade of middle school, she used to write letters and petitions on behalf of others. Even today many people visit her to enquire about legal problems, or ask for her views, as she is publicly regarded as the one who has the best understanding of laws, the best ideas, and is the most warmhearted. Therefore, the folks affectionately call her “the Ph.D. lady”. The farmland of Baishihang Village has not been redistributed since 1982, and this has led to uneven land distribution. In addition, taxes are exorbitant and levies unreasonable. Liu made all kinds of efforts to familiarize people with laws and the latest national policies. On November 24, 2004, Liu was elected member of the village committee on the eighth election of the village committee. By standing for election, she intended to make clear that no village officer has the position by inheritance. Every villager can try to be master of the village. Villagers’ rights are not given, but gained through struggle. Benefits cannot be protected by relying on others, but by being active.