Joseph Fatiaki’s passion for community service has been supported by his more than 35 years of experience as a police officer.
The 63-year-old, chairman of the Tavua District Council of Social Services since 2020, shared his experiences working as an officer to community members.
“Three years ago I was elected chairman of the Tavua District Council of Social Services,” Mr Fatiaki said.
“It’s not new for me because when I was in the police force I served a number of years in community policing.
“So, when I left the force, I saw what DCOSS was doing in Tavua and it prompted me to share my experiences in the police force in regard to community work.”
Mr Fatikai said as a police officer everything was done through discipline.
“You follow orders and commands.
“Here you have no power over people, it’s voluntary work. So, the only thing we try to do is to encourage community members to join.”
The father-of-five with eight grandchildren believes encouraging members can help move the organisation to achieve its objectives.
“How you attract members to join the group and organisation is very important because many lose faith when they don’t have support, especially from their leaders.
“You must bear in mind that you are working with people who are not paid. They work for free, so you must do things to not only engage them, but make them interested in the work of serving the community.”
Mr Fatiaki’s message to youths who may want to take up a similar role is that patience is paramount.
“It’s quite challenging to be a leader, especially in this voluntary work.
“You must have the commitment to serve. You must make sure that when you talk to your members, you don’t give false information.”
The former Marist Brothers High School student is grateful that he’s still able to assist the community.
“I feel that I’ve still got some energy to help the community I live in.
“Until that time, I think it’s about time I hang up my boots and let the younger generation carry on.
“That’s from my side for those who intend to become leaders.”
