by Tyler Prochazka | Mar 3, 2024 | Chinese
台灣無條件基本收入協會的青年領導委員會近日完成了對美國馬薩諸塞州波士頓的考察訪問，期間展示了他們在推進基本收入領域的先進項目。該代表團由來自台灣的高中生組成，與當地的領袖及組織進行了深入交流，旨在學習波士頓實施全民基本收入計畫的經驗與策略。
台灣代表團會見了以「Rise Up」保障收入計畫而聞名的劍橋前市長 Sumbul Siddiqui； Camp Harbor View 和 United South End Settlements (USES) 都開展了基本收入實驗項目，將計畫重點置於有孩子的家庭。 與這些組織的討論顯示了基本收入如何提高弱勢兒童的就學率，且如何穩定生活條件。
UBI 台灣創辦人 Tyler Prochazka （羅泰） 表示學生在設計UBI企劃的第一要素是「熱情」。
羅泰說：「此次考察對我們的學生而言，是一次視野大開的學習經驗。 他們看到非營利組織如何走在美國無條件基本收入的最前線，以及他們可以吸取的經驗，使自己的項目在台灣獲得成功。」
波士頓的組織向委員會分享了寶貴的實踐經驗，有助於台灣在支援單親家庭方面進行實驗計畫。 UBI Taiwan 每月向單親家庭提供 10,000 NTD，並透過紀錄片追蹤他們的生活起居。 單親家庭基本收入計畫主任魏嘉佑強調了該計畫對幫助了單親媽媽找尋更好的工作機會，同時也能給予自身的健康好的照護。這部紀錄片計劃於 2025 年上映，為了解基本收入如何影響這些人的生活提供一個窗口。
台灣領導未來協會 Lead For Taiwan 創始人陳孝彥表示：「我們訪問的目標是以創新的方式，將教育與社會問題結合。我們希望通過這次經歷，引導學生找到解決問題的方法。他們關心的社會問題並將解決這個問題作為他們的人生目標。」
訪問期間，其中一個重要議題探討了全民基本收入能否永續發展。 青年領導委員會在和USES的會面中學習到，重新構建對話，強調支持護理工作者，而非僅提供無條件現金支援，可能有助於緩解公眾的擔憂。 會議的另一個見解是，非營利組織可能會彌合接受者和政府實體之間的信任差距。 這引發了關於公私夥伴關係在管理 UBI 補充項目方面潛力的討論，例如 USES 為處理其基本收入受益者的財務問題提供的指導服務。
該委員會的參與範圍擴大到了政府，並得到了波士頓市議會的認可，並與馬薩諸塞州政府亞洲核心小組就國家政策進行了討論。 後者的會議強調了台灣和美國在為基本收入計劃提供資金方面面臨的共同挑戰以及來自稅收擔憂的阻力。
羅泰表示，見劍橋前市長、現任市議員對學生們來說特別有意義。 Siddiqui 強調了劍橋低收入家庭基本收入計畫的管理挑戰和影響，該計畫類似於UBI Taiwan的單親家庭基本收入計畫。 西迪基議員緩解劍橋貧富差距的經驗為學生提供了政策實施的現實視角。
在與政府官員會面之前，學生們在哈佛大學完成了領導力培訓。 研討會活動由哈佛本科生全球教育運動主辦，導師對學生的專案和演講技巧提供回饋。
Lead for Taiwan 理事長林佑良 (Bob Lin) 在回顧這些會議時表示：「親眼目睹了教育在推動社會變革方面的力量，這次旅行如何激勵學生為他們的計畫採取行動，這讓我深受啟發。」
該學生的一個計畫包括 Buddy Up，該計畫為弱勢學生，特別是單親家庭的學生提供指導。 Wesley Low 是台北美國學校的學生，他創立了這個計畫。 他的目的是補充無條件基本收入實驗，並提供現金援助以外的支持。
Low 說:「這次旅行拓寬了我對世界各種問題的理解，並讓我對所有事物有更強烈的動機和理由去執行。」。
這次波士頓之行標誌著青年領導委員會在推動討論無條件基本收入以支持台灣家庭的一個重要里程碑。 透過與國際領導人的接觸，該委員會展示了青年主導的舉措在推動社會影響方面的潛力。
委員會副主席曾君祐（台北復興學校）反思了透徹的研究和推廣的熱情對成功倡議的重要性，並將其與哈佛大學學生項目相提並論。他表示，這些企畫的靈感，源自於在疫情期間將未使用的口罩重新分配給街友的項目。
「這正是我們所需要的技能，要在最不可能的地方找到資源，以便在項目中取得成功。」曾說道。
關於台灣無條件基本收入協會（UBI Taiwan）
台灣無條件基本收入致力於探索和實施無條件基本收入解決方案，以解決社會和經濟挑戰。通過研究、倡導和實驗項目，台灣無條件基本收入旨在促進更加公平和可持續的未來。
關於台灣領導未來協會（Lead For Taiwan）
台灣領導力計劃致力於通過創新的教育和領導力項目培養未來領導者，重點解決社會問題。其使命是激勵年輕人以目標引領，並對社會產生實質性影響。
關於思躍軟實力培訓所（Ascent Academy）
針對國小至高中學生，Ascent 提供像是英文辯論、學術寫作、批判性閱讀和公眾演說等培訓課程，主軸著重在逐步建立紮實的素養和全球視野，確保學生能在高競爭力的環境下順利升學並成為有責任的國際公民。
by Tyler Prochazka | Mar 2, 2024 | News
The Youth Leadership Council of UBI Taiwan concluded a visit to Boston, Massachusetts, showcasing their projects promoting basic income. The delegation, composed of high school students from Taiwan, engaged in a series of meetings with local leaders and organizations to gain insights about Boston’s UBI initiatives.
The Taiwanese delegation met with former Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, known for the “Rise Up” guaranteed income program; Camp Harbor View, and United South End Settlements (USES), both of which run basic income pilots focusing on families with children. Discussions with these organizations demonstrated how basic income improved school attendance and stabilized living conditions for families struggling to pay rent.
Tyler Prochazka, founder of UBI Taiwan, said the students learned from these organizations to put passion first when designing their UBI projects.
“This trip was an eye-opening experience for our students promoting basic income. They saw how non-profit organizations have been at the forefront of making UBI a mainstream issue in the United States and the lessons they can take for making their projects a success in Taiwan.”
Boston’s organizations provided lessons for the council’s pilot to help single parents in Taiwan. UBI Taiwan’s program provides 10,000 NT a month ($300 USD) to single parents, tracking their progress through a documentary film. Steve Wei, director of the single-parent basic income program, highlighted how the program has already supported a mother moving into a better job and dealing with a health emergency. The documentary film is planned to be released in 2025, offering a window into how these lives are affected by basic income.
Allen Chen, founder of Lead For Taiwan, which co-organizes the leadership program, said: “The purpose of this visit was to combine education and social issues innovatively. We hope through this educational experience, we can guide students to find social issues they care about and make it their life goal to solve this problem.”
A theme throughout the visit was the ongoing challenge of public skepticism towards UBI. The Youth Leadership Council learned from USES that reframing the conversation to emphasize support for caregivers over the unconditionality of cash could help mitigate concerns. Another insight from the meeting was that nonprofit organizations might bridge trust gaps between recipients and government entities. This sparked discussions on the potential of public-private partnerships in administering programs that supplement UBI, such as USES’ mentorship services it provides for dealing with financial issues for recipients of its basic income.
James Davis, a special consultant for UBI Taiwan, said these discussions were important to deepen the international network of basic income advocates.
“Society’s evolution has always involved the cross-border exchange of ideas, and our team’s trip to Boston exemplifies that ideal. A permanent Universal Basic Income in Taiwan will earn global recognition and restore national solidarity.”
The council’s engagement extended to the government, with recognition from the Boston City Council and discussions on state policies with the Massachusetts Government Asian Caucus. The latter meeting underscored the shared challenges in Taiwan and the United States on funding basic income initiatives and the pushback stemming from taxation concerns.
Prochazka said meeting the former Cambridge Mayor and current City Councilor, Sumbul Siddiqui was particularly insightful for the students. Siddiqui underscored the administration challenges and impact of basic income programs for low-income families in Cambridge, a program similar to UBI Taiwan’s single-parent initiative. Councilor Siddiqui’s experience addressing the wealth gap in Cambridge provided a real-world perspective on policy implementation for the students.
Before meeting the government officials, the students completed leadership training on the Harvard campus. Workshop activities were run by the Harvard Undergraduate Global Education Movement, with mentors providing feedback on students’ projects and presentation skills.
Reflecting on these sessions, the co-director of the leadership program Bob Lin said: “Having witnessed firsthand the power of education on making social change, I was inspired by how this trip motivated the students to take action on their projects.”
One of the student’s projects included “Buddy Up,” a program that provides mentorship to vulnerable students, particularly those in single-parent households. Wesley Low is a student at Taipei American School and founded the program. He intended to supplement the UBI pilot and provide additional support beyond the cash assistance.
“This trip widened my understanding of the spectrum of issues in the world and motivated me to take greater initiative,” Low said.
The visit to Boston marks a significant milestone for the Youth Leadership Council in pushing discussions of UBI to support families in Taiwan. By engaging with international leaders, the council gained insights and showcased the potential of youth-led initiatives in driving social impact.
Evan Tseng, the student vice president of the council, reflected on the importance of thorough research and passion in driving successful initiatives, drawing parallels with Harvard students’ projects. Tseng said he was inspired to learn about a program that redirected unused masks to the homeless during the pandemic.
“This is precisely the skill we need, to find resources in the most unlikely places to succeed in your project,” he said.
About UBI Taiwan
UBI Taiwan is dedicated to exploring and implementing Universal Basic Income solutions to address social and economic challenges. Through research, advocacy, and pilot programs, UBI Taiwan aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable future.
About Lead For Taiwan
Lead For Taiwan is committed to nurturing future leaders with a focus on solving social issues through innovative education and leadership programs. Its mission is to empower young minds to lead with purpose and make a tangible impact on society.
About Ascent Academy
Ascent Academy sponsors the Leadership Immersion Program. By teaching debate and public speaking, Ascent Academy’s goal is to help students apply these skills to make real social change.
by Tyler Prochazka | May 30, 2023 | Chinese
台灣台北 – 3 月 11 日至 12 日，台灣無條件基本收入協會 UBI Taiwan 在國立政治大學 （NCCU）舉辦了全國雙語高中辯論賽。此次活動吸引了台灣本地和國際學校的 100 多名學生參加。
辯論的主題是台灣是否應該制定無條件基本收入（UBI）制度。學生們提出了案例，討論無條件基本收入的可行性、必要性和效率等議題。通貨膨脹是反方普遍關注的問題，而擴大台灣人民的機會，例如創業，是正方的普遍論點。
中文組的決賽由正方獲勝，裁判認為反方無法具體說明為什麼台灣沒有足夠的資金來實行 UBI 。在英語組決賽中，基於通貨膨脹和可行性，可能會給台灣實施 UBI 帶來問題的這些論點，讓反方獲得勝利。
許多學生對這個比賽表示感謝。他們認為藉由這個機會討論台灣未來面臨的問題很重要。有些人是第一次聽到無條件基本收入，他們覺得這次經歷是一個寶貴的學習機會，可以探索台灣社會的未來。
UBI Taiwan 創辦人羅泰 Tyler Prochazka 在活動結束時向觀眾致辭，討論 ChatGPT 的興起與社會對自動化的恐懼。他還強調了台灣所面臨的緊迫問題，例如政府該如何幫助正在養孩子的父母，尤其是單親家庭，是很值得跟 UBI 一起討論的。 羅泰認為，台灣現在就可以實施一項對有孩子的父母提供無條件基本收入的計劃，他引用了大量研究表明利大於弊。
羅泰表示：“我相信，透過聚在一起進行這些討論，我們可以更加了解無條件基本收入的潛力以及它如何造福我們的社會與經濟。”
Lead for Taiwan 的共同創辦人陳孝彥 Allen Chen 強調了辯論在解決影響台灣未來的問題上的重要性。他鼓勵學生利用自身的學術經驗，在現實世界中做出改變。
此次活動是推動台灣雙語辯論賽的里程碑，參賽者來自高雄、台北美國學校、新莊中學、薇閣中學、建國中學等學校。這是台灣首次舉辦的此類比賽，將英語和中文辯論聚集在一起，學生也可以免費參加。
大賽評委擁有多元化的國際背景，包括知名律師、聯合國顧問、全球頂級商業顧問等，為參賽者提供了寶貴的真實反饋。
NCCU 的國際創新學院提供了場地，而思躍軟實力培訓所 Ascent Academy 資助了此次活動，以推廣全台灣的辯論風氣。以全國辯論賽聞名於台灣的中華辯論推廣協進會（CDPA）則執行了此次比賽。
UBI Taiwan 理事長蘇嘉冠表示, 希望未來繼續舉辦全國雙語辯論賽，讓全台學生有機會參與辯論活動，加深對社會議題的了解。
他說 “我在這場比賽裡所看到的，不僅只是討論基本收入的疑慮或可行性等常見問題，更多的是同學們對一個美好、公平社會體制的想像與未來。身為觀眾的我深受感動，也期待這段經驗能成為他們以後成長的養份。”
by Tyler Prochazka | Apr 17, 2023 | News
TAIPEI, Taiwan – On March 11 and 12, UBI Taiwan hosted a national bilingual high school debate tournament at National Chengchi University (NCCU). Over 100 students from local and international schools across Taiwan participated in the event, which featured both English and Chinese debate sections.
The debate focused on whether Taiwan should enact an Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) system. Students presented cases discussing the feasibility, necessity, and efficiency of UBI. Inflation was a common concern on the con side, while expanding opportunities for Taiwanese citizens, such as starting businesses, was a popular argument on the pro side.
The Chinese final round saw the pro side win, arguing that the con side could not specifically identify why Taiwan did not have enough money to support both UBI and other essential programs. In the English final round, the con side emerged victorious, based on the idea that inflation and feasibility could present problems for implementing UBI in Taiwan.
Many students expressed their gratitude for the platform to speak on issues that mattered to them. For some, it was their first time studying UBI, and they found the experience to be a valuable learning opportunity to explore the future of Taiwan’s social services.
UBI Taiwan founder Tyler Prochazka addressed the audience at the end of the event, discussing the fear of automation with the rise of ChatGPT. He also highlighted the pressing issues in Taiwan that merit discussing UBI, such as helping parents raise their children, especially single parents. Prochazka argued that a program providing an unconditional basic income to parents with children could feasibly be implemented now, citing numerous studies showing the benefits outweigh the costs.
“I believe that by coming together to have these discussions, we can better understand the potential of a UBI and how it can benefit Taiwan’s society and our economy,” Prochazka said.
Allen Chen, co-founder of Lead for Taiwan, emphasized the importance of debate in addressing issues affecting Taiwan’s future. He encouraged students to take their academic experience and make a change in the real world.
The event was a milestone in promoting bilingual debate competitions in Taiwan, with participants from schools such as Kaohsiung and Taipei American School, Hsin Chuang High School, Wego High School, and Chien Kuo High School. This was the first competition of its kind in Taiwan, bringing English and Chinese divisions together in a tournament that was free for students to participate in.
The judges of the competition had diverse international backgrounds, including renowned lawyers, United Nations consultants, and top global business consultants, providing valuable real-world feedback to the participants.
NCCU’s International College of Innovation provided support and the venue, while Ascent Academy sponsored the event financially to expand debate opportunities across Taiwan. Taiwan’s Chinese Debate Promotion Association (CDPA), which is well-known in Taiwan for its national debate tournaments, administered the competition.
UBI Taiwan’s chairman Jiakuan Su said he hopes to continue hosting national bilingual debate competitions in the future, providing students throughout Taiwan with the opportunity to engage in debate activities and gain a deeper understanding of social issues.
“What I saw in this competition was not just about discussing common issues of basic income, but more about the students’ imagination of the future of our social welfare system,” Su said. “As an audience member, I was deeply moved by their speeches and I hope this experience can be an important component of their development into engaged citizens.”
by Tyler Prochazka | Jan 17, 2023 | Featured
Taiwan is making history by sending out a one-time universal cash payment of $6,000 New Taiwan dollars (NTD) to every citizen “young and old.” This is the first time the country has implemented such a policy, and it comes as a result of excess tax revenue of $450 billion NTD, much of which is coming from corporate taxes that have seen record-high profits. $140 billion NTD will be dedicated to the cash payments, with the remainder going towards improving labor and health insurance systems and providing funding for local governments.
UBI Taiwan hailed the move as a victory for Taiwanese citizens, as the payment is unconditional and universal, meaning that everyone in the country will receive it, regardless of income or other circumstances. They said it reflects the growing demand that a greater proportion of Taiwan’s growth is shared with average families.
“This is a huge victory for the basic income movement,” UBI Taiwan founder Tyler Prochazka said.
UBI Taiwan promotes unconditional basic income (UBI) in Taiwan. UBI is a policy that periodically sends out unconditional cash payments to every citizen in a country regardless of an individual’s income or job status.
The organization has noted the problem of stagnant wages for the last two decades in the country and the rising cost of housing. Through basic income payments, they argue that many Taiwanese could pursue better opportunities and improve their education.
“Unconditional cash transfers are an efficient way to provide an ‘economic vaccination’ to make sure that everyone can face the future in a healthy and happy manner,” said Jiakuan Su, the new chairman of UBI Taiwan.
Over the last few years, Taiwan’s economy has experienced record-breaking 6.45% GDP growth in 2021 and over 8.73% growth in exports in 2022. However, most people have not enjoyed the fruits of this economic growth, as a 104 Job Bank survey found that real wage growth was nearly zero in 2022 due to inflation. The universal cash payment is a way for everyone to have a small share in Taiwan’s economic success.
“With the rise of the pandemic over the last few years, Taiwan has experienced rapid changes in its economy and society,” Su said. “We have experienced directly why Taiwan needs a resilient social welfare system to protect each person’s economic security.”
Since the payment is equal to all taxpayers, it will have a progressive effect with a greater proportion of the refund going to low-income earners. There is some expectation that the cash payment could help stimulate the economy because low-income households are more likely to use the money to satisfy their essentials, such as food and housing, freeing up some additional discretionary money for recreational uses as well. A greater willingness to spend by average families could help smaller businesses that may have struggled since the pandemic.
Both political parties have agreed on the general outline of the proposal and the cash could be sent out as soon as February. A surprise has been that the plan appears to be a universal rebate of the revenue instead of a targeted one, which will make it easier for everyone to apply and reduce administrative costs and time. One area still under consideration is whether foreign taxpayers will receive any of the money.
Previous cash assistance schemes during the pandemic were targeted and a stimulus voucher was sent universally. The pandemic vouchers were limited in how they could be spent and had an expiration date, similar to the vouchers under former President Ma Ying-Jeou.
Members of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) argued during the pandemic that cash should have been sent out instead of vouchers. At the time, the TPP held a news conference with UBI Taiwan to discuss the benefits of cash over vouchers. Many also complained that the targeted cash programs were difficult to receive because of the strict conditions.
Research by the World Bank later demonstrated that the simplicity of universal and unconditional cash payments during the pandemic increased access to the assistance and likely provided economic stimulus. Previous research showed a multiplier effect up to $2.6 for every dollar sent. Fears of saving the cash were largely overblown. For example, in over a dozen economies primarily in East Asia, 40 percent of the universal cash transfers during the pandemic were directly used for consumption.
Besides improved standard of living, research on basic income consistently shows improved mental health and trust in society. A meta-analysis of basic income policies looked at eight governmental reports as well as seven peer reviewed studies. They found there was justification that the alleviation of stress from financial instability could be a reason for improved mental health from basic income.
There have been criticisms of the current cash payment plan, including concerns about inflation. However, it is important to remember that this is surplus tax revenue that has already been collected and is not new money created by the central bank. An effect on inflation is just as likely if the government directly spends the money or if it is sent back to taxpayers.
Additionally, while it is true that Taiwan’s insurance systems require further reforms for sustainability, the vast majority of the surplus revenue is being used to shore up these systems and provide an emergency fund. A one time injection of funds is helpful but will not save these systems in the long run.
Previously, basic income advocates from UBI Taiwan have suggested that Taiwan could establish a sovereign wealth fund (SWF). Such a fund would act as a guarantee that Taiwanese could enjoy more equity in the growth of Taiwan’s economy even if wages remain stagnant. Excess revenue could be placed in the SWF and invested in the economy, with dividends from the SWF distributed back to the people each year, similar to the system in the US state of Alaska. The Alaska Permanent Fund sends out a yearly payment from the oil revenue generated in the state. In 2022, the universal payout reached a record high of $3,284 USD.
“I applaud the government’s decision to send the universal cash transfer and hope this establishes the precedent for Taiwan to consider making this a permanent policy,” Su said.
Prochazka furthered that by making this payment equal to all citizens, the government is taking the “first small step” towards ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all.
