The positive energy of BTS’s fans, also known as ARMYs, knows no bounds as they fully live up to the famous proverb of “where there’s a will there is a way”. With this pragmatic outlook on life, ARMYs have attained countless achievements to the benefit of everyone around them.
One of the most prominent examples of this is One in an Army, a group of ARMYs who volunteer to make the world a better place by running monthly charity projects. Although they have existed for more than a couple of years now, their latest project, ‘#MatchAMillion’ on Twitter, was absolutely amazing. After BTS donated an impressive $1 million to Black Lives Matter, One in an Army – as well as many other followers – were able to match the $1 million dollar donation by fundraising it in just over 24 hours.
This is just one example among many others of how ARMYs, and in particular One in An Army, have made this world a better place to live in. Acts such these by BTS’s fandom really do make a person smile with joy.
However, such amazing projects are not at all surprising because BTS themselves go the extra-mile to help people, to raise awareness and donate money to much needed projects. In other words, BTS are the perfect role models for the perfect fandom.
Given their awesome ‘#MatchAMillion’ charity project, I wanted to find out more about the fascinating and wonderful volunteers running One in an Army so selflessly and generously.
Therefore, I interviewed them to find out what their most favourite project has been thus far, what they plan do with the organisation in the future and whose idea it was to do the ‘#MatchAMillion’ project.
During the interview I also I asked them what lessons we should learn from BTS, what their first reactions were once they reached the $1 million fundraising target and how the general public now perceives ARMYs since the incredibly successful ‘#MatchAMillion’ project.
Also read:
- A ‘Thank you’ letter to BTS for making lock downs much more entertaining
- Here is a list of charitable acts by Pakistani fans of BTS
- Here is why I absolutely enjoyed watching BTS’s online concerts
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Raza Hussain: One in An Army (OIAA) has run many charitable projects since it was founded in 2018, but which one has been your favourite one so far and why?
OIAA: It is really difficult for us to choose a favorite; we have had some with long-lasting results, we’ve had some that have developed into great relationships, and we have had some – like the #MatchAMillion project for Black Lives Matter – that were spontaneous but incredibly impactful.
Raza Hussain: Whose idea was it to do the ‘Match A Million’ project? Or, was it a collective decision?
OIAA: We discovered that it was this ARMY (who really solidified the concept that launched the project, but it was definitely a collective decision within ARMY to immediately jump on the idea and run with it.
Raza Hussain: What was everyone’s first reaction when ‘Match A Million’ became successful in just 24 hour’s time?
OIAA: We’re a really goal oriented fandom; it is not unusual for us to challenge ourselves and to attempt to stretch our limits and goals. We’ve done this many times before with setting fandom goals in regards to BTS’s success on the charts and breaking records. The fandom, however, has long been a strong voice for activism and advocacy, and so the success was not surprising in that aspect. And though it was not really a spoken thing that it should be done within 24 hours, it wasn’t long before it was evident that ARMY was hoping for that to be the case.
Raza Hussain: Do you think that people will now take BTS ARMYs much more seriously after the ‘Match A Million’ achievement?
OIAA: We’ve seen a few journalists gleefully enjoying the surprise of other news outlets and the general public, as some had been aware that organizing and charity has been a staple of ARMY culture for some time. Honestly, we have been surprised that it has not been covered before, considering some of the incredible projects that ARMY have done. But we have seen a clear shift in the usual dismissive narrative from the general public when it comes to ARMY since this has happened. Sometimes it is grudging, but there has been a definite increase in general respect. And that’s nice to see. ARMYs are intelligent, goal-oriented, and giving people; respect is the very least that they deserve as a collective.
Raza Hussain: In your opinion, what is the most important lesson we can all learn from BTS?
OIAA: One of the things that BTS are good at demonstrating is perseverance, hard work, mutual support, and the importance of using what you have for the benefit of others, even if it is simply by empathizing with someone else’s situation, or sending encouragement to someone who is struggling. Those are the things that have gained them massive respect from their fans, and what launched the pay-it-forward culture that has developed in ARMY.
Raza Hussain: What are some of the future projects you and the team are thinking of doing?
OIAA: We have a huge masterlist of organizations that we have waiting to be given full attention with one of our campaigns. It’s important to us to check in with ARMY frequently, feel the pulse of the fandom, and then put our efforts towards whatever is deemed important to focus on at the time. We’re looking forward to supporting many new causes and organizations making a difference in this world.
Raza Hussain: Where would you like One in an Army to be in a few years time?
OIAA: We love what we’re doing now, and we can’t imagine the future; but we are definitely hopeful to have a few more projects wherein so much of the fandom is focused at once to achieve a single goal that we can shake the world with positive impact.
A nice suite of offices on the island of Namkanda wouldn’t be bad either.
Raza Hussain: What are some of the ways in which fellow ARMYs can get involved in the incredibly positive projects that you do?
OIAA: Our biggest platform is on Twitter, and so following us there, or on Instagram, Facebook, Amino, YouTube, or Tumblr is the best way to follow along with what’s happening, vote on future projects, donate if you want, or share the projects with others to get more ARMYs involved. We also have lots of fun with games and activities geared towards helping others, whether through volunteer projects, sending letters, or appreciating one another. We also enjoy being fans of BTS together with our fellow ARMY. All of our socials are OneInAnARMY, so we look forward to seeing everyone there!
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Raza Hussain is an award-winning writer: the Extra-Mile winner of the News Quest Young Reporter Scheme 2014 and the recipient of the ‘Talent for Writing’ certificate by Young Writers. He was also awarded the ‘Prize for Outstanding achievement is Sociology‘. Twitter: @M_Raza5 | Instagram: @M.Raza.H_
really good questions. respectful. thanks for this
Thank you for shining a light on the great collective energy of ARMY
Really well researched and worded. thank you for giving voice to one of the supporting pillar of the fandom