During the Olympics, everyone wanted a piece of Lu-Chin Mischke. The founder of The Pride Institute, a non-profit dedicated to improving manners across Beijing, Lu-Chin was seen by journalists as the embodiment of the dynamism of the pre-Olympic period. ABC, NBC and, most notably, City Weekend all ran stories on her and her work.

However, like a bride who slimmed down for her wedding day only to return to her habit of lounging in front of the TV post nuptial, Beijing has lost some of its focus on self-improvement.

“Beijing underwent a serious makeover in the lead up to the Olympics,” Mischke says. “When they ended, people did not know how to refocus their energies. That’s been a big challenge for organizations like ours.”

The Pride Institute’s unique methodology is based on something Mischke calls “positive peer pressure.” Volunteers use etiquette note cards on spitting, littering and other anti-social behavior as reminders to people on the street who are seen engaging in bad habits.

“Before the Games, generating excitement for this type of initiative in the press and with government officials was much easier,” she says. “We still have a great deal of support from student volunteers. The hard part since the Games has been raising money.”

While authorities higher up the totem pole have less time for improving manners these days, the Pride Institute has found more local partners, establishing 43 etiquette corners in Chaoyang neighborhoods, in collaboration with the local government.

Mischke’s search for funds inspired the “Pride in Beijing Fun Run,” which will be held in mid-September to raise money for etiquette programs throughout the city.

People interested in joining the run, leading etiquette classes, or looking for another way to get involved should contact Lu-Chin at: luchin@prideinstitute.cn.