Q1：How do I become a Tzu Chi volunteer?
Please provide us your personal particulars, and we will contact you within a week’s time. For more information, please visit the webpage: “Become a Volunteer”.
Q2：Why are Tzu Chi volunteers required to undergo training?
The purpose of volunteer training is to help volunteers develop right views and strengthen their faith and commitment. Besides doing good to sow blessings through Tzu Chi's activities, our volunteers undergo periodic training to learn about life’s principles and to develop their character. In the work of helping the needy, they witness suffering first-hand and come to realize the causes of life's suffering as expounded in the Dharma. Through undergoing training, they can see how their volunteer experiences bear witness to the truths of the Dharma, and thus grow in wisdom. They will then apply the wisdom they have gained as they continue to serve in Tzu Chi's Missions. Volunteer training is akin to the ongoing nurturing of a sapling. After planting a sapling, we need to nurture it by watering and fertilizing it. Then the sapling will grow strong and healthy.
Q3：What is Tzu Chi volunteer training process?
Master Cheng Yen says that the beauty of a group lies in the refinement of its individuals. When asked about the management style of Tzu Chi, she would always reply, “In Tzu Chi, everyone educates and disciplines themselves.” Through the 3-stage volunteer training process, volunteers develop a common knowledge and understanding of Tzu Chi’s Missions, protocols, and philosophy, which helps them to work collaboratively and unitedly. In the first two stages, volunteers learn about the Tzu Chi's spirit and serve in the Four Major Missions. Those who affirm the Tzu Chi's spirit, observe the protocols, regularly serve in the community and take on leadership responsibilities, are able to be certified as Tzu Chi Commissioners or Tzu Cheng Faith Corps members upon recommendation by volunteer leaders.
Q4：Why should I join Tzu Chi? What are the benefits of becoming a Tzu Chi volunteer?
Every day we are faced with a myriad of life choices and decisions. Small decisions can lead to everyday outcomes, while major decisions have the potential to change our lives. A wrong decision will lead us off course, thus, we need to exercise wisdom when we make choices in our daily life. The Tzu Chi Path entails practising spiritual cultivation as we serve among people. When we practise the act of giving, we are learning to break the habit of greed, and it is only through the act of helping others that we are grateful as people with potential for goodness. The greatest benefit of joining Tzu Chi lies herein — as we are busy engaging in meaningful activities, there will be an increased sense of clarity and purpose in our life. The reason being, when we find joy in the work we do, we will experience less affliction, and growth in wisdom will be a natural outcome.
Q5：Why must Tzu Chi volunteers wear uniforms?
Tzu Chi is a globally-recognized NGO as well as an organization for spiritual cultivation. In a Tzu Chi disaster relief effort, there are always scenes of volunteers clad in their distinctive blue and white uniforms serving those in need. The uniform has thus become a visible hallmark of Tzu Chi people around the globe, and it symbolizes Great Love that traverses borders to comfort those in suffering. By wearing the same uniform, it also demonstrates the beauty of harmony within a team and reflects the willingness of individuals to minimize their ego, without seeking to stand out from others. Volunteers in uniform are reminded to humble themselves and to correct their negative habits and traits, as they expand their minds and serve with joy.
Q6：What do the different types of Tzu Chi uniforms embody?
After joining Tzu Chi, volunteers may go through a process of personal growth in spirit and in responsibility as they undergo a progressive, 3-stage volunteer training programme. Each of the stage requires different coloured uniforms. For female certified volunteers, there are three sets of uniforms: a navy blue polo shirt with white pants, a navy blue dress, and a cheongsam. For male certified volunteers, they either wear the navy blue polo shirt with white pants or a suit. The different sets of uniforms are meant to be worn for different types of services and occasions, and are not meant to symbolize “class differences”.
Q7：If I am working full-time, can I still join Tzu Chi?
Yes, most definitely. In fact, most Tzu Chi volunteers are themselves holding full-time jobs, but they find time out of their busy schedules to take on the mantle of serving people. The greatest value of life lies in our ability to serve others in society; one with a loving heart leads the happiest life.
Q8：I am not a Buddhist. Can I still join Tzu Chi?
Although Tzu Chi is a Buddhist organization, it bears the spirit of Great Love, and all of its Missions are carried out in ways that transcend the boundaries of race and religion. Tzu Chi’s primary focus is not on the chanting of sutras or conducting Dharma services; volunteers of different faiths and beliefs are warmly welcome to join us in sowing the seeds of love and blessings. For example, quite a number of members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in various countries are Christians, Muslims or Hindus.
