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.
