TZU CHI USA JOURNAL

Welcome to Issue 74 of the Tzu Chi USA Journal, the theme of which is purpose. As we will see in the articles here, a strong sense of purposeful dedication drives Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide.

Our cover story, “The Apache and Park Fire Missions: Another Round of Disaster Relief in Northern California’s Butte County,” highlights our continued efforts to provide timely disaster relief after recurring wildfires. Whether the blaze has a more limited impact, as in the case of the Apache Fire, or it grows to become the fourth-largest wildfire in California state history, Tzu Chi volunteers’ commitment to delivering emotional and financial support is the same.

The impetus to assist those in need extends to the educational arena, as Tzu Chi wants to empower youth to follow their college dreams and find their life’s purpose. Our first feature story, “Facilitating Higher Education While Fostering Community Service,” showcases our yearly efforts to provide need-based scholarships to outstanding college-bound high school graduates who demonstrate a community spirit to help them embark on their educational journey.

Our second feature story, “Gathering Love in Greenfield: Tzu Chi USA’s Midwestern Tornado Relief,” reveals another disaster relief mission by Tzu Chi volunteers, who readily take on whatever demands it might require. In this case, 24 Tzu Chi USA Midwest volunteers undertook a six-hour drive from Chicago to the aid distribution venue on a Sunday, driving back that night as most had work or school on Monday.

Our first two portrait stories in this issue add further nuance to the meaning of purpose. “The Future Blossoms for Tijuana’s Youths” explores Tzu Chi’s efforts to uplift the dreams and voices of children near and far while empowering youths to discover the world of difference they can make through their actions as protectors of this planet we all share.

“Coming Home to Tzu Chi Through Starbucks” unveils that Starbucks employees have been coming to volunteer at Tzu Chi New York’s food pantries thanks to the initiative of a long-time Tzu Chi volunteer’s daughter. After college, she had drifted away from a childhood spent volunteering with her mother, only to rediscover her community service calling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired, she introduced Tzu Chi’s food pantries to Starbucks during its yearly Global Month of Good, during which the coffee company encourages volunteerism.

Our final portrait celebrates Till Echoes Can Be Heard: Tzu Chi in New York, an exhibition that was on display from August 8 to 31, 2024, at the High Line Nine Galleries in Chelsea, Manhattan. It featured documentary photographs and videos demonstrating Tzu Chi’s involvement in the New York area across decades: a testament to purpose, indeed.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we did creating it. Moreover, may you contemplate your purpose and discover the joy in fulfilling it.