TZU CHI USA JOURNAL

The 75th issue of the Tzu Chi USA Journal is a special edition, as it commemorates milestones, resilience, and the enduring spirit of compassion in action on this, in December 2024, the 35th anniversary of Tzu Chi USA’s service in the United States. As we celebrate how Tzu Chi volunteers have benefited individuals, families, and communities nationwide and beyond through their efforts, we invite you to reflect on how repeated acts of kindness can grow into an enduring force of good.

Our cover story, “Compassion Amid Crisis: Delivering Relief After Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” highlights Tzu Chi’s swift and heartfelt response in the aftermath of these devastating catastrophes that struck the U.S. Southeast. Through poignant stories and vivid images, we uncover powerful moments of human connection amid the darkest of times, especially in North Carolina, where communities that one wouldn’t expect to be significantly affected by the hurricanes endured massive destruction. Yet, the spirit of compassion shone brightly as individuals joined hands to lift up their communities. From this most recent example of our aid, the feature articles in this issue delve into Tzu Chi USA’s past and its latest care horizons. 

“Extending Love to America: Tzu Chi USA Marks 35 Years of Service” tells the story of our founding and establishment of nine service regions. The trajectory from Tzu Chi USA’s roots to the present comes alive through historical photos and anecdotes. 

Next, thanks to photographs from the past, “Heart to Heart; Location by Location” introduces our 63 offices or service centers across the United States and the volunteers who brought the first Tzu Chi seeds to the cities where these hubs of activity now serve communities and families, embodying the values of mindfulness and altruism that are at the heart of Tzu Chi’s philosophy. Together, they form a mosaic of dedication and hope, united by a shared vision of a better world for one and all.

Finally, “Tzu Chi USA’s Latest Expansion Developments” reveals how Tzu Chi’s scope of outreach is ever-broadening. In particular, we present the stories of how the Great Love Campus in Washington State, the Long Island Education Center in New York, the Cambridge Outreach Center in Massachusetts, the Chicago Outreach Center in Illinois, and the first “tea party” introducing Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi in Denver, Colorado, came to be. 

Whether you have been with Tzu Chi for years or are just learning about our work, we hope this issue inspires you to reflect, connect, and take action in your own community. Thank you for journeying with us through these pages and being part of this growing legacy of love.