Tzu Chi wins the “Volunteer Organization of the Year Award” in the United States (photo)

Tzu Chi wins the “Volunteer Organization of the Year Award” in the United States (photo) (Contributed by Tzu Chi) The footprints of great love have traveled to 84 countries, and Tzu Chi Foundation USA has won the first...

(Contributed by Tzu Chi) The footprints of great love have traveled to 84 countries, and Tzu Chi Foundation USA has won the "Best Volunteer Organization of the Year Award" from the 21st Annual Conference of National Volunteer Organizations in Disaster Relief (NVOAD).

NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is an emergency relief volunteer organization in the United States. It has 110 members, all of whom are elites among American volunteer groups. Tzu Chi became a formal member in October 2006 and is the only Buddhist organization among member organizations. The Tzu Chi people’s figures in the blue sky and white clouds and the humanistic drive of silently doing charity are highly respected by mainstream society in the United States.

The Member of the Year Award is only awarded to one organization a year. This year, there are five organizations shortlisted. Tzu Chi was recommended by the U.S. Federal Disaster Management Agency (FEMA). The recommendation from the Federal Government pointed out that Tzu Chi used the spirit of gratitude, respect, and love to promote humanity and charity in disaster relief during the 2012 national emergency relief operations, and promoted the environmental protection concept of cherishing the earth among disaster-stricken households and community members. It serves as a model across the United States. The list was announced on the 14th, and Tzu Chi was awarded the Best Volunteer Organization of the Year Award.

The award ceremony was held at the "National Emergency Relief Volunteer Organization Annual Conference" held in Portland, Oregon, on May 14th, Western Time (the morning of the 15th, Taiwan time). When the host announced that the winner of the 2013 National Outstanding Volunteer Organization award was the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, the image of Master Cheng Yen slowly appeared on the video walls on both sides of the scene, followed by the footprints of Tzu Chi personnel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the heart-warming scene of Tzu Chi personnel in the United States delivering a bowl of hot food during the Sandy disaster. More than 450 representatives of mainstream disaster relief organizations in the United States were moved by the scene and expressed their deep affirmation and admiration.

The American Emergency Relief Volunteer Organization plays a role closely linked to the federal government, non-profit organizations, religious organizations, business groups, and academia. It has a decisive influence on the education, promotion and advice of disaster response plans in the United States. Ms. Burgo Kim, the chairman of the organization, visited Tzu Chi in Taiwan in July 2010.

In 2012, Tzu Chi USA provided assistance in Hurricane Sandy, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, Samoa resource recovery project, Midwestern flood relief, Southwest tornado relief, etc.

Tzu Chi Foundation stated that in 1985, Tzu Chi volunteers living overseas applied to establish a Tzu Chi US branch to extend Tzu Chi’s mission overseas. So far, it has one head office, eight branches, 100 strongholds and more than 200,000 members in the United States.

During major disasters in the United States, Tzu Chi volunteers’ immediate support and continuous care after disasters have moved and admired the U.S. government’s disaster relief personnel, making them the best partners of the Federal Disaster Relief Administration.

Tzu Chi Foundation USA received the "Volunteer Organization of the Year Award" from the 21st National Emergency Relief Volunteer Organization in the United States. Tsang Cihui (fifth from right), deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation USA, received the award on behalf of the organization. The volunteers shared the joy of receiving the recognition. Photo provided by: Tzu Chi USA

> 2013 “Volunteer Organization of the Year Award” trophy in the United States. Photo provided by: Tzu Chi USA

> Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States, and Tzu Chi staff from the New York branch went to Belle Harbor to distribute supplies. In the cold weather, volunteers put eco-friendly blankets on the victims who came to receive supplies. Photo provided by: Tzu Chi USA

Tzu Chi Named NVOAD Member of the Year

Tzu Chi USA was named Member of the Year at the 21st National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Conference. NVOAD is a network of organizations that provide disaster relief in the United States. Its 110 members represent the best of American volunteer organizations. Tzu Chi officially became a member in October 2006. It is the only Buddhist organization in the network. The blue and white uniforms of Tzu Chi volunteers and the way they have quietly inspired a culture of doing good deeds are widely respected by people in the US. The Member of the Year Award is only given to one organization each year. This year there were five nominees. Tzu Chi was nominated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In their nomination, FEMA pointed out that in their disaster relief efforts in 2012, Tzu Chi was a national role model in many ways. They inspired a culture of gratitude, respect and love in relief efforts and doing good deeds. They also promoted environmental protection as a way to care for the earth among the disaster victims and their communities. On May 14th, the award ceremony was held at the NVOAD Conference in Portland, Oregon. As the emcee announced Tzu Chi as the recipient of the award, a picture of Master Cheng Yen was shown on the screens, followed by pictures from the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall with more than 10,000 participants and a heartwarming scene of Tzu Chi volunteers serving hot meals after Hurricane Sandy. These images moved the 450-plus representatives from other disaster relief organizations and they showed their support and admiration for Tzu Chi. NVOAD plays a role in connecting the federal government, non-profit agencies, religious organizations, companies and academia. It has a significant impact on establishing and promoting education for disaster response planning. Burgo Kim, chairman of this network, visited Tzu Chi in Taiwan in July 2010. In 2012, Tzu Chi USA participated in disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy, Texas fertilizer plant explosion, floods in the Midwest, tornadoes in the Southwest, etc., as well as recycling efforts in American Samoa. Tzu Chi Foundation says that in 1985, Tzu Chi volunteers living abroad established a chapter in the US and extended the reach of Tzu Chi missions overseas. Currently, the organization has one national office, eight regional offices, 100 local offices, and over 200,000 members in the United States. Each time a major disaster strikes in America, Tzu Chi volunteers provide both immediate comfort and long-term support for the victims after the disaster. Their actions have touched and are respected by the American government’s disaster response personnel. They are a great partner for FEMA.