Tzu Chi volunteer opportunities?

[deviljin]

I'm a charity newb so-to-speak and am looking for volunteer opportunities.

I'm a citizen, however, my native language is English so that's why I'm posting this here instead of asking my fellow natives. The Tzu Chi organization caught my eye. Do any of you know anything about this organization? Are they trustworthy? It seems so, but just want to check. Also, if you've worked for them before, what was it like?

Also, since programming is one of my interests, are there any ways to contribute to charities via software/technical work? Muchos thx!

[Fortigurn]

I have worked for the Tzu Chi before. I have a great deal of respect for their work ethic, their professionalism, and their commitment to volunteer and social work. I would certainly recommend them.

[deviljin]

Thx! That's nice to hear.

Does anyone know any English forums / websites for Tzu Chi where I can learn about what events they are holding? Man, I really gotta learn my native language

[Lil' Slugger]

I have worked for the Tzu Chi before. I have a great deal of respect for their work ethic, their professionalism, and their commitment to volunteer and social work. I would certainly recommend them.

Out of curiosity, was this in or outside of Taiwan? My wife taught a class at a local Tzu Chi organization back in Texas, but upon our arrival here we heard a lot of stories that they're actually a pretty selective group on their native isle. But maybe that's only in terms of full-fledged members.

[ctinag]

Thx! That's nice to hear.

Does anyone know any English forums / websites for Tzu Chi where I can learn about what events they are holding? Man, I really gotta learn my native language

you mean you want to learn Mandarin? so did u find a way now?

[navillus]

I have worked for the Tzu Chi before. I have a great deal of respect for their work ethic, their professionalism, and their commitment to volunteer and social work. I would certainly recommend them.

I also have a great deal of repect for this group and most of it's members. I also did some volunteer work with them, however, it wasn't for me. I just felt their approach to everything was almost what you'd see in the army. It wasn't just about helping out. If you wanted to be in the group you had to adapt to all of their customs and dress codes. I think having to wear long sleeves and pants in May was what was what really did me in.

[ranlee]

I have worked for the Tzu Chi before. I have a great deal of respect for their work ethic, their professionalism, and their commitment to volunteer and social work. I would certainly recommend them.

I also have a great deal of repect for this group and most of it's members. I also did some volunteer work with them, however, it wasn't for me. I just felt their approach to everything was almost what you'd see in the army. It wasn't just about helping out. If you wanted to be in the group you had to adapt to all of their customs and dress codes. I think having to wear long sleeves and pants in May was what was what really did me in.

I have been a TC volunteer for quite awhile now over in the Northern New Jersey branch. I will say that they do wish that you adapt to their customs and dress codes, but it's only to teach you about where TC came from and how it all became what it is today. There's a reason for everything they do. At first I found it interesting when I learned it, then annoying, then everything kind of just grew on me.

There really shouldn't be a problem with trying to fit in. A lot of overseas (English speaking) volunteers return to Taiwan for TC reasons. Yes, they are that dedicated, it sometimes scares me how dedicated they really are. So if the first volunteer that you meet does not speak English, they will most definitely find someone that will.

I haven't been to the Taipei branch in awhile, but I do know that it is at the intersection of Jianguo and Zhongxiao East Road.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.