Make a Difference
Maybe you are unable to make a difference in Taiwan’s future on your own.
By volunteering, you can make a difference, like droplets of water that eventually penetrate a stone.
By volunteering, you can make a difference, like droplets of water that eventually penetrate a stone.
In 2009, Typhoon Morakot paralyzed the entire tourism industry in the Huadong region of Taiwan. After having been involved in the relief efforts, Mr. Yen, Chairman of Alliance, found that active participation, with first- hand knowledge of problems and a commitment to seek solutions, is more important than monetary support.
Since the founding of Alliance two years in 2009, over 500 volunteers have assisted Alliance in many different capacities, including serving as tour guides and making arrangements for the Huadong experiential tours, providing transportation and hospitality services for distinguished performers and speakers visiting the region, video documenting arts and cultural projects, translation,and providing administrative support at conferences, workshops, and in Alliance’s office. Some of the volunteers slept only four or five hours each night when they served as counselors for Alliance’s Youth Camp. It is clear that the volunteers worked hard and demonstrated selflessness and dedication.
When an Art Camp student wrote Mr. Yen to thank him for his experience, Mr. Yen replied “Your gratitude is not necessary. I am rewarded by seeing your beautiful smile of confidence and watching you grow as a result of your hard work.” Indeed, one gives not only for spiritual reasons but because he/she has the capability. Everyone has the ability to make his/her life more worthwhile. When you are able to give, you should commit to doing the right thing. When you see that you can make a difference, you will be proud of your accomplishment.
Many people feel they need to be rich in order to give or they are not ready to be volunteers until they retire. However everyone should realize he/she can be an agent for change. Charity is not about donating money, it is about the willingness to help others, giving dignity to those being helped, so that they may help themselves and others, thereby perpetuating the cycle of giving.
Mr. Yen often mentions that people have two lives, a physical one and a “metaphysical” one. The latter includes the relationships he has built over many decades resulting in a wide network of friends with resources. As he reaches the pinnacle of his metaphysical life, Mr. Yen wants to build a platform for public service to contribute more to Taiwan during his lifetime. A religious master in Taiwan once said, “We want too much from life yet we need little. Once we realize that we need little, we will give freely, thereby helping to build a harmonious society.” When people share their resources with one another, they can build a stronger foundation for a better society.
Quoting Master Sheng Yen, Mr. Yen reminds us if you have a chance to serve others, remember to do it with appreciation. It is a blessing to be able to help others. The most meaningful things in life are those that are done for others. We must treasure the trust earned and the opportunity to serve. When we do even the smallest task well with our full heart, others will follow with enthusiasm. We should recognize our own capabilities and be an angel in our own way. Life will be enriched. Mother Theresa reminded people to see self-worth from the need of others. If everyone were loving and passionate, then the world will be a happy and beautiful place.
It is easy to be a volunteer for one day but much harder to be a volunteer over a long term. Many volunteer jobs start with a need to change life. What Huadong region needs most is investment in tourism and education. Look at the future with a new attitude and perspective, use positive actions to change Taiwan. If you share Alliance’s mission, you are most welcome to join us in our work for a more harmonious and peaceful Taiwan.
Since the founding of Alliance two years in 2009, over 500 volunteers have assisted Alliance in many different capacities, including serving as tour guides and making arrangements for the Huadong experiential tours, providing transportation and hospitality services for distinguished performers and speakers visiting the region, video documenting arts and cultural projects, translation,and providing administrative support at conferences, workshops, and in Alliance’s office. Some of the volunteers slept only four or five hours each night when they served as counselors for Alliance’s Youth Camp. It is clear that the volunteers worked hard and demonstrated selflessness and dedication.
When an Art Camp student wrote Mr. Yen to thank him for his experience, Mr. Yen replied “Your gratitude is not necessary. I am rewarded by seeing your beautiful smile of confidence and watching you grow as a result of your hard work.” Indeed, one gives not only for spiritual reasons but because he/she has the capability. Everyone has the ability to make his/her life more worthwhile. When you are able to give, you should commit to doing the right thing. When you see that you can make a difference, you will be proud of your accomplishment.
Many people feel they need to be rich in order to give or they are not ready to be volunteers until they retire. However everyone should realize he/she can be an agent for change. Charity is not about donating money, it is about the willingness to help others, giving dignity to those being helped, so that they may help themselves and others, thereby perpetuating the cycle of giving.
Mr. Yen often mentions that people have two lives, a physical one and a “metaphysical” one. The latter includes the relationships he has built over many decades resulting in a wide network of friends with resources. As he reaches the pinnacle of his metaphysical life, Mr. Yen wants to build a platform for public service to contribute more to Taiwan during his lifetime. A religious master in Taiwan once said, “We want too much from life yet we need little. Once we realize that we need little, we will give freely, thereby helping to build a harmonious society.” When people share their resources with one another, they can build a stronger foundation for a better society.
Quoting Master Sheng Yen, Mr. Yen reminds us if you have a chance to serve others, remember to do it with appreciation. It is a blessing to be able to help others. The most meaningful things in life are those that are done for others. We must treasure the trust earned and the opportunity to serve. When we do even the smallest task well with our full heart, others will follow with enthusiasm. We should recognize our own capabilities and be an angel in our own way. Life will be enriched. Mother Theresa reminded people to see self-worth from the need of others. If everyone were loving and passionate, then the world will be a happy and beautiful place.
It is easy to be a volunteer for one day but much harder to be a volunteer over a long term. Many volunteer jobs start with a need to change life. What Huadong region needs most is investment in tourism and education. Look at the future with a new attitude and perspective, use positive actions to change Taiwan. If you share Alliance’s mission, you are most welcome to join us in our work for a more harmonious and peaceful Taiwan.
