The Tzu Chi Honarary Board

(Translated by Douglas Shaw)

Chinese version

The Tzu Chi Honorary Board was established on August 16, 1986, the day before the formal opening of the Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien. In order to express her gratitude to patrons who had donated over NT$1 million [then about US$26,300] to accomplish this great mission, Master Cheng Yen especially appointed them members of the Tzu Chi Honorary Board. On January 21, 1987, board members met at the Abode of Still Thoughts and set up the Honorary Board Members Association. Members included everything from successful entrepreneurs to common townspeople.

Currently, those who have donated over NT$1 million within one year are appointed by the Tzu Chi Foundation as permanent Honorary Board members. However, this does not include dona-tions to international disaster relief work, emergency aid or charity bazaars.

Board members are concerned with the development of Tzu Chi, but they do not participate in administrative functions. Each year, as a token of the foundation's appreciation, they may re-ceive a free physical check-up at Tzu Chi Hospital. When the Honorary Board Members Association was first established, members met every three months. As the number of members grew, it became more and more difficult to find a time when everyone could meet, and so each district began to schedule regular meetings. Districts often meet with each other in order to share their thoughts and experiences.

Board members enthusiastically participate in Tzu Chi activities. They formed a choir and learned to sing Tzu Chi songs which they often perform at foundation functions. They also hold seminars and participate in international disaster relief work.