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he year 1998 was an early watermark for Tzu Chi. Master Cheng Yen
has often said that because the United States is so prominent on
Tthe world stage, U.S. Tzu Chi volunteers are all playing an important
role. Beginning in 1998, Central American countries suffered one natural
disaster after another, and each time, U.S. Tzu Chi volunteers traveled
there to assess damage and provide relief. From finding their bearings
at the beginning, followed by several years of continuous action, they
developed the strength and ability to undertake major cross-border relief
efforts. Medical volunteers also began to join the missions to deliver clinic
services and carry the development of Tzu Chi’s missions another great
stride forward. At the same time, disaster relief and community care in the
United States also experienced a great breakthrough.
In 2001, Tzu Chi USA Headquarters was established to coordinate all
the service areas throughout the country. The same year, the world was
shocked by the tragedy of the terrorist attacks in New York on September
11. Worried about the state of the world, Master Cheng Yen started
the “One Person, One Good Deed” movement, calling on all people to
eliminate hate with love and especially encouraging U.S. volunteers to
take greater responsibility for purifying minds and bringing society into
harmony. Beginning with September 11 in 2001 and carrying through
the 2003 California wildfires and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Tzu Chi
volunteers never stopped working to help their communities, doing their

U.S. and South
American volunteers
provide earthquake
relief in Peru in 2007.
Volunteers introduce Tzu Chi in Cleveland, Ohio.

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