Yufeng Wang | USA

Tzu Chi volunteers introduce the "Jing Si Partition Tent" to other participating organizations. | Photo courtesy of Yufeng Wang | Kent, Washington | April 2024

The Mountain West VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) held its 2024 annual meeting from April 8 to 11 in Kent, Washington which was attended by volunteers from the Seattle branch of Tzu Chi USA. The event brought together representatives from various disaster relief organizations across 13 states in the Mountain West region, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, as well as Hawaii. Over a hundred participants attended, including representatives from the Red Cross, city emergency management agencies, non-profit rescue organizations, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Jing Si Furniture System Wows the Audience

Tzu Chi's specially designed disaster relief shelter, the "Jing Si Partition Tent," along with its matching furniture set, made a stunning debut at the conference. The design, which respects the privacy of disaster survivors and is made from eco-friendly materials, impressed everyone in attendance.

LEFT: Assembling the partition is very simple. Tzu Chi volunteers demonstrate how to set up the "Jing Si Partition Tent." RIGHT: Many attendees took out their phones to take pictures. | Photos courtesy of Yufeng Wang | Kent, Washington | April 2024

The Jing Si Partition Tent is lightweight and easy to transport, fitting into a bag that one person can carry, and two people can set up. At the conference, two Tzu Chi volunteers quickly assembled a spacious and tall screen in under a minute. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the screen is both technologically advanced and environmentally friendly.

“In typical shelters, hundreds or thousands of people are crammed together with no privacy. This is our latest design,” proudly explained Tzu Chi volunteer Angela Wan to the surrounding attendees. The attendees nodded in agreement, praising the design for its humaneness and respect for disaster survivors' privacy. Many took out their phones to take pictures.

In addition to the partition tent, other Jing Si furniture pieces also amazed the attendees. Like the partition tent, the furniture is made from recycled plastic bottles. The folding bed can be adjusted to function as both a recliner and a bed. This multifunctional design reflects Tzu Chi's commitment to environmental protection, practicality, and innovation, catering to the needs of disaster survivors with thoughtful warmth.

LEFT: Jing Si furniture includes tables, chairs, and foldable beds. RIGHT: Attendees were amazed by the eco-friendliness of Tzu Chi's relief supplies. | Photos courtesy of Yufeng Wang | Kent, Washington | April 2024

Furthermore, Tzu Chi volunteers showcased other relief items at their table, such as eco-friendly blankets, hats, and pens, all made from recycled plastic bottles. “A single plastic bottle can be made into a pen,” a Tzu Chi volunteer explained to the attendees, who marveled at the ingenuity, exclaiming, “This is incredible!”

Love and Care for All

At a recent meeting, Seattle Emergency Relief Team leader Haojie Xue (薛豪傑) introduced Tzu Chi and its spirit of “Bamboo Bank Era” to other emergency relief organizations. He also shared the guiding principles of Tzu Chi and showcased a video highlighting the emergency relief activities carried out by Tzu Chi volunteers from Seattle and Portland in Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii.

LEFT: During the event, Tzu Chi volunteers seized the opportunity to introduce Tzu Chi to the audience. RIGHT: The entire audience sang "Love and Care for All" together. | Photos courtesy of Yufeng Wang | Kent, Washington | April 2024

Volunteers performed the sign language song "Love and Care for All," explaining its deep meaning. Led by Tzu Chi volunteers, the entire audience joined in, singing and following the sign language gestures, creating a heartfelt atmosphere. After the song, volunteers provided vegetarian meals to promote the importance of vegetarianism and environmental protection.

Tzu Chi's Compassion Impresses Partners

At the meeting, the Hawaii VOAD shared their emergency response experience during the Maui wildfires in August 2023. Emily KuKulies, a representative, praised Tzu Chi’s quick and powerful response and their unlimited support, calling Tzu Chi their best partner in relief efforts. With deep gratitude to Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi volunteers, Emily expressed, "We are truly grateful for Tzu Chi's unlimited support, which allows the disaster affected to make the choices they need in different situations. It’s remarkable to have such a strong Tzu Chi presence in Hawaii, ready to collaborate with us year-round.”

Kathy Bryson, president of the Washington State Emergency Relief Association, expresses gratitude for Tzu Chi's steadfast support. | Photos courtesy of Yufeng Wang | Kent, Washington | April 2024

Kathy Bryson, president of the Washington State Emergency Relief Association, recalled her first interaction with Tzu Chi during the Port Orchard tornado in 2018. She was moved by Tzu Chi’s compassion and dedication to helping survivors.

Since 2013, the Tzu Chi Seattle branch has been a member of the Washington State Emergency Relief Association, regularly participating in annual meetings and engaging with the broader community, showcasing love and compassion.