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I
became a member of the Taipei International Women's Club (TIWC),
a prestigious charity organization, in 1969. With more than
half of its 400 or more members being foreigners, either wives
of diplomats or executives, teachers or career women from as
many as 30 countries of their origin. TIWC presented an aura
of awe and excitement to everyone involved not precluding new
comers. My first TIWC general meeting left roe feeling like
I was a part of the United Nations.
Imagine Taiwan 30 years ago, chaos ruled in the aftermath of
the Second World War. After Chiang Kai Shek and his military
took over Taiwan and imposed Martial Law, life became very difficult
for many. At that time, the National Health Insurance and the
Social Welfare Programs were non existent. Taiwan was considered
an under-developed country that depended heavily upon various
subsidies from the United States.
Growing up in such a devastating environment, I immersed myself
in books and movies to escape the harsh reality of life. I became
interested in learning about other countries, specifically Japan
and the United States, which prompted me to major in Foreign
Literature at the National Taiwan University. After marrying
Dr. Hsian-Chong Ko who become a general surgeon and proffesor
of surgery and later, the commissioner of Public Health, Professor
Emeritus. I was grounded in the life of society women. Aside
from raising two young sons, I also become very active in local
charities.
TIWC for me was the American society. It was a privilege to
be a part of this selective organization and sharing information
with other TIWC members without having to go abroad.
Admission was not easy. Two conditions needed to be met in order
to become a member of TIWC: (1) recommendations must come from
two members, (2) applicants must give an oral introduction in
English at the New Members Tea party. Upon admission, new members
were required to join one or more working committee to further
charity work. I learned quickly that foreign ladies more so
than Taiwanese women of social standing tended to devote their
time and effort to support the activities of local charities.
Through voluntary participation and cooperation, these ladies
were able to share experiences and their wealth of resources
with one another. This devotion deterred many from being simply
spectators.
As a doctor's wife, I thought it was proper to join the Social
Services Committee, the largest working comittee with 40 to
50 members, 5 of which were Taiwanese. It was frequently said
that the Ways and Means Committee made money and the Social
Services Committee would spend the money. When I first joined
this committee, I certainly did not foresee that it would be
a commitment that would last twenty years. I began by serving
as vice-chairperson and interpreter for more than 10 years,
and accepted the position of chairperson in 1989.
If TIWC was like the American society then the Social Services
Committee was like a corporation. My colleagues' capabilities,
energy and creativity constantly amazed me. The Social Services
Committee had its own secretary and treasurer. Each month, the
secretary would produce and send the minutes and agenda to each
committee member. During meetings, regulations and special projects
would be discussed, followed by the budget report by the treasurer.
We also scheduled many visits such as to orphanages, hospitals,
old people's homes, school for the blind, juvenile detention
center, the Salvation Army and St. Joseph's Home for the poor.
The unwritten law of the Social Services Committee was, (1)
never make cash donation, which tends to easily be misused.
We would donate items such as physical therapy equipment, medical
machines, wheelchairs and vehicles. (2) These beneficiaries
were living in Taipei or in the vicinity, the idea was to contribute
funds where we raised the funds. Each visit became like a field
study and social gathering combined.
During my twenty years of history with the TTWC. each week passed
by quickly filled with fun, exciting, and meaningful activities.
There were factfinding luncheons with speakers, dinner parties
with live performances, and open houses held at famous Taiwanese
personalities' mansions. I made many lasting friendships through
my involvement, and had a clearer concept of what voluntary
participation meant. I grew from being a passive person to a
positive- thinking woman. I was also able to polish my English
and Japanese language skills by listening to the ICRT radio
station, and subscribed to the China Post and Newsweek.
Overall, my footprint on the TIWC road map was a small one,
but it was sweet and unforgettable. I am immensely proud of
what I have accomplished for this organization.
These are some unforgettable moments that I would like to share
with you.
In 1974, when the Bandage Rolling group, a subcommittee of the
Social Services Committee, was searching for a work place for
their volunteers. I was one of the key persons instrumental
in having it stationed at the liipei Municipal Jen-Ai Hospital.
To this day, the Bandage Rolling group still functions as a
liaison for the rest of the TIWC members in selling raffle tickets
or collecting donations for fundraising.
In 1975, the English Conversation Tea members prepared a skit
at the Chinese New Year celebration during which we talked and
sang in English, Everyone felt rejuvenated and fearless to he
on the stage. It was silly but it was so much fun.
In 1978, I was the publicity chairperson for TIWC's final traditional
bazaar, which was sponsored by various embassies, I learned
how to pass information to the press and maintain good relations
with reporters.
In 1989, I accepted the position of the Social Services Committee
chairperson, with the support of a harmonious board and devoten
committee members, it marked the year of meeting challenges
and furthering personal growth.
In 1992, I served on the committee designated to coordinate
the 40th anniversary celebration of TIWC. It was an epochal
event to present to the public as well as its members the importance
of TIWC role in the society and its achievement. I assisted
in the preparations of this event by helping to collect and
edit photographs of historic scenes on the bulletin board in
the hall. More importantly to note was that all committee members
once again worked as a team to make that occasion a huge success.
I am delighted and honored to be a TIWC member. My experiences
from being a TIWC member have enriched my life greatly. Joining
this organization has allowed me to witness its most prosperous
days as a charity organization, help raised a tremendous sums
of funds, and allocated them to the less fortunate. I have made
great friends with whom I now stay in touch by e-mail.
Thank you
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