I’m a Proud Volunteer for Shen Yun

(Minghui.org) Shortly before the 2025 New Year, The New York Times published another article smearing Shen Yun, this time attacking volunteers working for the company.

As a volunteer who has spent many weekends promoting Shen Yun, I’d like to say that volunteering for Shen Yun isn’t about money at all; it means a lot more than that. As a Falun Gong practitioner who escaped communist China and the brutal persecution there, I experienced firsthand how the Chinese Communist Party destroyed traditional culture and indoctrinated the public with the communist ideology of struggle. That’s exactly why Shen Yun was established–to revive traditional culture and expose the human rights violations in China. So to me, helping Shen Yun is helping those who don’t have a voice under the communist regime’s suppression, and preserving the 5,000-year culture that would be otherwise lost.

In the U.S., volunteering has long been a tradition for many who want to give back to society. Sacrificing our personal time and sometimes paying out of pocket isn’t always an easy thing. But in my heart, I know I’m doing something meaningful and impactful.

The New York Times may describe me as someone who fell for “religious fervor,” just like how the Chinese Communist Party depicted Falun Gong practitioners as “fools” when they ordered the persecution. Of course, someone who follows the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, takes personal gain lightly, and does not fight back when mistreated, are considered “fools” in the eyes of people who prioritize personal gain. But people who genuinely seek spiritual elevation instead of material gain will understand the importance of such timeless values.

On the other hand, when The New York Times accused Shen Yun of making 266 million dollars from their volunteers, let’s not forget that Shen Yun has eight companies, each with nearly 100 members. With ever-increasing operating costs, I see it as only a good thing when Shen Yun makes more money so that it can expand and bring the show to more people. Many performing arts companies rely on contributions from private donors, foundations, and corporations to supplement their income. But if Shen Yun can sustain itself without such contributions, isn’t that a good thing as well?

As a proud volunteer for Shen Yun, I won’t stop what I’m doing, and I look forward to the day when Shen Yun can go to China and perform there.