The idea of setting up the Office's voluntary corps was first initiated by former Secretary-General Chen Shi-meng. The corps was established on May 31, 2002. Secretary-General Mark Chen is the current leader of the corps, whose members consist of the staff of the Office of the President and their families.
"In practicing the spirit of 'Volunteer Taiwan', proposed by the president, you have passed your love to those in need in every corner of our society," the secretary-general praised the corps members.
At the tea party, the corps presented a bamboo piggy bank named "Shiao Shiao Bian Dan" (Little Shoulder Pole) to the secretary-general. The sound, "bian dan," is associated with the president's name, and its meaning, "shoulder pole," connotes that voluntary service is a task that everyone should assume on his or her shoulders. The corps plans to raise a charity fund through the "Shiao Shiao Bian Dan" piggy banks and help more others in need.
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," quoting US President John F. Kennedy's motto, the secretary-general once again applauded and encouraged the corps members.