The Social Justice Arts Initiative (SJAI) is organizing its premier event of the year, "Issue as Muse", which will take place on April 2nd in Cohen Auditorium. "Issue as Muse" challenges Tufts arts organizations to create a piece of visual or performance art inspired by a particular social justice issue anywhere in the world (the ‘muse'). SJAI encourages participating groups to highlight issues that may not generate as much media attention as they deserve. The event will feature a reception with a OneWorld-style informational fair of local non-governmental organizations and non-profits, a silent auction, and artists creating live work; all proceeds from the event will be distributed amongst the participating NGOs.

In order to produce an event of this magnitude, we are actively collaborating with several student organizations, Tufts academic departments, University Advancement, and other programming groups. Specifically, we are hoping to engage supportive campus organizations by seeking aid in publicizing the event, gathering volunteers for the day of the event, finding specific NGOs and non-profits with which performance groups can partner in fund-raising, and co-sponsorship of the overall event.

We would like to invite any interested student groups to cosponsor this event in any capacity that you are able. If you or any of your co-members are interested in getting involved in this exciting opportunity through the methods above, please let us know. Also, feel free to e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Thank you for your time and attention, and for helping the Social Justice Arts Initiative to produce Issue as Muse!

This semester, the brothers of Delta Tau Delta are continuing to work toward the goals we set at the beginning of the year. We are working with Gabriel Bol Deng and his organization, HOPE for Ariang, to raise funds to build a school in Southern Sudan. Last semester our efforts included having Gabriel come to speak in Sophia Gordon hall, selling cardboard "bricks for HOPE" at various events, and receiving a $1000 grant from the Tisch College Civic Engagement Fund. So far, we are slightly over halfway to our goal of raising $3500 for HOPE.

Our plans for this semester include a Tilton/Haskell fundraising competition and more tabling in Dewick and at other events where we will sell HOPE merchandise and "bricks" with all proceeds donated to the construction of Ariang Coeducational Primary School. We would love to collaborate with other organizations on any events. Our biggest event of the semester will be on April 5th, when Gabriel will return to Tufts to screen his documentary "Rebuilding Hope", and host a discussion with the audience afterward. We hope to see you all there.

Ben Davis
Delta Tau Delta Philanthropy Chair
Tufts University
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phi⋅lan⋅thro⋅py [fi-lan-thruh-pee]
-noun, plural -pies.

1. altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.
2. the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way: to devote one's later years to philanthropy.
3. a particular act, form, or instance of this activity: The art museum was their favorite philanthropy.
4. a philanthropic organization

Philanthropy is a defining characteristic of Tufts throughout our campus. For the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, the Institute for Global Leadership, the Peace and Justice Studies Department, it's an institutional philosophy. For student organizations like the Leonard Carmichael Society, OneWorld, Fraternities and Sororities, philanthropy is part of a mission statement, a cause to promote, a goal to accomplish. For many Tufts alumni, philanthropy has become an enriching profession. For every student at Tufts, it's a way to get involved in campus activities, to learn professional skills like fundraising and event planning, to support a meaningful cause, and to engage our community as a whole.

The purpose of this blog is to provide a forum for Tufts students and groups involved in philanthropy. It is a resource to share goals and advertise events, as well as an opportunity to invite student participation and group collaboration. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to post information about your group, or share a blurb advertising an event. I hope to hear from you soon!

One additional definition of philanthropy -- the love of humankind in general.

Alex Stein
English 2012
Inter-Fraternity Council Community Outreach Chair
Social Justice Arts Initiative Business Manager
Tufts University
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