The fight against genocide is not going well. The conflict in Darfur has entered its sixth year of brutality, and other catastrophes continue to brew in Burma and in the Congo. It seems the world is losing sight of its global responsibility towards peace. Domestic issues are quickly taking precedence over international humanitarian crises, as developed nations grapple with a shocking economic downturn that's affecting all areas of regular life.
But not here at Tufts. While the recession certainly has affected everyone, Tufts STAND is incredibly grateful that our peers refuse to ignore the broader global situation. We know things have gotten hard, and we thank you for your constant support and assistance as we try to aid those in underdeveloped nations. Over the past two years, you guys have been truly amazing. Campus support for our events and activities has left STAND humbled and inspired. We are truly grateful for every donation, and we want you to know that you are, in fact, making a difference in the lives of many. Here's a recap of the numerous ways you have supported our causes and where exactly your donations have been going:
Last year, STAND members spent countless hours in the crafts center silk-screening t-shirts. With your help, we sold all 450 shirts and raised $1,500. This was donated straight to the Genocide Intervention Network, who provided firewood and solar cookers for 500 displaced women in internally displaced persons camps in Sudan. This made it easier for these women to remain inside the safe borders of the camps, helping them to keep their families safe and intact. Outside the camps, these women are often raped by Janjaweed militiamen. Your dollars help to protect them.
You have been supportive of more than just our large events. If you have ever bought a cookie or a brownie from one of our bake sales, you have also been contributing. Believe it or not, last year those bake sales raised nearly $1,000 for civilian protection! And this past fall, three fun events, Dance for Darfur, Rave for Refugees and our Darfur House Party, also helped raise thousands of dollars. We were thrilled to see so many Tufts students turn out to rock out for our cause.
In December, Last Dorm STANDing raised over $1,400 in one night. This money went straight to civilian protection in Darfur and Burma. You were incredibly generous to the STAND members collecting money in each of the dorms, contributing whatever you could. In fact, some residents of Hill Hall even began collecting change themselves. We were truly wowed by the initiative they showed. This money was enough to provide radios for two villages in eastern Burma, containing a total of approximately 50 people. These radios connect villagers to the civilian radio network which warns them of impending attacks. Alternatively, this money was also enough to provide seven donkeys or four donkey carts to help strengthen firewood patrols in Darfur.
Over the last few weeks, you have supported Pangea, the umbrella organization for STAND, in the most amazing way. A Sudanese student himself, Hisham Bedri, probably better known as "the kid with the ‘fro,'" created a campus-wide competition for the title of Tufts Best Dance Crew. We've never seen Cohen Auditorium more alive with enthusiasm. The first night alone raised over $1,000 for international relief agencies. You have made the impossible possible; this was one of the most successful fundraisers ever on the Tufts campus. It went beyond the money. You also helped us get hundreds of postcards signed, which are being sent to President Obama asking him to make Darfur a priority under the new administration.
So, on a final note, STAND is absolutely thrilled with all we have been able to achieve so far. The student body has been unexpectedly generous, and for that we are unbelievably grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are sure that with your continued support in 2009, we will be more than able to exceed our expectations.
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This article was written on the behalf of the Tufts chapter of STAND. STAND is a student anti-genocide coalition. STAND works to end genocide by educating the Tufts community, advocating for effective solutions to global conflicts, and raising funds for the victims of violence. For more information, visit tuftsstand.blogspot.com or www.standnow.org.
