TU Peace & Justice Fellowship
In the spring of 2003, during the run-up to the Iraqi invasion, a group of TU students felt that there needed to be a voice on campus calling for peace instead of conflict, for diplomacy instead of war. That voice came in the form of Not in Our Name, pro-peace event held in Kendall Hall featuring speakers, musicians, and activists from TU and the Tulsa community. The continued need for that voice resulted in the TU Peace & Justice Fellowship, a non-partisan group with an eye to social justice that continues to shed light on social justice issues through film series, conference visits, interfaith vigils, speakers, panel discussions, fair trade fairs, and an annual concert benefiting local charities. Our objective is to encourage a dialogue of ideas and provide an open forum in which to discuss local, national and international justice issues.
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Micro-credit Lending Challenge to Begin October 19, 2010
TU Peace and Justice would like to invite campus organizations to be a part of our 6 week long fundraising competition. We will be raising money to create a micro-lending bank in Chacraseca, Nicaragua. A microbank gives small loans out to people in severe poverty who cannot obtain traditional loans. These loans are used for such things as buying chickens, starting a convenience store, or buying seed for crops. The loans have a very high success rate, making microbanks sustainable ways of supporting the economies of impoverished areas. Nicaragua is a country in great need, with many natural and historical forces working against the people today. It is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, and many people live off of less than a dollar a day.
The competition will kick off on October 19th from 7-9 PM at the Norman Village Clubhouse with a viewing of the documentary “Small Fortunes” as well as some food and fundraising ideas. The groups will then have six weeks to raise as much money as possible. The competition will end in December with a finale party where prizes will be given to the top earning groups. The proceeds from all groups combined will be pooled to start a new bank. We would love for your group to participate in this competition, raising whatever you can, big or small, and to come learn about microlending at our events. For more information contact jessie-genet@utulsa.edu or call the Little Blue House at 918-899-4764.
