Innermost Parts

Who we are:

Innermost Parts aims to be a center for progressive discussion based in Brandeis University. Our goal is to promote the progressive movement on campus, and spread the principles -and actualization- of social justice.

Sahar Massachi
I envisioned Innermost Parts to be a place where the social justice and progressive communities on Brandeis could meet, coordinate, and have a voice, a place to articulate a just vision for the future of Brandeis. I try to be the go-to activist on campus. Got a great idea or want help coordinating your event? Give me a call.

Loki
Alias: Alex Melman. I co-founded and coded Innermost Parts. I’m an Economics and Environmental Studies major here at Brandeis; you may have seen me walking around in a Dr. Zhivago-esque wool jacket. Interested in the practicalities of implementing radical progressive policies in America. Ardent opposer of free trade, the economic system which keeps the third world least free. If you need help organizing a campaign, publicizing an event, or simply want to sit around, drink tea, and dissect some arcane issue, give me a call at 609-213-8958.

Adam
I’m a sophomore at Brandeis, born in San Diego and currently living outside of New Haven, Connecticut. I was a delegate to the 2007 Young Democrats of America National Convention and am currently doing volunteer work for the Barack Obama for President campaign. My political interests lie in progressive policy of all stripes, most notably with the scourge of economic inequity and the health care crisis. My goal is first to unite the progressive movement at Brandeis and then to build a progressive infrastructure encompassing campuses throughout the Boston area.

Phil
Originally from Western Massachusetts, I’m a Brandeis junior majoring in Politics and Sociology. I lead the campus chapter of Democracy for America, a progressive grassroots organization, and I organize for the Barack Obama campaign. I hold a keen interest in architecture and planning. Seeking to revitalize American democracy and increase environmental sustainability, I aspire to become a community planner specializing in green housing development rich in social capital.

Jessica
I’m Jessica Stearns, a Buddhist New Hampshirite and a proud member of the class of ‘09.5. I’m majoring in IGS and Sociology with minors in PAX and Religious Studies. So, if anyone needs help with meticulous course planning, I’m your girl. Here’s a quick glance at what makes me tick: I believe in recognizing and sharing undeserved privilege. I believe in breaking down binary thinking of all kinds. I believe in not clinging to ideals so strongly that you blind yourself to reality. I believe in our shared humanity. I believe in conflict resolution and common ground. Most importantly, I believe that human potential is only held back by the false limitations we place on our abilities.

Other writers: Lev, Liza, Carrie, Emily, Jon, Nathan, Maia, Rivka, Tim

What we believe:

Progressivism is often confused and interchanged with liberalism. That is a mistake. Liberalism is an orientation regarding policy. Progressivism is a related orientation regarding politics. To be a progressive activist is first to believe that our political system is breaking or broken, and then to act to change it, agitating for transparency, campaign finance reform, and enforcement of civil rights.

A progressive is not a blind patriot; she believes fervently in the value of American ideals due to their inherent worth in promoting the dignity, liberty, and welfare of everyone, rather than in the infallibility of American action due to the geography of her birth. A progressive believes that liberty means much more than lack of a king; in freedom from want as well as freedom of speech; in freedom from fear as well as freedom of religion.

A progressive works to re-orient the United States towards its promise and self-image as the embodiment of the Enlightenment.

In short, a progressive activist is warrior battling against the Assault on Reason.

Social Justice is another frequently confused term. While Brandeis University affirms our commitment to it in our mission/diversity statement, we believe that the student body insufficiently understands what this means, exactly. It is our intention to both explore the meaning of social justice and hold both students and faculty to their commitment to that set of values.

About the site:

Innermost Parts
“Truth, unto its innermost parts.” The motto of Brandeis, emblazoned in brilliant white on 20-foot projection screens behind induction ceremonies before you’ve even unpacked your toothbrush. But has it traveled much farther than its position as decorative collegiate background?

Justice Louis Brandeis told us that the most important political office is that of the private citizen. We believe him.

Rules:

Commenting - Posters are encouraged to use their Brandeis email addresses (which will not be publicly displayed) and real names when posting. We reserve the right to moderate comments.

At the very least, commenters should provide valid email addresses and post under a name that is not something silly.

We further encourage you to register an account with us to make sure your comment doesn’t accidentally get caught in the spam filters.

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