Benefit & Joy: Rock'n'Roll, Philanthropy & Politics
Music brings people together, it breaks through borders and it can even influence political processes. In times of political apathy and economic crises, people long for community and future prospects.
Musicians and artists have a great influence on people, no matter where they live, how old they are or which social background they may come from. Music brings people together, it breaks through borders and it can even influence political processes. In times of political apathy and economic crises, people long for community and future prospects.
Benefit & Joy wants to use this charisma for doing good. The idea and motivation came from Jon Bon Jovi who is engaged in both political and social work for many years. He and his band support people who are doing good and as he says he likes to throw his own spotlight on such people so that they can reach their goals. Jon Bon Jovi in a manner of speaking is our “patron”. He supports us in so many ways e. g. through the Circle of Change Award in December 2009.
Fight Against Poverty
Benefit & Joy’s main target is to fight against poverty. Material poverty very often causes a lack of education leading to a cross-generational loop. In the beginning poverty may occur as just a regional problem but in fact there are no “real” borders in a globalized world: everything is connected and interdependent.
To fight against poverty is always a political statement because it concerns core values like justice, equal opportunities and participation. People without a steady income cannot afford a proper education for their children. A lot of countries and governments don’t get these people off the hook. That also leads to a lack of influence upon society. In the end, these people end up isolated at the edge of society.
How We Work
Benefit & Joy is basically focused on Europe. From our point of view one is only as strong as the weakest part of the chain. That’s why we start our mission in Eastern Europe where poverty is still omnipresent.
We see Europe as a whole and for us the European Union offers the unique historical chance to build up a solid and prospering community. After the visual frontiers are hopefully gone forever, we want to participate in tearing down the invisible barriers in people’s minds.
Therefore we do not “only” collect money and donations for the needy but always personally take part in carrying the goods. We also build houses for the needy together with the non-profit organization Habitat For Humanity.
That’s why we can guarantee that no money is wasted or improperly invested. Furthermore, we instantly hope that through these intercultural meetings, we can make a contribution to the integration of Europe.
Benefit & Joy is the right choice for people who believe in the power of music. We want to build a strong network of musicians, fans and philanthropists who make a stand through social engagement: Without music this world would be grey and poor. Social engagement should not only be hard work, but also joy!
We need YOU! Get involved!
