5 Organizations Working To Improve Lives In Tennessee
Like any other state, Tennessee faces common socioeconomic problems such as homelessness, unemployment, and ethnic and gender discrimination. The organizations here work to combat these and other inequities, paving the way for healthier and more equal and prosperous communities statewide. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Tennessee Groups Focused on Community Improvement
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition | Empower immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend their rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as positive contributors to the state |
| The Memphis Area Women's Council | Connect research with activists who raise a collective voice to make change in local policies and practices that limit success of women and girls |
| Crosstown Concourse | Use arts and culture as a catalyst for change |
| Tennessee Environmental Council | Engage individuals and communities to improve environment and public health |
| Downtown Memphis Commission | Drive Downtown's role as the economic, cultural, and governmental core of the region |
Take a Tour of Crosstown Concourse
5 Noteworthy Tennessee Colleges
| School | Location |
|---|---|
| Maryville College | Maryville |
| LeMoyne-Owen College | Memphis |
| Austin Peay State University | Main campus in Clarksville, with branches in Springfield as well as Fort Campbell, KY |
| The University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Memphis |
| The University of Memphis | Memphis |
A Downtown Memphis For Everyone
In Depth
People often slip through the cracks in society due to poverty and other inequities, so it is up to public leaders to help these citizens when possible. This is no different in Tennessee, where matters like food shortages are addressed by volunteers and grassroots organizations. In no particular order, here are some groups assisting refugees, minorities, and neighborhoods in need in the Volunteer State.
At #1 is the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition. Begun as an informal network of community leaders, this organization is now a diverse coalition fighting for the rights of people born outside the US. Operating throughout the state, the multi-ethnic, multi-generational group works with vulnerable individuals and communities to provide education, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement.
The immigrant and refugee-led collaboration seeks to empower those directly affected by resettlement, and to develop education programs for an inclusive state. Grassroots organizing and leadership development are core strategies meant to stop discrimination and reach common ground on immigration policies, all in the pursuit of better economic opportunities. Staff members work on a grassroots level to secure donations and comprehensive support for the area.
Grassroots organizing and leadership development are core strategies meant to stop discrimination and reach common ground on immigration policies, all in the pursuit of better economic opportunities.
For #2 we get the Memphis Area Women's Council, a nonprofit focused on female rights in the greater metro area. Operated by outside individuals and established members, the intent is not to raise funds for social services, but to connect research with activists who build a collective voice. It strives to pursue changes in local policies, and to halt practices that limit the success of women and girls in Tennessee.
Other aspirations for members include ending corporal punishment in city schools, pushing for a better living wage for both Memphis and Shelby County employees, and spreading awareness to connect victims and volunteers to helpful resources. The Council works to advocate for those affected by domestic crime, faulty policies, or anyone lacking shelter in the vicinity.
Next up at #3 is Crosstown Concourse, an organization that embraces the social and cultural importance of painters, performers, and other creative types. Placed on the outskirts of Memphis in what it calls a "vertical urban village," it works to further cultivate the city's creative scene with programs such as Crosstown Arts, a space that includes multiple galleries, performance areas, and refreshment spots.
Crosstown offers an online platform for viewers to watch newly created, made-at-home videos by local musicians, with donations sent directly to the artists and performers. This is a camaraderie the organization encourages for residents across the city. Such local efforts work toward improving employment, housing availability, and access to food and dining establishments.
For #4, the Tennessee Environmental Council educates and advocates for the conservation and improvement of the environment, neighborhoods, and public health. Members strive to protect natural resources from air and water pollution, and have been successful in preserving such landmarks as the Great Smoky Mountains and Duck River Watershed. TEC was created to tie together organizations with diverse but common green priorities, and to have nature experts represent to the government on behalf of residential concerns.
Chief executive officer Rod McDaniel is a Nashville-based electronic recycler for e-waste solutions. This means helping organizations dispose of surplus equipment in a safe and environmentally-responsible manner. The Council also hopes to develop and implement statewide sustainability programs, done with the input of citizens, conservation groups, and political allies. These groups meet once each summer to determine the best course of action for new green initiatives.
These groups meet once each summer to determine the best course of action for new green initiatives.
Finally, our #5, the Downtown Memphis Commission, seeks to increase the city's population of working and engaged residents. To do this, it implements a variety of programs, such as food trucks and event advertisements, that foster development and create an active and outgoing social scene. The DMC's efforts are intended to facilitate the evolution of job opportunities and housing improvements.
A partnership with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development actively engages the entire community in real estate plots and business remodeling for the public. These efforts push forward practical strategies that aim to lead toward a more vibrant urban core. Through local diners and outreach agencies, the organization also makes crucial meal programs readily available to city residents.
