Share the Plate descriptions (You may scroll up to the top of this page to vote.)APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY FUNDhttp://www.appalachiancommunityfund.org/ ACF works to build a sustainable base of resources to support community-led organizations seeking to overcome and address issues of race, economic status, gender, sexual identity, and disability. As a community-controlled fund, ACF offers leadership to expand and strengthen the movement for social change through its practices and policies.Support community-led efforts and movement for social change, to support the training and leadership development necessary to strengthen the work in our region, and to cultivate the conditions for lasting, long-term change to be possible Nominated by: Katy Ross & Larry Kitchen BEARDSLEY COMMUNITY FARM http://beardsleyfarm.org "CAC Beardsley Community Farm is an urban non-profit community farm that promotes food security and sustainable agriculture. Since 1998, Beardsley Farm has worked to increase access to fresh produce in Knoxville’s food deserts through produce donations, educational programs, and community gardening. Every year, with the help of over 2,000 volunteers, we donate sustainably grown produce to local hunger-relief organizations and shelters. Beardsley Farm grows over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables on the farm, and donates over 10,000 pounds of produce annually. Produce donations go to a variety of Knoxville kitchens and pantries, including Mobile Meals, KARM, Global Seeds, and the Family Crisis Center. Our farm grows produce without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and features many examples of sustainable agriculture, including a compost system, honeybees, rainwater harvesting, a drip irrigation system, free-range chickens, and a fruit and berry orchard. " Nominated by: Dick Trowbridge BECK CULTURAL EXCHANGE CENTER http://www.beckcenter.net The Beck Center is a significant resource in remembering Knoxville's struggles over the years to pursue justice and uphold human dignity. The center is pursuing the publishing of a local history using the reminiscences of local elders. Nominated by: Chris Buice BRIDGE REFUGEE SERVICES https://www.bridgerefugees.org Bridge provides a variety of services to refugee families in the Knoxville area, before and after they arrive. (Refugee families are usually fleeing persecution or war, and they often arrive after many years in a refugee camp.) Bridge services include assistance in obtaining housing and employment, enrolling in school, learning English, and accessing support from other agencies and organizations. Some, but not all, families have a co-sponsor. (TVUUC has served as a co-sponsor for two Bridge families, and we are now involved in tutoring children in another family.) This nomination is to provide general financial assistance to Bridge, and not designated for any particular family. In spite of U.S. Government restrictions on admission of new refugees, Bridge is still assisting refugee families living in Knoxville. Possible reductions in financial assistance from government may affect Bridge’s ability to operate. Share the Plate funds will help to make Knoxville a more welcoming community, will assist those who have escaped their native countries due war or discrimination, and will enable local families to become independent. Nominate by: Wendy Syer & Kathy Poese CHILDREN'S DIVERSITY AND JUSTICE LIBRARY AT TVUUC "The Children's Diversity and Justice Library empowers young people in East Tennessee to celebrate diversity and use their voices for social change rooted in values of equity, justice and compassion, by providing books and programming featuring diverse content and authorship and demonstrates individuals, including children, who raise up justice in our world. This library is an opportunity for TVUUC to live its mission in the community by providing resources and programming that reflect parts of our community that are often under represented. We plan to have the library open and available during Family Promise, to provide programming such as ASL interpreted story hours, sensory and social justice story time, a summer diverse reading passport program, etc. This library is an opportunity to demonstrate our values with a usable tangible program that reaches beyond our walls." Nominated by: Miriam Davis CISV (CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL SUMMER VILLAGE) http://smokymtncisv.org Founded over 60 years ago, CISV is a global organization dedicated to educating and inspiring peace through building intercultural friendship, cooperation and understanding . Programs include: international camps for ages 11 through adulthood, family-hosted exchanges and local community based projects. CISV programs focus on: Diversity, Human Rights, Conflict and Resolution and Sustainable Development. We are founded on the belief that peace is possible through friendship- and that the real difference can be made by starting with children. CISV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent, non-political volunteer organization. "CISV educates and inspires action for peace through local, national and international programs that build inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding among children and youth. Since 1951, CISV has been offering a range of local activities, international camps, family-hosted exchanges and community-based projects to build relationships and understanding among youth around the world. Our educational content areas are human rights, sustainability, diversity and conflict resolution. CISV is a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through our educational programs. We are founded on our belief that peace is possible through friendship – and that the real difference can be made by starting with children. CISV is a charitable, independent, non-political, volunteer organization promoting peace education and cross-cultural friendship." Nominated by: Jen Hamiliton & Andria Yates CONTACT CARE LINE http://contactlistens.org Contact Care Line is developing after-school programming to educate school-aged youth on mental health and suicide intervention. Students will learn evidence based skills that will prepare them to respond to a suicide related crisis. Contact hopes that empowering teens with these skills will have a significant effect on suicide related incidents in our community. Nominated by: Lauren Jeanne Griffioen DREAM BIKES The work of Dream Bikes is the work of love. They change our world and city by infusing a self sufficient love of the outdoors and recreation into our urban youth and community. The kids are learning how to repair and sell the bikes. The community is able to purchase affordable and functional bikes. Everyone is outside a little bit more. Our neighborhoods became more bikeable, thus walkable, thus neighborly. It is a lovely small act with a large ripple. Nominated by: Lauren Jeanne Griffioen FERAL FELINE FRIENDS http://Feline Freiends.org In respect for our 7th principle...respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part...the feral cats who have no home and live by their wits and any human kindness------ are in great need of support from the volunteer Feral Feline Society . Their goal is to eventually end the problem by neutering and spaying the colonies - fostering and adopting out the kittens and tameable cats - feeding the cats that cannot be tamed until the colonies die out. Our family has adopted one of their cats "Charlie Chaplin - Chappy" (a tuxedo cat with a black mustache] and I believe we have the sweetest cat in E.Tenn....maybe the USA....or maybe the whole world.... Nominated by: Sylvia Smith & Roger Kroll THE HAMMER ENSEMBLE https://flyinganviltheatre.com/the-hammer-ensemble "The Hammer Ensemble is the social issues wing of the Flying Anvil Theatre. Under the artistic guidance of John Forrest Ferguson, the professional ensemble is composed of a small core of actors focused on using research, improvisational, and transformational theatre techniques to grow as actors and create works of theatre that challenge the audience to consider issues from unique perspectives. The junior ensemble seeks the same level of honesty as it deals with issues of concern for the complex social matrix of today’s youth. Original, improvised, as well as scripted projects explore questions of ethics, morality, and society in general with specific focus on questions of equality, social justice, and health. An example from 2017 was “In the Pall,” a poetic, powerful play about human trafficking. In the fall of 2018, the Ensemble is partnering with the Tennessee Wesleyan drama department for “Lockdown,” a play about the tragic issue of gun violence and social conflict surrounding gun control. It will be a dynamic and controversial production as it explores both an active shooter scenario and the adults who talk about it. A large percentage of our ticket sales will go to Moms Demand Action. The Hammer seeks to actively partner with specific social service organizations who seek a unique and powerful voice to articulate their message." Nominated by: Cindy Moffett HIGHLANDER RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER. http://highlandercenter.org TVUUC has a long history of cooperating with the Highlander Center in the work of grassroots social change on labor issues, civil rights, glbt rights and environmental causes. Sharing the plate with Highlander would be a great way to show our commitment to systemic social change as in the slogan "Change not Charity." Nominated by: Chris Buice IJAMS NATURE CENTER http://ijams.org Ijams Nature Center is a 300 acre park and wildlife sanctuary located in South Knoxville, minutes from downtown. The park offers a range of programming and recreational activities from nature study, to gardening, to canoeing and kayaking. There is never an admission fee or parking fee to come to the park. Program fees are kept as low as possible. There are over 5 miles of accessible trails and walkways. Ijams' mission is to encourage stewardship of the natural world by providing an urban green space for people to learn about and enjoy the outdoors through engaging experiences. Nominated by: Terry Uselton INTERFAITH HEALTH CLINIC http://interfaithhealthclinic.org "Our Values: Compassion – Care in a spirit of empathy, love and concern Dignity – Respect for every person with special concern for the underserved Excellence – High standards of quality, comprehensive health care Integrity – Honesty and justice in relationships Stewardship – Wise and just use of our collaborative talents and resources" The mission of the InterFaith Health Clinic is to provide accessible, affordable, quality health care to low-income, working uninsured and under-served individuals in our community, primarily through the support of the religious, health care and business communities. These services are provided within the capacity of the clinic, regardless of race, sex, creed, age, religion, national origin, or ability to pay. Nominated by: Larry Kitchen JOBS WITH JUSTICE EAST TENNESSEE https://www.jwjet.org "Jobs With Justice East Tennessee (JWJET) is a nonpartisan coalition of labor, faith and community groups that unite to fight for justice on the job. JWJET believes that all workers should have collective bargaining rights, employment security, and a decent standard of living in an economy that works for everyone. It supports all workers regardless of race, ethnic group, sexual orientation or gender identity. JWJET has a 25-year history of supporting workers who are trying to organize their workplaces. One of JWJET’s earliest campaigns was for a living wage on the University of Tennessee campus. As an outgrowth of that effort, JWJET helped organize the United Campus Workers, one of the most effective public sector unions in the state. Seven years ago JWJET helped custodians in Knox County Schools organize to resist the superintendent’s plans to outsource their jobs. That effort saved over 300 custodian jobs. Four years ago it helped a group of workers attempt to organize a factory in Shelbyville. Most recently, JWJET has been the major supporter of the United Campus Workers campaign to stop outsourcing maintenance work at higher education campuses. It is currently working with the NAACP to hold know-your-rights training for working people. " Nominated by: Lance McCold LONSDALE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMP at TREMONT Supporting these inner city kids to connect with nature relates directly to many of UU’s seven principles, especially helping them to understand and have respect for the interdependent web of all existence. Participating in this environmental camp also helps kids to accept and respect diversity, and to work together toward environmental and community benefits. The camp is a transforming experience, and provides the kids with an environmental platform to grow their connection to nature. Nominated by: David Ostermeier MINISTERIAL INTERN FUND AT TVUUC Nuture the Ministerial Interns at TVUUC by providing funds to help with conference registrations and travel expenses, books, and support as their continue their journey in ministry. Nominated by: Larry Kitchen PEACE BRIGADES INTERNATIONAL https://pbiusa.org Peace Brigades International is a locally based organization with an international impact. It sends volunteers into trouble spots around the world to protect human rights and to be witnesses to ensure free and fair elections. The executive director Amelia Parker has been a leader in the Black Lives Matters Movement and the City Council Movement so the work for human rights is both local and international in scope. Nominated by: Chris Buice PLANNED PARENTHOOD of MIDDLE & EAST TN (PPMET) http://ppmet.org PPMET is a recognized and respected leader in providing reproductive, sexual and complementary healthcare and comprehensive sexuality education to women, men and teens regardless of race, age, income status, religion or sexual orientation. We believe that the self-determined pursuit of sexual health is important for everyone's well-being and quality of life. Nominated by: Mark Mohundro REMOTE AREA MEDICAL (RAM) https://ramusa.org RAM's free health clinics have enabled thousands to receive medical, vision and dental care, some for the first time, at no cost. It is a not-for-profit organization that has served people locally and globally for many years. It is completely supported by volunteer donations. Nominated by: Terry Uselton SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK https://secondharvestetn.org Second Harvest buys, stores, packages and distributes food to a large number of local agencies. Second Harvest works with 520 partners in their 18 county service area to distribute food to the needy. Nominated by: Terry Uselton SEEED (Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development) http://www.seeed.org SEEED prepares low-income young people for good paying, sustainable jobs in Knoxville’s emerging green economy. TVUUC is involved with SEEED in promoting a green jobs - green church program that is using SEEED apprentices to weatherize TVUUC members homes. This organization is truly life-changing for participants. Nominated by: Dick Trowbridge ST. CHRISTOPHER FUND https://truckersfund.org "Truck drivers are often the overlooked working class of society but they are essential members of the community. Many people don’t realize how vital truckers are to the country. There’s a popular saying, “If you’ve got it, a trucker brought it,” and it could not be more true. Our agency works with drivers and the trucking industry to provide assistance and resources, as well as health and wellness programs.Through the valuable work our agency accomplishes we are “Saving lives and families, one driver at a time.” Now in our 10th year of service, we have offered help, hope and compassion to over 2,200 drivers in their time of need. Hundreds of our beneficiaries have told us their faith in humanity has been restored after receiving aid from us. Hundreds more have felt blessed to know there are people out there that care for them. You can hear straight from those we’ve helped here: https://truckersfund.org/testimonies/" Nominated by: Barbara Plaut SOCM (STATEWIDE ORGANIZING FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT) https://socm.org SOCM (pronounced “sock-em”) is a member-run grassroots community organization that has been empowering Tennesseans to fight for environmental, economic and social justice for more than forty years. We serve as the only statewide community organizing entity in Tennessee. Joining SOCM unites you with an interconnected network of more than 2,200 members throughout Tennessee. SOCM’s goal is to provide Tennesseans with a place to come together, voice concerns, and take action in their communities and across the state. All money raised goes toward the stated mission above. This includes administrative as well as empowerment activities seeking a more social and environmentally sound Tennessee. Nominated by: Russell Dern TENNESSEE HEALTH CARE CAMPAIGN http://www.thcc2.org A welcoming community should not create life and death obstacles in health to its people. There is a direct line from TVUUC's mission to that of THCC: For nearly 30 years, THCC has stood in the forefront statewide for its mission to provide affordable accessible health care to all Tennesseans. The issues of the moment might change but that mission has driven our work at both the state and federal level. Today, we stand in defense of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – which remains extremely important to hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans. THCC defends TennCare and works to expand it to nearly 300,000 people, a majority are working families, who cannot afford the premiums without help. The ACA offers that help but the governor and legislature have made it an ideological football despite the fact that the subsidies are supported by the Federal Government. When Childrens’ Health Insurance (CHIP) is threatened, we need to speak out. Nominated by: Bill Fields TENNESSEE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS COALITION https://www.tnimmigrant.org "TIRRC is multigenerational coalition building, does effective legislative advocacy, and leads award-winning communications initiatives. TIRRC organizes both individual immigrant and refugees, as well as organizations that serve immigrant and refugee communities. There is a direct line from TVUUC’s mission to THCC’s vision. Our work is about love and justice. From the TIRRC vision: “We are a coalition of immigrants, refugees, and allies working to lift up fundamental American freedoms and human rights and build a strong, welcoming, and inclusive Tennessee. We believe that real and lasting change must be led by those directly affected by injustice, and for this reason community organizing and leadership development are the core strategies we use to realize our vision. We bring together diverse immigrant communities throughout the state to examine root causes, find common interests, and organize for better conditions. We strive to lift up the voices of directly affected people and invest in leaders at the grassroots level, and to ensure our theory of change is reflected in the way we make decisions, in the work we undertake today, and in the course, we set for the future.” Nominated by: Walter Davis WOMEN IN BLACK "Women in Black is an interfaith group inclusive of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It was started by Israeli women to give non-violent witness against the oppression of Palestinians and for a just social order for both Palestinians and Israelis. In Knoxville it has been a continuous weekly presence at noon each Tuesday at the Duncan Federal Building. By simple respectful witness in our community for 15 years Women in Black has sought to keep this humanitarian, political, and ethical issue before us. Their weekly presence through rain, heat, cold, and holidays sets a standard of constancy in pursuit of justice that most of us can only marvel at. Our funds will help support a panel discussion that will wrap up events celebrating their 15 years of witness." These funds will be used to support an October program that will conclude a year-long celebration of the Knoxville area Women in Black holding vigil every Tuesday for 15 years. They will need the funds in hand by mid-October, but will need to know the approximate level of funding well before that for planning purposes. Nominated by: Gordon Gibson WOZO RADIO https://Wozo Radio.com Community empowerment, community education Nominated by: Dawn Schneider YOUNG ADULT /DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP TO TRAVEL TO GA (GENERAL ASSEMBLY) Sending young people to the general assembly will help nurture their growth, ours with what they bring back, and keep the GA fresh with their perspective and take on our community and our Justice work. These voices need to contribute. Nominated by: Lauren Jeanne Griffioen |