Statements
Mission
TAP's mission is to enable people to participate in building a prosperous, just and sustainable Tennessee. We contribute to this effort by supporting and developing a new generation of grassroots leadership across Tennessee. Through community-based education, critical analysis and fostering solidarity, we strive to support a growing movement that will transform our communities from the ground up. We also believe that climate change is a defining issue of our generation and place a particular emphasis on the work of climate justice.
Background
TAP has worked for over ten years at building coalitions around progressive values, seeking to bring together disparate but interconnected issues such as economic justice and ecological sanity. Our philosophy is based on a three fold model: 1) Creating a common vision based in social justice; 2) Fostering collaboration amongst diverse groups to build a powerful network; 3) Working to bring about a statewide and local policy agenda based in social justice and ecological integrity. This has resulted in creative projects including those focused on vision and values, researching message framing and bringing together groups to form coalitions, via our Vision and Values workshop, our Common Vision project and our Ford Foundation funded Common Message Project. (The latter interviewed 2,000 people around the state on issues.) We have fostered collaboration amongst groups; with a focal point being our Compass Conference which brings groups from throughout the state to facilitate collaboration on a common agenda. Our policy work has included organizing around TennCare and our recent green jobs focus. We are currently a key organization in the foundation of NOAH as well as focusing on neighborhood diversity and affordability in Nashville. We have also been a key organization in coalitions around climate disruption, mass incarceration and health care.
Impact
2017 Accomplishments:1. Convened Compass2017 to foster strategy and training for over 100 grassroots leaders.2. Convened Climate Nashville and Climate Chattanooga. One key victory was successfully advocating to retain $1.8 billion in Department of Energy Research and Development Funds for Clean Energy. Partnered with Union of Concerned Scientists and Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment in the campaign. 3. Major co-sponsor of the Nashville March for Science and Climate on Earth Day with over 4,000 participants.4. Organized the Joe Hill Concert Tour to combine music and early labor education by the Shelby Bottom Dou. Concerts were held in Chattanooga, Clarksville, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Nashville as well as Louisville and San Francisco.5. Organized a statewide listening tour by Board President Jackie Sims in 20 Tennessee counties.2018 Goals:1. Convene Climate Chattanooga and Climate Nashville to advocate for renewable energy in the TVA region.2. Organize a Town Hall to further the goals of the Livable Nashville Energy and Climate Goals.3. Hold a major March for Climate and Science in conjunction with the Global Day of Climate Action on September 8.4. Provide leadership trainings to promote increased nonpartisan voter registration and participation.5. Continue the Joe Hill Concert Tour and expand our Arts and Activism initiative.
Needs
1. Recruit leaders and volunteers for TAP campaigns and programs.2. Maintain a secure funding stream for TAP campaigns and programs.3. Train and equip Board members and volunteers for active leadership.4. Maintain our on-going communications committee.5. Broaden our statewide organizing network.
CEO Statement
TAP's motto is We're All In This Together. We have used this motto since 2007 and it still reflects our core belief. We believe people need to be involved in the decisions that affect their lives. We are concerned about the growing inequality in America and the impact this has had on our democracy. We are also deeply concerned about damage to the earth's ecosystems. We hope to continue being a key organization in connecting the dots and bringing people together to foster a new vision for our state.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy - Alliances & Advocacy |
| Secondary Category: | Environment - Environment NEC |
| Tertiary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Urban & Community Economic Development |
Areas Served
TAP is a state-wide organization with headquarters located in Nashville. TAP is currently working primarily in the Nashville area.
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