Statements
Mission
To provide accessible, reliable data and research in pursuit of sound, sustainable public policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.
Background
The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center for Tennessee. We exist to help policymakers, the media, and the public understand complex issues that affect and connect Tennesseans' health and prosperity.Sycamore grew out of the bold vision of a diverse group of community leaders from across Tennessee who saw the need for an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center focused on our state.With the leadership and support of The Healing Trust, approximately 80 of these leaders representing a broad range of professions, political views, and personal experiences engaged in a 3-day collaborative design process. Their goal: design an organization to inform and support the creation of sound, sustainable public policy for Tennessee through reliable, accessible, and data-driven research and analysis.Sycamore launched in 2015 and quickly built a reputation as a reliable source of unbiased information about issues that affect and connect Tennesseans' health, prosperity, and public policy.
Impact
1. Published 64 pieces of research and analysis in 2020 & 2021 including longer form policy briefs, shorter and lighter blog posts, infographics, and data snapshots. A diverse group of stakeholders have used and praised Sycamore's work, including policymakers in both the state legislature and the Lee administration, lobbyists, advocacy groups, the press, and academics working on the same issues. Sycamore responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and with timely information on the health and economic challenges Tennessee has faced. Much of this work focused on the populations who have been most at risk, both from the disease and the recession. Sycamore also published a piece showing how economic opportunity varies across neighborhoods in Tennessee and co-hosted a related event with acclaimed Harvard economist Dr. Raj Chetty.
2. Presented at 51 community events in 2020 &2021 including multiple statewide conferences, Leadership Tennessee's opening retreat and subsequent statewide policy forum, Center for Nonprofit Management workshops, guest lectures at Belmont, Lipscomb, and Vanderbilt Medical School, and numerous meetings of local chambers of commerce. We launched our virtual series of Community Connections focusing on Financial Security in Tennessee with events held across the state in various counties.
3. Print, radio, and TV news outlets across Tennessee and the country cited, quoted, or published our nonpartisan research and analysis at least 679 times in 2020-2021.
2022 Goals
1. To Continue to Produce High-Quality, Accessible Data and Research
2. To Continue to Expand and Diversify an Engaged Statewide Board of Directors to Support the Long-Term Success of the Organization
3. To Continue to Build and Nurture Sycamore's Network and Level of Community Engagement Across Tennessee
Needs
The Sycamore Institute's most pressing need is to equip policymakers with unbiased information that helps them evaluate policy options and build a healthier and more prosperous Tennessee.
CEO Statement
The Sycamore Institute exists to help policymakers, the media, and the public understand complex issues that affect and connect Tennesseans' health and prosperity. We are: INDEPENDENT -- Sycamore takes a neutral and objective approach to analyze and explain public policy issues. We are not beholden to any political, government, academic, or other organization.NONPARTISAN -- Our leadership and staff come from across the political spectrum, but we all believe that data and evidence create the best foundation for effective public policy.RESEARCH -- Sycamore provides information, analysis, and opportunities for learning and discussion. We are not lobbyists or advocates for particular legislative proposals, political perspectives, or party agendas.Why Our Work MattersA healthier Tennessee is a more prosperous Tennessee, and prosperity creates opportunity. Families, businesses, and our economy all thrive when people enjoy good health, social and financial well-being, and the chance to contribute to society.What Is Public Policy?The phrase "public policy" is shorthand for the system of laws, regulations, actions (or inactions), and funding priorities of our governing institutions. Public policy affects almost every aspect of our lives ? where we live, where we learn, where we work, and where we wander. How We EngageCrafting public policy is a continuous, iterative process that calls for stakeholders with diverse viewpoints to work together. The connections between health, prosperity, and public policy are complicated, nuanced, and wide-ranging. Moving the needle toward a healthier and more prosperous Tennessee requires thoughtful analysis and taking the long view. By providing reliable information and engaging with everyone, Sycamore helps Tennesseans of all political stripes uncover the facts to solve problems.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Research Institutions & Public Policy Analysis |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
The Sycamore Institute is a statewide organization serving all 95 counties.
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