Volunteer Spirit: How Communities Come Together in Tennessee
Sponsored by: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
Tennessee originally earned the nickname the “Volunteer State” due to its long and proud history of military service dating back to the War of 1812, but visitors and locals alike still experience the state’s modern-day spirit of volunteerism every day. Tennessee is a place where people come together to take care of each other, from supporting local youth and struggling neighbors to rallying after a once-in-a-lifetime natural disaster. Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s local offices across the state take their commitment to giving back seriously, and agents pride themselves on contributing to the betterment of their communities.
Here, you’ll find a snapshot of communities and organizations around Tennessee that embody the volunteer spirit. If you are curious about getting involved, volunteering is a great way to meet people, support your neighbors, and find a sense of belonging.
In This Article
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge: Banding Together to Recover and Rebuild
Want to see what a community is really made of? Take a look at how it responds to a disaster.
In 2016, the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire tore through the Gatlinburg region, burning nearly 18,000 acres, causing $2 billion in damage and claiming 14 lives. The scale of destruction and heartbreak was staggering, but the demonstration of heart and resilience in the aftermath was even more expansive.
Support poured in from across the country, and locals banded together to take care of their affected neighbors and rebuild. Volunteers mobilized to clean up rubble, find shelter for those who had lost their homes and ensure everyone was fed and clothed. Local churches hosted clothing drives and support groups for those affected by the disaster. A group of business and community leaders came together to create The Sevier County Community Fund, a permanent endowment to support Sevier County residents and improve quality of life. And, of course, the region’s most famous local once again set the standard for generosity: The Dolly Parton Foundation’s My People Fund raised over $9 million, distributed in $1,000-per-month increments to local families who had lost their homes.
Memphis: Uplifting Youth Through Mentorship
Memphis’ creative spirit is evident in the city’s rich culture of music, food and art, but this city of soul has a giving spirit, too. Specifically, Memphis rallies around its youth in a variety of ways that make a real impact. Reach Memphis pairs local professionals with high school students to support and guide them in their college prep, academic studies and social skills development. Hattiloo Theatre’s Write On! Speak Out! program offers creative mentorship to local students with a focus on creative writing, public speaking and communication, and their neighborhood-based TechiLoo workshops give underserved kids a chance to try their hand at the technical side of theater. Blazers & Pearls, a program offered by UCan of Memphis, engages with youth directly in the area’s schools, focusing on leadership skills, social-emotional learning, conflict resolution and preparation for college and career readiness.
Knoxville: Preserving Natural Beauty Is a Group Effort
In Knoxville, residents proudly join forces to beautify and preserve their scenic home. Dogwood Arts has been nurturing the area’s natural beauty and creative culture since 1955, when members of the Knoxville Garden Club kicked off their first civic beautification project, the Dogwood Trails. The group’s annual Dogwood Arts Festival fills World’s Fair Park with music, visual art, hands-on workshops and craft vendors — staffed and supported by local volunteers, of course. Community members also demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and care through Keep Knoxville Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that leads litter cleanups, beautification projects and environmental education programs.
Murfreesboro: Giving Back While Growing
Murfreesboro may be one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, but even as it evolves, the city maintains its strong sense of community through volunteerism and local organizations that give back. Read To Succeed’s mission is to transform lives in Rutherford County through the power of words, and they do that through volunteer-driven family literacy programs, adult literacy tutoring, English language learning classes and literacy events. The Nourish Food Bank brings together volunteers to receive, sort and distribute food donations to local families facing food insecurity and hunger. Another beloved (and enthusiastically supported) local org is Greenhouse Ministries, which offers classes, resources, counseling and even basic health care to neighbors in need.
Franklin: Nurturing Prosperity for All
In Franklin, a historic and tight-knit community located just outside of Nashville, neighbors are coming together to ensure everyone has access to what they need to thrive. GraceWorks is a great example. Committed to addressing the many complex and interrelated aspects of poverty, the organization brings together 270 local volunteers each week to provide food, clothing, housing support and financial assistance to over 13,000 people annually in Williamson County. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury impacts residents in Franklin as well as nearby Columbia and Spring Hill. From assisting with builds to serving on a committee or receiving support, this beloved organization has been a mainstay of the community since 1992, currently building eight to 10 homes a year for those in need.
Inspired to roll up your sleeves and join Tennessee’s spirit of volunteerism? We’ll be right there with you.