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	The Welcoming Tennessee Initiative is the voice of concerned Tennesseans from all walks of life who are proud that Tennessee is a welcoming state and are eager to uphold that noble tradition. Most Tennesseans agree that we are and should continue to be hospitable, empathetic people. We have a responsibility to treat everyone – neighbors and visitors alike – with respect and decency. Read more here	Send your check made payable to: Welcoming Tennessee Bldg D, Ste 118 442 Metroplex Dr Nashville, TN 37211 for nonmonetary forms of support download this form	Put this graphic on your web site, your family newsletters, or your corporate communications. Click on the button for a larger version if necessary. Link to www.welcomingtn.com	infowelcomingtn.com or Welcoming Tennessee Bldg D, Ste 118 442 Metroplex Dr Nashville, TN 37211

News

April 10, 2007 Welcoming Tennessee has been talking with clergy on a one-on-one basis and is continuing to work closely with religious leaders. We would like to expand this effort; if you know of any churches who would like to engage in dialogue with or receive a presentation from Welcoming Tennessee, please e-mail info@welcomingtn.com A recent Welcoming Tennessee presentation to the Madison Kiwanis went well and has led to two invitations from local chambers of commerce for more presentations. A representative of Welcoming Tennessee will be speaking at Ensworth High School on Friday, April 12. Other educational institutions visited by Welcoming Tennessee recently include Greenbrier Elementary, the University School of Nashville, East Tennessee State University, and Union University. February 12, 2007 Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell invokes "welcoming" nature of city in veto of Metro Council language ban This ordinance does not reflect who we are in Nashville...The great overarching truth in our success in this still new century is that we are a welcoming, inclusive, and friendly people and place. See Nashville Post story here and full text of Purcell's statement here. Since the start of the Welcoming Tennessee Initiative, the use of the words "welcome" or "welcoming" has increased tenfold in the public dialogue in Tennessee. October 13, 2006 On October 17, Scarritt-Bennett will host an educational forum titled, "Immigration: Making Sense of the Debate." The forum is sponsored by 19 local organizations and will be centered on a constructive, serious conversation on immigration and on the positive steps that the community can take to tackle the challenges associated with it. For more information, click on the flyer here. July 31, 2006 Nashville Scene blog July 28, 2006 NewsRadio 1510 WLAC More press coverage of the Welcoming Tennessee initiative: Nashville City Paper Tennessean Nashville Public Radio WKRN-Channel 2 (new story about local immigrant reaction) WSMV-Channel 4 WTVF-Channel 5 (web story) WTVF-Channel 5 (AM video) WTVF-Channel 5 (PM video) July 27, 2006 Billboard locations 214 7TH AVE S 222 GALLATIN ROAD 3301 GALLATIN ROAD 624 MAIN ST 300 CRAIGHEAD ST 5835 HWY 109 N (Lebanon) 930 4th Ave. South near McCann, facing North; 131 8th Ave. South near Demonbreun, facing North and South (2); 1115 12th Ave. S. near Edgehill, facing South; 222 Gallatin Pike South near Hickory Street, facing North and South (2). WKRN-Channel 2 reports on the Welcoming Tennessee Initiative June 29, 2006 E-mail from Carolyn Hughes, Nashville professor: "We are all immigrants and we learn from each other. Different languages, dress, customs, and music make ours a much richer society - let's celebrate our differences!" June 28, 2006 E-mail from Doak Patton, Nashville attorney: "As a former criminal prosecutor, I've had experience dealing with many different people. Those dealing with immigrants find them to be hard working people who benefit our country, not the ones who create problems. The newcomers that are rejected today came to this country with the same values and aspirations our ancestors had." June 22, 2006 Billboard at 8th and Demonbreun June 21, 2006 E-mail from Ernesto Sauberlich, student, Santiago, Chile: Like you can imagine, for me it is a touching subject, since I myself was once an immigrant to the United States. So I will also support any action taken to welcome everybody. I congratulate everyone that is working on this billboard message. Keep up the good work, and the Lord shall bless you all. June 20, 2006 The first billboards are up! Here they are: 930 4th Ave. South near McCann, facing North; 131 8th Ave. South near Demonbreun, facing North and South (2); 1115 12th Ave. S. near Edgehill, facing South; 222 Gallatin Pike South near Hickory Street, facing North and South (2).