Building Belonging
The last two decades have seen remarkable demographic change in communities across the South, and Tennessee has a rapidly growing immigrant population. Although immigrants still make up less than 5% of the state’s total population, the rate of growth presents opportunities to build a culture of belonging as residents process these changes.
The tensions and anxieties that arise from rapidly shifting demographics have created fertile ground for acts of hate and extreme anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policy. In 2006, we recognized the need to engage US-born Tennesseans, or the “receiving community,” to shift the climate and build the capacity of Tennessee communities to embrace multiculturalism.
Our Work
Advancing Pro-Immigrant Narrative
To advance a pro-immigrant narrative that counters harmful messages and builds majority support for immigrants, refugees, and a multiracial democracy, we build comprehensive strategic communications campaigns, create opportunities for immigrant and non-immigrant neighbors to come together, and employ tested narrative change strategies that move conflicted Tennesseans towards greater support for our communities.
Together with our members, we work to shift the narrative around immigration in Tennessee and build belonging through:
media
Each year, dozens of media stories feature our members, making their unique stories and accomplishments known to a wider audience of receiving communities. Our ongoing relationships with journalists and media outlets around the state and nation help to make this possible. Read our members' stories.
Welcoming Tennessee Presentations and Events
Also known as Immigration 101, these presentations for non-immigrant communities contextualize the latest headlines, address common questions and misunderstandings about the immigration system, and instill narratives of compassion and dignity. Interested in a presentation for your group? Email belonging@tnimmigrant.org.
InterNASHional Food Series
Each each year we hold events to celebrate our incredible culinary diversity, giving immigrant, refugee, and non-immigrant community members the opportunity to experience cultures other than their own and grow in respect and appreciation for one another. As TIRRC’s longtime partner Chef Louisa Shafia shared with Nashville Lifestyles in October 2021, “Food is soft power. In gentle and delicious fashion, it can shape preferences, open minds and create goodwill.” Read more about our signature food series event, the InterNASHional Night Market.
Deep Canvassing
Since 2018, we have successfully used deep canvassing to move US-born Tennesseans to be more supportive of immigrants and refugees through compassionate, intentional conversations at the doors and over the phone. We have canvassed on topics including ICE raids, support for immigrants during the pandemic, anti-Blackness within immigrant communities, and refugee resettlement. Interested in volunteering for our deep canvassing campaigns? Email deepcanvassing@tnimmigrant.org.
Transformative Conversations
A product of the lessons we have learned from our deep canvassing experiences, our Transformative Conversations trainings equip community leaders with the tools to engage with people in their own lives who feel conflicted about immigration issues. Visit our events calendar for upcoming Transformative Conversation trainings. Interested in a training for your group? Email belonging@tnimmigrant.org.