TEP Foundation Completes LGBTQ training of Shelby County Sheriff Officers

Tennessee Equality Project Foundation completed a series of four LGBTQ cultural competency classes for the upper command staff and academy instructors of the Shelby County Sheriff Department today. The training is designed to empower Shelby County Sheriff officers to provide professional and respectful treatment of the public without bias toward  LGBTQ people. Over 100 staff attended the training over two weeks. TEP Foundation certified Sheriff Academy instructors in the diversity course one week ago. Those instructors will train law enforcement and correctional officers in the coming year.

TEP Foundation's relationship with the Shelby County Sheriff Department began in December 2011 when a group of Sheriff Academy corrections graduates received a half-day training in LGBTQ cultural competency. A renewed interest in the training followed Shelby County Sheriff participation in the Community Police Relations (CPR) project - a "partnership between citizens and law enforcement officers that is challenging both groups to overcome their differences and distrust to work together on the deepest problems of our community."

Duanna Johnson

One of the CPR forums organized by the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center focused on the concerns of LGBTQ residents in Shelby County. Members of the community in Memphis and Shelby County reported anti-LGBTQ bias and disparate treatment during police stops and in correctional facilities. Law enforcement mistreatment of transgender people of color has captured headlines in Memphis in the past. The best known example involved the 2008 beating of Duanna Johnson by a Memphis Police Officer in the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Avenue (a facility operated by the Shelby County Sheriff).

The MPD officer used anti-trans language and physical violence to gain compliance from Duanna after she was detained. Duanna suffered serious injuries. The offending officer was later terminated from the police department and served time in a Federal penitentiary. The City of Memphis awarded civil damages in a court settlement to the estate of Duanna Johnson (now deceased).

To his credit, Sheriff William Oldham is taking a proactive approach to prevent past abuses from happening again. He's ordered all his staff to be trained in LGBTQ cultural competency. The TEP Foundation applauds his leadership. If his officers apply the training, the public will experience more professional and respectful law enforcement and correctional officers, and the Shelby County Sheriff Department will significantly reduce the potential cost of civil rights lawsuits, personnel discipline, and termination of highly trained officers.

TEP Foundation provided training to the Shelby County Sheriff Department without charge. If you'd like to donate to the Foundation to help cover the cost of this and future training in Tennessee, visit the Foundation's donation page or click the "Donate Now" button on the right side of this page (desktop version only). 

Many thanks to TEP Foundation Board member Anne Gullick and TEP Foundation Executive Director Chris Sanders for facilitating this training.

End 2013 with a matching gift to TEP Foundation

Keep reading to find out how you can Light a Match for Equality!

An anonymous donor has given $4000 to the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation toward a matching gift campaign. Help us reach a goal of matching this generous donation with a year-end tax deductible gift to the TEP Foundation.

Help TEP Foundation double the size
of a generous donation.

Your donation helps us:

• Provide LGBT Cultural Competency education to law enforcement, social service agencies, churches and schools.
• Empower voices  for good public policy throughout the state with Advocacy 101 training.
• Provide media training to tell the stories of LGBT people living in Tennessee
• Organize faith leaders who support equality

Can you help us reach our goal? Donate what you can give at the drop-down button below. We'll keep you posted on our campaign progress on the TEP Facebook Page.

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The Tennessee Equality Project Foundation strives to eliminate prejudice and discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons by promoting and advocating equality through education, collaboration and victim advocacy.

TEP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions made to TEP Foundation are deductible for purposes of federal income tax.

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Executive Director

At Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), we work to protect and expand the rights of the LGBT people in Tennessee at the state and local level. As a 501(c)(4) organization, we work to shape public policy in city and county governments, school boards and the Tennessee General Assembly. TEP promotes and sustains the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights and through the prevention and elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort. Tennessee Equality Project Foundation (TEP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization with the following objectives and purposes: (1) To encourage the distribution of information to the general public concerning discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender so that knowledge can be gained to help prevent such discrimination; (2) To conduct, finance, and promote educational seminars, conferences, and (3) To develop and promote programs to enhance understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. (4) To engage in all other charitable, educational, and awareness activities permitted by law. TEP PAC supports the election of pro-LGBT rights candidates and supports the passage of pro-LGBT referenda, including laws, ordinances and resolutions in local, county and state governments.  TEP PAC may also work to defeat such candidates and referenda that would counter this mission.

The Board of Directors of TEP and the TEP Foundation is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Executive Director to lead both of organizations into a new era of growth and success. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day management of the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations. This includes staff supervision, program planning and implementation, budgeting, fundraising, financial management, and general organizational management. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson for the organizations. S/he reports to active Boards of Directors who are committed to the success of the organizations.

Supervisor:

This position reports to the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) Boards of Directors.

Hours:

Full-time, with some evening and weekend work for speaking engagements, events, and public meetings.

Travel:

In-state for conferences and meetings with colleagues and regional steering committees is required.

Location:

Davidson County, Tennessee

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices by securing operating revenue and ensuring long-term financial stability.
• Implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan including grant writing, special events, memberships, corporate giving, special events, and as needed, capital campaigns or endowments.
• Coordinate organizational activities under guidance of the Boards of directors. Give reports of organizational activities to the Boards.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate the job performances of staff and contractors (where applicable).
• Work with staff, committees, and the Boards (especially the Treasurers) in preparing and executing a budget.
• Develop and implement strategic plans which will grow the organizations’ abilities to achieve their missions.
• Serve as a liaison to coalitions and partnerships with groups in the private, non-profit, and public sectors.  Promote, cultivate, and sustain positive public relations within the LGBT and allied communities.  
• Maintain and cultivate relationships between TEP, stakeholders and government officials.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson and manage the organizations’ campaigns and goals; manage media relations in the development of publications, e-newsletters, web sites, and social media communications for TEP and TEPF.
• Assist in identification, training, and support of regional committee chairs (particularly in underrepresented regions of Tennessee)
• Prepare and file applicable reports to regulatory agencies in order to remain compliant with state, local and Federal regulations.
• Maintain awareness of current events which affect the lives of LGBT people and their families in Tennessee.

Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience.  Master's Degree is preferred.
• Experience in fundraising from individual, major donors, grant writing, and events (3 to 5 years preferred).
• Strong political acumen and ability to navigate local, state, and federal politics in a bi-partisan manner.
• Experience in non-profit or for-profit organizational management (at least 3 years preferred). Either professional or volunteer experience is acceptable.
• Knowledge of the LGBT community and the public policy issues facing that community.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in office software, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and experience with Constant Contact and PayPal applications or similar programs.
• Experience with traditional, electronic and social media as well as printed publishing desired.
• Knowledge of IRS regulations regarding 501c3, 501c4, PAC organizations and intersection of the same desired.

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with skills and experience.

Generous holiday and vacation policy.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume with three professional references, and salary expectations via e-mail to jonathan@tnequalityproject.com before Friday, August 16, 2013. Questions can also be e-mailed to jonathan@tnequalityproject.com or hg@tnequalityproject.com. Phone calls discouraged.

TEP Foundation statement on murder of Duanna Johnson

The Tennessee Equality Project Foundation is deeply saddened to learn today of the brutal murder of Duanna Johnson, a transgender female living in Memphis, Tennessee. Ms. Johnson was the victim of a beating Feb 12, 2008 by two Memphis police officers in what has been described as a hate crime. Ms. Johnson's murder is yet another disturbing act of violence against the transgender community in Memphis, including the apparent murder of Ebony Whitaker, a transgender woman, in July 2008 and the murder of Tiffany Berry in February 2006. The TEP Foundation urges the Memphis Police Department to do all in its power to quickly apprehend the perpetrators of Ms. Johnson's murder and calls upon Chief Godwin to send a strong public message that violence against the transgender community will prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Media Contacts - Rhonda White 615-424-2238 or Randy Cox 615-585-1371

Take it off their plate, says Jackson Sun

The Jackson Sun is calling for reform of the process for getting a specialty license plate.

There are plenty of things wrong with the way we create specialty plates in this state, but the primary one is this: It is a legislative instead of an administrative function. To create a plate, those wanting it must gather 1,000 signatures of people who also want the plate. Then, it must be approved by the legislature and signed by the governor.

The Tennessee Equality Project floated a specialty plate bill for the TEP Foundation for a bit in 2007 and 2008. Some of you may recall that it caused a bit of a stir in the blogosphere in 2007. Unfortunately, it got misidentified as an "idea plate." And that's when imaginations took off. In fact, it was a nonprofit organization license plate. Yes, of course, ideas animate nonprofit organizations. That's why they are required to have mission statements. To a degree, all nonprofit plates are idea plates. But most nonprofit plates don't spell out the idea in any detail. A logo and a name are usually the end of it. We just wanted the same opportunity to raise money and get the name of the TEP Foundation out there like Ducks Unlimited or the University of Tennessee. Needless to say, we've got a long way to go on that one.

But if the Secretary of State grants the TEP Foundation a solicitation permit and the IRS grants it 501(c)(3) status, then that organization like any other ought to be able to apply for a specialty plate in a reasonably nonpolitical process. The requirement for a certain number of preordered plates could be maintained to prevent an endless proliferation.

Fair enough?

House District 52 candidates support stronger hate crimes laws

This morning Democratic candidates for the 52nd House District Eric Stansell and Mike Stewart debated...or as some would have it, politely agreed about most of the issues that were put to them by a group of progressive organizations. Matt Pulle covered the event for the Scene and noted some of the questions and answers:

On the recent spate of violence against gays:

Stewart:
“I will support the expansion of the hate crimes statute.”
Stansell:
“Without question we have to strengthen the laws in this area.”

Randy Cox, president of the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, asked the question. I spoke with Randy after the debate and he said that he actually asked the question in reference to the violence against transgender people. The current hate crimes law covers gays, lesbians, and bisexuals (sexual orientation), but it does not cover transgender people (gender identity).

Still, we're glad that Pulle was there covering the discussion and that Randy was able to ask his question. Even better is the fact that both candidates can be convinced of the need to strengthen the law so we can bring more attention to this issue.

Mid-South Pride Festival and Parade is TODAY

TEP is a proud sponsor of this year's Mid-South Pride. The Shelby County Committee will be hosting a booth at today's festival 10 AM to 7 PM where you can:

1. Add your name to TEP's e-mail list to stay informed of important events.
   
2. Become a member of TEP with a $20 registration.
   
3. Make a contribution to support TEP's efforts in Shelby County and Tennessee.
   
4. Report GLBT hate crimes or discrimination.
   
5. Write a postcard to the Memphis Mayor and City Council encouraging them to enact a comprehensive city non-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (We'll pay the postage and tell you who your city council members are).
   
6. Register to vote in this pivotal election year.
   
7. Meet local elected officials.
   
8. Meet like-minded people who want to promote fair-minded legislation in Tennessee.

The Shelby County Committee of TEP will also be walking in the parade that lines up at 3 PM at First Congregational Church at 1000 South Cooper Street and steps off at 4 PM toward the Festival at Peabody Park (Cooper and Higbee). Come walk with us or visit us at the festival booth!

Day of Silence at UT-Martin

UT-Martin ALLIES' Day of Silence observances were mentioned in the Jackson Sun today. The event draws attention to the discrimination, hate, and violece experienced by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The Day of Silence came soon after the faculty senate failed to adopt an amendment to the school's nondiscrimination policy that would have included sexual orientation and gender identity.

The event was sponsored by the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation.