On May 15, 2010 TIRRC held its annual state-wide leadership training, the Leadership Institute. With facilitators brought in from Virginia and Florida, TIRRC's grassroots leadership had a great opportunity to think strategically and get motivated for the rest of 2010!

On March 31, 2010 immigrants, refugees and supporters came together from across the state for the 4th Annual New American Day on the Hill.

On February 10th, 2010, Al-farooq Masjid of Nashville, TN was vandalized with religiously motivated hate-speech spray painted on their outside walls. The Muslim community joined allies from throughout the city to reject intolerance and reaffirm our collective spirit as a Welcoming City in two events the following weekend.

On November 21st, TIRRC hosted a citizenship clinic with the support of a number of local immigration attorneys. The demand from Nashville's New Americans was almost unbelievable with people showing up two hours early for this all-day event.

287(g) Community Vigil 287(g) Community Vigil (30) On October 21st, united in opposition to the Davidson County 287(g) program, over 75 community members joined together to pray for the end of the local policy. Motivated by a deep concern for the impact that 287(g) has had on hard-working families, the vigil participants called for those in power to reflect critically on the devastation caused by ineffective local immigration enforcement.

On October 9th more than 350 guests attend the second annual TIRRC American Dream fundraiser, honoring Nashville Mayor Karl Dean with the Johnny Hayes American Dream Award and Mr. Tom Negri with the Welcoming Tennessee Award. photos by Joon Powell

On January 18th, thousands of Nashvillians took to the streets to honor Dr. King.

On Dec. 17th, 2009, students, teachers and allies from throughout Middle TN gathered outside of Rep. Cooper's office to deliver holiday gifts as they urged their Representative to take leadership on immigration reform and co-sponsor the DREAM Act

On Thursday, September 24th, over a hundred East Tennesseans filled Lawson Auditorium at Maryville College for the national premier of Brave New Foundation’s documentary "Second Battle," an episode from the series "In Their Boots" (www.intheirboots.com). The screening was the first in the nation and it chronicled the story of two military spouses fighting to stay in the country their husbands proudly served for and in one case, died for.

On Monday August 31 over 60 students and supporters of the DREAM Act gathered in downtown Nashville to deliver apples to Congressman Cooper to encourage him to co-sponsor the DREAM Act. To read more about the DREAM Act click What We Do on the top bar and select DREAM Act.

Organizing Director Leticia Alvarez leads 'Know-Your-Rights' and Justice School sessions all across the mid-state area. For more information on these important training sessions visit our 'Know-Your-Rights' and Justice School pages under What We Do

In June and July, participated in the Justice Project, TIRRC's youth justice schools, here in Nashville. On August 13th students from both sessions of the Justice Project gathered along with their families and friends to celebrate their completion of the Justice Project. To read more about the Justice Project and youth organizing, visit the Youth Organizing page under "What We Do"

East Tennessee has a very active TIRRC youth group, led by organizer Lisa Barba. These pictures are from Justice School, the Dream Act event on June 22, 2009, and The Children's Festival of Reading.

On Sunday, April 26, over three thousand Tennesseans joined together to support just and humane immigration reform. The event called attention to the policies that are breaking apart families and destroying Tennessee communities.

On Sunday, April 19, a diverse group of Shelbyville citizens hosted a forum about the Somali culture in an effort to educate the community about Shelbyville’s newest Americans. Leaders of the Somali community along with El Centro Latino, SOCM, NPT and Welcoming Tennessee organized this event to address the growing concerns and misunderstandings within the city. Nearly 50 local residents attended the event, which was hosted in the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce function room.

On Wednesday, April 1, TIRRC hosted its third annual New American Day on the Hill. Nearly 100 community leaders took advantage of this important opportunity to interact with their elected officials.

I am proud to have been part of such a positive movement in a city where differences are embraced...Nashville welcomes those who want to enrich their quality of life and be part of a city that is filled with great history.” Joseph Guerrier, TIRRC leader