Discover Human Rights Organizations in Tennessee dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Your request has been submitted
Thank you for considering our services in your search
Established in 1966, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association honors the legacy of its namesake, Ben F. Jones, a pioneering attorney who practiced law in Shelby County from 1949 until his death in that founding year. The Chapter was created to address the unique needs of African American lawyers during a time when they were largely excluded from the majority bar, and it has evolved into a vital community institution serving Memphis, Tennessee. For more than five decades, the organization has been linking Black lawyers to each other and to the broader legal community, celebrating the culture, influence, and progress of African American attorneys in the Memphis area. The Chapter operates as part of the National Bar Association, the world's oldest and largest association of attorneys of color, providing members with access to a national network of professional support and resources. Beyond professional networking, the Ben F. Jones Chapter remains deeply committed to community engagement, working to advance the rights and privileges of members, their families, and their communities. The organization champions diversity within the legal profession, promotes legal ethics and understanding of the law among the public, and upholds constitutional objectives that strengthen the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Through decades of dedicated service, the Chapter has become an essential resource for Memphis's legal community and a beacon of progress for attorneys of color.
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Memphis Area Women's Council has been the advocacy voice for women in Greater Memphis, Tennessee, working on issues that matter most when women need it most. MAWC is a nonprofit organization built on the principle that research and grassroots activism together create lasting community change. With a membership of individuals and organizations, MAWC focuses exclusively on advocacy and policy change rather than direct service provision, positioning itself as a catalyst for systemic transformation in the Memphis area.
The heart of MAWC's mission is connecting women's experiences with data and evidence to challenge local policies and practices that limit opportunities for women and girls. The organization has built deep community relationships through programs like WomenTalk, a gathering space for meaningful dialogue; the Women of Achievement awards, which celebrate and document the leadership of Memphis women; and Memphis Says NO MORE, which raises awareness about domestic violence and connects people to resources. MAWC's court watch efforts, workplace safety initiatives, and educational equity work demonstrate a commitment to addressing the toughest issues facing women in Memphis—from domestic violence to economic inequality to harassment in schools and workplaces.
What sets MAWC apart in the Memphis, TN community is its unwavering focus on lifting women's voices during their most vulnerable moments, particularly around safety and rights. The organization's 20-year track record includes victories that have reshaped city policy, from ending corporal punishment in schools to establishing protections for domestic violence victims. MAWC invites community members to become changemakers by joining the organization and supporting its mission to ensure that women in Greater Memphis have the advocacy, data, and collective power needed to shape their own futures.
For over two decades, La Paz Chattanooga has been a trusted partner and advocate for the Latino community in Southeast Tennessee. What began in the early 2000s as Esperanza del Barrio—a grassroots initiative supporting vulnerable Latino workers—has grown into a comprehensive community organization serving thousands of families annually. The organization's evolution reflects its deep commitment to meeting the changing needs of Chattanooga's growing and increasingly diverse Latino population.
La Paz's mission centers on empowering and engaging Chattanooga's Latino population through advocacy, education, and inclusion, with a vision of a thriving Latinx community within an inclusive city. The organization understands that a diverse community is a strong community, and works tirelessly to ensure all immigrants have access to resources that help them thrive. From providing bilingual support services to developing first-generation student leaders and supporting Latino entrepreneurs, La Paz addresses the real, evolving challenges facing Latino families in Chattanooga.
Rooted in the Highland Park neighborhood and led by a team with deep personal and professional connections to the Latino community, La Paz builds lasting relationships based on trust and cultural understanding. The organization's 20-year journey demonstrates its unwavering commitment to not just serving the community, but building it—developing leaders, advocating for equitable access and opportunity, and contributing meaningfully to Chattanooga's strengthening and development through intentional investment in its Latinx population.
Tennessee Equality Project serves the Nashville, TN community and LGBTQ residents across the entire state by championing equal rights through dedicated legislative advocacy and community organizing. Founded on the principle that all people deserve protection and dignity regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, the organization works at the grassroots level to build power for systemic change. Led by Executive Director Chris Sanders since 2013, Tennessee Equality Project combines strategic policy work with authentic community engagement. The organization has registered hundreds of voters online, demonstrating commitment to expanding democratic participation among LGBTQ Tennesseans and their allies. Beyond legislative lobbying, Tennessee Equality Project invests in community education, offering Advocacy 101 workshops that teach citizens how to effectively communicate with elected representatives. The organization has built meaningful partnerships with local governments and businesses statewide, recognizing those committed to inclusive practices through the Tennessee Open For Business program. Through events like the annual BoroPride celebration and ongoing community organizing, Tennessee Equality Project creates spaces where LGBTQ people and allies can connect, learn, and mobilize together. The organization understands that equality work requires sustained effort across multiple fronts—from the halls of the Tennessee General Assembly to local communities, from federal advocacy to voter registration drives. Tennessee Equality Project remains steadfast in its belief that legislative change, community power, and personal connection are essential to building a Tennessee where all LGBTQ people and their families can thrive.
For nearly four decades, OUTMemphis has been a beacon of support and community for LGBTQ individuals throughout Memphis and the Mid-South. What began in 1989 as a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative—gathering in storefronts and volunteers' homes—has evolved into a comprehensive institution with multiple facilities and a professional staff dedicated to serving the community. OUTMemphis is guided by a powerful vision: a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals live safely, are respected, and celebrated with equal rights. The organization's growth reflects the deep commitment of its donors, volunteers, and community participants who have made this journey possible. Today, OUTMemphis stands as the only organization of its kind in the region, providing not just services but genuine community and refuge for LGBTQ individuals seeking connection and support. From youth programs that empower the next generation to advocacy efforts addressing the most pressing challenges facing the LGBTQ movement, OUTMemphis demonstrates a relentless commitment to creating meaningful change. The organization's expansion over the past five years—including the opening of their Youth Empowerment Center and Donation Center—showcases their responsiveness to community needs. In Memphis, Tennessee, OUTMemphis represents more than an organization; it embodies the resilience, solidarity, and hope of the LGBTQ community itself.
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, PFLAG Oak Ridge stands as a beacon of hope and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Founded on the principle that loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies can create meaningful change, this chapter embodies PFLAG's vision of a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected. The organization brings together parents, families, friends, and allies who understand the importance of supporting one another through life's journey. PFLAG Oak Ridge is part of a historic movement—the first and largest of its kind—that has served multiple generations of families across America's urban centers, small cities, and rural communities. The chapter's mission extends beyond support to include education and advocacy, empowering community members to speak up for LGBTQ+ rights and dignity. Members of PFLAG Oak Ridge work together to foster understanding in their local community, breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The organization holds itself accountable through transparent communication and clear boundaries, ensuring that every member feels heard and valued. By joining PFLAG Oak Ridge, individuals become part of a larger movement dedicated to creating systemic change and building a more equitable, inclusive world where LGBTQ+ people are safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
Since 1988, Nashville Pride has been a steadfast champion for the LGBTQIA community, building an organization rooted in celebration, connection, and collective action. Operating from Nashville, Tennessee, the Nashville Pride Board exists with a singular purpose: to strengthen community bonds and foster awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and culture throughout Middle Tennessee. What began as a vision for community visibility has evolved into a multifaceted organization that recognizes achieving equal rights requires sustained, year-round commitment beyond annual celebrations. The organization understands that meaningful change happens when the community gathers—whether at the iconic Pride Festival and Parade that line Nashville's streets with love and acceptance, or at smaller networking events that allow allies and community members to build lasting relationships. Nashville Pride's approach combines celebration with strategic advocacy, coordinating efforts to promote diversity, inclusivity, and local community engagement. The board actively works to amplify LGBTQIA voices, coordinate allyship initiatives, and mobilize Nashville residents around issues of equality and justice. With more than three decades of service, Nashville Pride has established itself as a vital cultural institution that honors the past while building toward a more inclusive future for all LGBTQIA persons in Middle Tennessee.
Based in Nashville, TN, the Iranian American Community of Tennessee (IAC-TN) brings together Iranian-Americans and concerned Tennesseans united by a shared commitment to civic engagement, cultural preservation, and human rights advocacy. As a nonprofit organization rooted in bipartisan principles, IAC-TN serves as a vital bridge between the Iranian-American diaspora and the broader Nashville community, fostering understanding and dialogue across cultural and political lines. The organization's mission centers on promoting the cultural wealth of the Iranian diaspora while advancing core democratic values through meaningful community participation. IAC-TN creates spaces for intergenerational connection, allowing families to celebrate Persian traditions and educate younger generations about their heritage while remaining actively engaged in American civic life. Through collaborative partnerships with religious leaders, community organizers, and human rights advocates, IAC-TN addresses issues of tolerance and social justice that resonate within both the Iranian-American and general Tennessee communities. The organization recognizes that community members bring diverse perspectives and expertise, which is why it regularly hosts speakers and thought leaders to facilitate informed discussions on international affairs and domestic policy. By organizing cultural events, facilitating dialogue with government officials, and supporting democratic initiatives, IAC-TN demonstrates that cultural identity and civic participation are complementary values. The organization's work in Nashville reflects a broader commitment to helping facilitate democracy while honoring the rich traditions of the Iranian-American community.
Established in 1966, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association honors the legacy of its namesake, Ben F. Jones, a pioneering attorney who practiced law in Shelby County from 1949 until his death in that founding year. The Chapter was created to address the unique needs of African American lawyers during a time when they were largely excluded from the majority bar, and it has evolved into a vital community institution serving Memphis, Tennessee. For more than five decades, the organization has been linking Black lawyers to each other and to the broader legal community, celebrating the culture, influence, and progress of African American attorneys in the Memphis area. The Chapter operates as part of the National Bar Association, the world's oldest and largest association of attorneys of color, providing members with access to a national network of professional support and resources. Beyond professional networking, the Ben F. Jones Chapter remains deeply committed to community engagement, working to advance the rights and privileges of members, their families, and their communities. The organization champions diversity within the legal profession, promotes legal ethics and understanding of the law among the public, and upholds constitutional objectives that strengthen the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Through decades of dedicated service, the Chapter has become an essential resource for Memphis's legal community and a beacon of progress for attorneys of color.
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Memphis Area Women's Council has been the advocacy voice for women in Greater Memphis, Tennessee, working on issues that matter most when women need it most. MAWC is a nonprofit organization built on the principle that research and grassroots activism together create lasting community change. With a membership of individuals and organizations, MAWC focuses exclusively on advocacy and policy change rather than direct service provision, positioning itself as a catalyst for systemic transformation in the Memphis area.
The heart of MAWC's mission is connecting women's experiences with data and evidence to challenge local policies and practices that limit opportunities for women and girls. The organization has built deep community relationships through programs like WomenTalk, a gathering space for meaningful dialogue; the Women of Achievement awards, which celebrate and document the leadership of Memphis women; and Memphis Says NO MORE, which raises awareness about domestic violence and connects people to resources. MAWC's court watch efforts, workplace safety initiatives, and educational equity work demonstrate a commitment to addressing the toughest issues facing women in Memphis—from domestic violence to economic inequality to harassment in schools and workplaces.
What sets MAWC apart in the Memphis, TN community is its unwavering focus on lifting women's voices during their most vulnerable moments, particularly around safety and rights. The organization's 20-year track record includes victories that have reshaped city policy, from ending corporal punishment in schools to establishing protections for domestic violence victims. MAWC invites community members to become changemakers by joining the organization and supporting its mission to ensure that women in Greater Memphis have the advocacy, data, and collective power needed to shape their own futures.
For over two decades, La Paz Chattanooga has been a trusted partner and advocate for the Latino community in Southeast Tennessee. What began in the early 2000s as Esperanza del Barrio—a grassroots initiative supporting vulnerable Latino workers—has grown into a comprehensive community organization serving thousands of families annually. The organization's evolution reflects its deep commitment to meeting the changing needs of Chattanooga's growing and increasingly diverse Latino population.
La Paz's mission centers on empowering and engaging Chattanooga's Latino population through advocacy, education, and inclusion, with a vision of a thriving Latinx community within an inclusive city. The organization understands that a diverse community is a strong community, and works tirelessly to ensure all immigrants have access to resources that help them thrive. From providing bilingual support services to developing first-generation student leaders and supporting Latino entrepreneurs, La Paz addresses the real, evolving challenges facing Latino families in Chattanooga.
Rooted in the Highland Park neighborhood and led by a team with deep personal and professional connections to the Latino community, La Paz builds lasting relationships based on trust and cultural understanding. The organization's 20-year journey demonstrates its unwavering commitment to not just serving the community, but building it—developing leaders, advocating for equitable access and opportunity, and contributing meaningfully to Chattanooga's strengthening and development through intentional investment in its Latinx population.