1959 Highlander Way · New Market, TN 37820 · phone: (865) 933-3443 · fax: (865) 933-3424
e-mail: hrec@highlandercenter.org

2008 Year-End Letter
Pam McMichael, Director

Highlights of 2008 Work and 2009 Plans

My dear friend and long time southern organizer Pat Hussain once said to me, "You know, to do this work you often carry grief in one pocket and hope in the other." Her words are with me a lot these days as we celebrate this incredible moment of hope, possibility and belief in 'yes we can,' while recognizing the serious challenges facing all of us in the months and years to come.

On one hand, the politics of fear and hate, of divide and conquer, were soundly rejected in this election. And at the same time, race crimes rose immediately after the election all across the country. We have come so far. We have so much still to do.

Highlander understands what it means to carry a 'both/and' attitude. Started during the Depression, shut down by the state of Tennessee, harassed by the Klan, and still, against the odds, for over 75 years, always on the cutting edge, never stopping, bringing people together, strengthening grassroots movements, and building skills, relationships, hope and inspiration.

The critical significance of this both/and moment is demonstrated everywhere we look, and a powerful theme continues to emerge strongly in our work here at Highlander - the experience of displacement. Immigrants. Katrina, Rita and Ivan survivors. Those affected by mountaintop removal and gentrification. People facing tremendous challenges are forming cross-race and cross-issue alliances to build the kind of broad-based movement needed to transform 'yes we can' into ongoing solutions to the economic and environmental crises we face. And Highlander is there, supporting this alliance building work, nurturing and fostering the skills of community leaders and the capacity of groups, and connecting people and groups to each other, often across divides.

It was also a big both/and year for us in expansion and protection of 'place'. The opportunity to purchase an additional 80 acres prompted deeper thinking on our stewardship of land and our work on the sustainability connections of the economy and the environment. As we continue the constant journey of aligning values, practice and programs for the dignity, justice and sustainability of people and the planet, we are both energized and humbled by the triumphs and challenges ahead.

Can we count on your continued generosity to help us make the most of these critical movement building opportunities?

Thank you. It's our honor and privilege to be in this work together with you.

Pam McMichael
Director

P.S. We hope you celebrate this historic moment and the spirit of 'yes, we can' by making a gift today to the organization that always does.

top of page