Somebody's Hurting Our People:
Children, Women, and People with Disabilities in Poverty

Tennessee is one of over 30 states across the country and in Washington, DC heading to their state capitals on May 14th to force a serious national examination of the enmeshed evils of systemic racism, systemic poverty, ecological devastation and the war economy. This is the first of six weeks of nonviolent moral fusion direct action across the country to show our elected leaders we will no longer allow attention violence to keep poor and disenfranchised people down.

The Tennessee Poor People's Campaign is heading to Nashville on May 14. Alongside others in over 30 states across the country and Washington, D.C., we intend to force a serious national examination of the enmeshed evils of systemic racism, systemic poverty, ecological devastation and the war economy. Join us in nonviolent moral fusion direct action as we show our elected leaders we will no longer allow attention violence to keep poor and disenfranchised people down.

Please fill out this form completely so that we can ensure you have the proper information and accommodations you may need to get there and participate in the action for week 1.

Sunday evening - Solidarity housing available for those traveling from out of town and live-stream party (beginning at 4:30 p.m. Central on Sundays) at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (1808 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215). Details will be emailed to those who indicate they are coming into Nashville early.

11am Monday - Required training for those considering participation in civil disobedience. This training will take place at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (1808 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215). If you are not considering civil disobedience and only plan to attend the public rally, you do not have to attend this portion of the day.

2pm - Rally at Legislative Plaza (201 6th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37243)

3pm - Direct action (civil disobedience) and post-action support/debrief

COVENANT OF NONVIOLENCE (SUMMARY)

This campaign is firmly rooted in nonviolence and believes that nonviolent struggle is a way of life for courageous people. At all campaign activities, events, and actions, we seek to uphold our shared Covenant of Nonviolence. This is a summary of the Covenant guidelines:

I will honor and respect the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. I will act with respect towards all.

I will arrive and be present with a clear mind and centered spirit.

I will actively support the leadership of people who are most directly impacted.

I will actively build fusion unity across lines of division often used to try to divide us, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, class, geography, sexual orientation, immigration and documentation status, and gender and gender identity.

I believe that by maintaining nonviolent discipline, I will contribute to upholding the integrity, vision, values, and goals of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

• I will not bring, possess, or use alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs at an event or action.
• I will walk with dignity, and not run, if I wish to leave an event or action.
• I will not throw debris, waste, trash, or other items, and I will not harm, damage, or destroy any life or property.
• I will not carry, possess, or use any weapons or anything that could be construed as a weapon.
• I will not use violence (verbal or physical) and I will not threaten violence in any manner. I stand for avoidance of violence and against the making of threats of violence.
• I will not use hostile language, swear, use insults, or engage in any aggressive, threatening, or intimidating behavior.

I choose and commit never to wear a mask so that I can tell my story and truth about why the PPC is important to me in a public and accessible manner that promotes honesty and trust.

It is important to the strength and success of the PPC that we maintain nonviolent unity, discipline, and rigor – tapping into a power and soulforce that exists within each of us. Accordingly, at all times, I will be firmly grounded in nonviolence as a philosophy, practice, and discipline and will strive to embody values of courage, inclusion, pursuit of justice, and love for all humanity.