by Emily Snell | Jun 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
A homeless man sitting on a park bench. A single mom searching for work. Foster kids waiting for new homes. At a small dance studio in East Nashville, young children are rehearsing these scenes from a play, and in the process, nurturing their creative talents and learning about social justice. CreateAffect, a weeklong summer camp for children ages 5-11, educates kids about social justice issues like homelessness and modern-day slavery, while supporting the artistic community and teaching kids to express their creative side. CreateAffect Founder Abby Wahlers said she’s seen the kids come alive as they learn the positive impact they can have on the world. “A lot of kids came alive when they realized that what they were doing was making a difference,” she said. “They see that impact, and they flourish and come alive; and they want to do it more and more. Seeing that makes me come alive and makes me want to do more, and I love it. I love that cycle.” Wahlers, who has degrees in elementary education and human development from Wheelock College in Boston, said she thinks it’s important to teach children about social justice so that they more fully develop their innate empathy. “I think we’re all born with the capability to empathize,” she said. “We’re born with it, but I think along the way, we lose it. But these kids still have it. There are so many areas in their lives where they don’t get to choose, and they don’t get to be a force or to make a difference or to have an impact. When they’re able to reach...
by Emily Snell | Feb 23, 2011 | News Slider
The Contributor is not just a street newspaper. For three Lipscomb seniors, it’s on-the-job training. Students in Dr. Jimmy McCollum’s Capstone in Journalism class are working with The Contributor, Nashville’s street newspaper, this semester. Funds generated by the newspaper help Nashville’s homeless and formerly homeless citizens. The three students—David Adams, Julie Williams and Allison Woods—attend staff meetings and produce written content for the printed version, as well as photography and video for the organization’s website. “It’s nice to be helping The Contributor,” said Williams, a multimedia production major from Anniston, Ala. “It’s a good cause. We’re helping put original content into The Contributor, which I know they appreciate.” Andrew Krinks, editor for the paper, said that his staff contacted several Nashville universities looking for students who might be interested in working with The Contributor. Starting with the March issue, he said that students from Lipscomb and TSU will be producing content for the paper. David Adams, a mass communications major from Memphis, said initially he wasn’t sure what the experience would be like, but has already learned from it. “After writing the first article, my interest in homelessness and poverty has really piqued,” Adams said. “These are people who have been successful. How easily their lives can change with a downfall in their life. It’s just crazy. It gives you a sense of thanksgiving and gratitude because you see how fortunate you are.” The Contributor, which is part of the North American Street Newspaper Association, sells about 100,000 copies per month, more than any other street newspaper in the country. The paper’s vendors can be found on sidewalks throughout...
by Amy Estepp | Nov 16, 2010 | News Slider
Lipscomb junior Jordan Lewis, a nursing major from Chattanooga, Tenn., has developed a strong friendship with one of “The Contributor” retailers. At times, Lewis’ friend, Michael “Bama” Farley, is seen selling the newspapers — that help get the homeless off the street — by the Kroger on Gallatin Pike. “The Contributor” strives to print a monthly paper that provides both a diversity of perspectives on homelessness and poverty and a source of income for homeless and formerly homeless individuals, while creating community between vendors and customers. “The Contributor” employs more than 250 vendors, some of whom are homeless, while others have managed to get off the streets. Both homeless and non-homeless people write for the paper. Lewis and Bama met at Tent City when he and his wife were living there in April 2010. Since then, they have kept in contact. Working as a vendor, Bama is now able to provide the groceries that he and his wife need. “[‘The Contributor’] gives the sellers hope,” Lewis said. “It is a job that anyone can do and it opens the door for more opportunities. They are working for the next step; they either want to be the best at selling ‘The Contributor,’ or they are trying to find another job.” Not only does the paper make an impact on the vendors, but Lewis says it’s also an eye-opener for the Nashville community. “It is reaching out to the rich people to see that there are homeless people that are working for money, not just panhandling,” Lewis said. Bama and Stacy are currently living at the Hobson House in East Nashville. They are...
