This week’s Community Corner spotlight features AWAKE!
In this newest episode, Brother Love chats with Founder Sarah Beth Myers and Executive Director Kelli Nowers on International Women’s Day.
Sarah Beth Myers describes her time in founding this organization alongside other women in Nashville. She was an assistant district attorney in the domestic violence division. In seeing systemic abusive activity, she decided to start a non-profit to address issues that predominantly affect women and children. Then after finding an incredible amount of issues that disproportionately affect women over time, talking with survivors of abuse, and serving at various community groups, she decided to develop a curriculum for these people to teach them how to be an advocate for themselves.
Kelli Nowers started at AWAKE in the Summer of 2020 after moving back from London. Formerly Nowers was studying how grassroots organizations can facilitate change on an international level. As a consequence, she fell in love with AWAKE’s mission when she moved back.
AWAKE stands for Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality. This group of people advocate for the systemic advancement of women and young people in Tennessee through education initiatives and policy change. Forming in the fall of 2013, AWAKE passed their first bill within a few months of existing, pushing for safety in the lives of women and children. Furthermore, this group is known for their efficient and strategic measures in order to ensure their visions are carried through with care.
Additionally, they have high school students with a budget that are able to create their own advocacy project. In this way, they teach them how to address social issues and how to center themselves in the issue in fighting for their community. If there is a need for the marginalized, AWAKE seeks to find a solution! Check out their website here and can donate as they rely on the financial support of Nashville to serve the community!
