The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement

The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement, known by the acronym TEAM, is a federally tax-exempt human rights organization. TEAM is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was founded by in 2009 by Chris Surfus. TEAM was incorporated in 2010 and became a 501(c)(3) federally tax-exempt nonprofit in 2011 through Internal Revenue Service classification as a public charity.[1]

The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement
AbbreviationTEAM
Motto"A Different World Is Possible."
FormationMarch 31, 2010 (2010-03-31)
Type501(c)(3)
Legal statusTax-exempt Nonprofit Corporation
PurposeEducational and Charitable
HeadquartersGrand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Membership
Public
Board President
Christopher Surfus
Key people
Christopher Surfus, Alexandra Minor, Brianna Schmidt, Mark Hitz, and Caleb Hartmann.
Websiteteamwmi.org

The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement organized the July 2011 candlelight vigil at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids, MI[2][3][4] for the mass murder victims and families, which made international news. The 2011 Grand Rapids, Michigan mass murders were committed by Rodrick Dantzler, who ultimately committed suicide after a standoff with Grand Rapids Public Safety. Vigil assistance was provided by the American Red Cross and Grand Rapids Public Safety. In addition, TEAM organized a counter-protest against the Westboro Baptist Church's planned picketing of United States First Lady Betty Ford's Funeral[5][6][7] and TEAMwork: A Night of Dance and Drag for Diversity at The Pyramid Scheme nightclub and music venue[8][9][10] in Grand Rapids.

Organizational History

The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement was originally a Facebook group, started in response to LGBT and racial discrimination experienced by several members at a Grandville, MI business. Facebook became one of the major platforms to spread the organization's mission on human rights. TEAM formally incorporated on March 31, 2010.[11]

TEAM focused initially on educational events, like discussion panels and lectures,[12] without funding from any sources. TEAM uses three Facebook pages to promote its organization, with approximately 4,000 followers.

The organization has done the following, according to its website, a Holland Sentinel article, and interviews with the Grand Rapids LGBT History Project, Speak Up! Panel Project Series, Anti-bullying Program (which includes addressing local school districts),[13] Diversity and Inclusion Program, Nondiscrimination policy work,[14] general outreach at community events, participation in the Grand Rapids LGBT History Project,[15] and providing disaster relief services.[16][17]

Recognition

The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement was recognized by the City of Grand Rapids Board of Commissioners as a nonprofit organization in March 2012.[18]

References
  1. "Exempt Organizations". Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  2. Ellison, Garret. "Hundreds gather downtown to honor victims of Grand Rapids mass murder tragedy". Mlive.com. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  3. LaForge, Chelsea. "Grand Rapids community struggles to find peace, trying to find meaning in the Dantzler murders". The Rapidian. Grand Rapids Community Media Center. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  4. "Hundreds gather to honor victims of Mich. killings". Grand Rapids Press. Victoria Advocate. Retrieved 2012-04-17.
  5. Tunison, John. "Will Westboro Baptist Church protesters attend Betty Ford's Grand Rapids funeral? Police do not expect trouble". Mlive.com. Retrieved 2011-07-13.
  6. Warren, Scott. "Overcoming ignorance: the counter-protest against hate speech in Grand Rapids". The Rapidian. Grand Rapids Community Media Center. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  7. "TEAM to Engage Westboro Baptist Church with Peaceful Human Chain". GRNow.com. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  8. "The Pyramid Scheme Bar". The Pyramid Scheme.
  9. Helakoski, Claire. "For five bucks you get a night of dance and drag at The Pyramid Scheme". On The Town. Mlive.com. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  10. "TEAMwork: A night of dance and drag for diversity". The Rapidian. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  11. "Michigan Business Entity Search". State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
  12. "Diversity and Inclusion lecture series to start Wednesday". The Rapidian. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
  13. "Facebook page under scrutiny". Advance Newspapers. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  14. Ermak, Lisa. "Restructuring of Holland's gay rights ordinance still needed before passage". Holland Sentinel. Retrieved 2011-02-18.
  15. "Grand Rapids LGBT History Project". Grand Rapids LGBT History Project. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  16. "Programs". The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
  17. "Around the World, In Your Community: Interview with TEAM President Chris Surfus". PaleoRadio. Public Reality Radio. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  18. "Official Proceedings of the City Commission of the City of Grand Rapids, MI" (PDF). City of Grand Rapids, MI. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
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