This past Saturday, our immigrant and refugee team had the privilege of attending the Only+Together Conference in Nashville, where community leaders and service organizations gathered to discuss the growing need for collective action in supporting our immigrant and refugee populations. The event brought together over 20 organizations, each passionate about serving these communities and helping them thrive in their new environment. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose and interconnectedness, with a focus on how we, as a city, can come together to better serve the newcomers among us.
The conference opened with an encouraging address from Mayor Freddie O'Connell, who shared exciting updates about Nashville’s new Choose How You Move transportation initiative. This program aims to improve accessibility for all residents, including immigrants and refugees, by expanding sidewalks, synchronizing traffic signals, and providing faster, more reliable public transit options. Mayor O'Connell expressed his enthusiasm for creating a city where everyone has the ability to move freely and safely, emphasizing that these improvements will benefit all Nashvillians. He highlighted how this initiative is informed by the needs of the community and is designed to ensure that every resident feels supported and included.
During the conference, we showcased our RIDE program, which plays a vital role in helping participants learn the rules of the road and providing supplemental education to study for the DMV testing handbook. We believe that access to reliable transportation is essential for our immigrant and refugee community, enabling them to navigate their new lives with greater ease and confidence.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we are excited to further explore collaboration with WE Access to help participants gain access to transportation services in the interim. Although we have not partnered with them yet, our meeting sparked enthusiasm for the possibilities ahead. Together, we can work towards making driving and accessing transportation seamless for all.
The Only+Together Conference was a wonderful reminder of the power of collaboration and the potential we have when we unite our efforts. We look forward to continuing this important work alongside our community partners to uplift and empower Nashville’s immigrant and refugee populations.
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