History and Mission

Tennessee reform leaders include Rabbi Isadore Lewinthal (immortalized in the Red Grooms "Carousel" civic art project in Nashville) and philanthropist Mr. W. R. Cole. In 1895 they organized as the TN State Board of Charities along with Father John K. Larkin, Memphis, James Maynard, Knoxville; Rev. John W. Bachman, President, Chattanooga, Rev. James A. Orman, Secretary, Nashville.

Mrs. E. W. Cole underwrote the 1912 Southern Sociological Congress, hosted by Gov. Ben Hooper, R. The Congress brought together a diverse group of 800 people from 10 Southern States (educators, clergy, philanthropists, physicians, early social workers, and citizens) for several days of seminars, learning and resolutions for change.

The next year, the Rabbi and Mr. Cole organized the TN Conference on Charities and Corrections. They joined the many similar reform groups in most states (many of those groups exist today with different names). The group later became the TN Conference on Social Work, and changed the name to the current TCSW after the national social work organization was formed with state affiliates. Organizational leaders over the years include Fannie Battle, George Cate, May Shayne, Louise Burgess, and Bill Moynihan. Linda Christie Moynihan served as the first executive director for over thirty years, retiring in 2006.

Early TN initiatives include successful resolutions for legislation including an end to lynching, child labor exploitation, and convict lease-for-hire practices. The first Children's Code in Tennessee, laws aimed at protecting children, was a direct result of TCSW work in the first part of the 20th century.

We are looking forward to our 100th Anniversary in just four and a half years, and hope you'll be a part of that!

MISSION The Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW) is a multi-issue statewide organization with six regional volunteer networks dedicated to the mission to “improve and empower the lives of all Tennesseans." With over 1500 individual members and 160 organizational members, TCSW works as a powerful system steward and weaver to implement best programs, policies, proficiencies and public awareness of short and long term opportunities for advancement. TCSW program services include state-level issue education with decision-makers, community connections for service learning, and regional networks to strengthen families and communities.

The Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW) is a multi-issue statewide organization with six regional volunteer networks dedicated to the mission of “improving the social and economic well-being of Tennesseans.” With over 1500 individual members and 160 organizational members, TCSW works as a powerful system steward and weaver to implement best programs, policies, proficiencies and public awareness of short and long term opportunities for advancement. TCSW program services include state-level issue education with decision-makers, community connections for service learning, and regional networks to strengthen families and communities.

2008 Eighth Avenue Sourth, Nashville, TN 37204 615.313.9980 (office), 615.313.9981 (fax) Email: info@tcsw.org