The Tenderness Network
to live and love peacefully...this is our way!
The Tenderness Network is a community of artists & activists who believe in a radically different way of living. We celebrate life and love by working together to create a peaceful world that is compassionate, just, hopeful and tender.
We believe wholeheartedly in the power of one human being to change lives. We believe in doing small things with great love, as Mother Theresa once said.
We are an intentional community of lovers and believers who embrace the challenge of creating a community of hope that offers a peaceful home for every child, indeed, every human being. We seek to build positive relationships with those whom we agree and those with whom we disagree. We seek to meet the needs of those around us who are hurting, lonely, hungry, desperate and seeking. When we are unable to physically meet those needs, we seek to love and provide assistance and support in whatever ways we can.
We break cycles of abuse, violence, poverty and injustice not by confrontation, but by compassion. We seek to heal, nurture, empower, educate, challenge, affirm, believe and, yes, love so that our communities become communities of hope, healing, safety, peace and celebration.
The Tenderness Trail is a living memorial to child victims of violence. Located on the Tenderness Tour website, in a matter of months the Tenderness Trail has grown to include thousands of names from around the world. In 2007, "The Tenderness Trail" becomes a living memorial to the children of the world as the first "Tenderness Trail" will begin development in Indianapolis in cooperation with the Peace Learning Center in Lawrence. It is our vision to develop nature trails, plant memorial trees or otherwise begin developing physical trails in locations around the country (or farther!).
Do you know a child who has died as a result of violence? Submit their name, location, date of birth/death and, if possible, a link to any articles/memorial pages. Their name will be listed on the "Tenderness Trail" and as part of this growing living memorial to children of the world.
To submit names, volunteer or host a tree please contact Richard at- [email protected]. We are very much looking for volunteers who will help us by coordinating the online "trail" in their home state (researching, contributing names, etc.).
What is the Tenderness Network?
In its simplest definition, the Tenderness Network is a peace & justice cooperative uniting artists and activists from around the globe in an effort to build a cooperative and nurturing community committed to growing peaceful individuals, families, communities and governments.
We are an intentional community in the sense that we remain as committed to each other as we are to "the cause" of peace and justice. In other words, we practice what we preach.
We are artists, activists & anarchists whose individual and collective outreach efforts, crafts, creative expressions, social actions, ministries, community service organizations and humanitarian projects reflect our commitment to each other and humanity. We think and act both locally and globally.
At this time, we are not gathered in residential community. There is talk of changing this in the near future, and those of us who live near one another do gather for work, play, fellowship and simply to share the communal experience more fully. If you are in Indianapolis, where Richard is based, you are welcome to join us in any of our community activities.
Are you interested in joining the Tenderness Network and affirming your commitment to peace and justice while living in a peaceful, supportive network of unique, yet like-minded individuals?
We love building relationships, both locally and globally, with individuals, organizations, supporters, volunteers, community partners and those who'd like to participate with us on a deeper level here in Indianapolis.
Contact Richard for more details!
I'd like to meet:
Since 1989, Tenderness Network founder Richard Propes has traveled over 3,000 miles in his wheelchair to end violence in the lives of children through education, awareness, outreach and fund-raising events nationwide.
VISIT THE TENDERNESS TOUR WEBSITE FOR THE FULL DETAILS!
The Tenderness Tour!
3,000 MILES AND STILL WHEELING...
10/10/89: Greensburg, IN
10/11/89: North Vernon, IN
10/12/89: Seymour, IN
10/13/89: Scottsburg, IN
10/14/89: Salem, IN
10/15/89: Paoli, IN
10/16/89: French Lick, IN
10/17/89: Jasper, IN
10/18/89: Huntingburg, IN
10/19/89: Evansville, IN
10/20/89: Princeton, IN
10/21/89: Vincennes, IN
10/22/89: Sullivan, IN
10/23/89: Linton, IN
10/24/89: Bloomington, IN
10/25/89: Spencer, IN
10/26/89: Terre Haute, IN
10/27/89: Clinton, IN
10/28/89: Rockville, IN
10/29/89: Crawfordsville, IN
10/30/89: West Lafayette, IN
10/31/89: Delphi, IN
11/1/89: Logansport, IN
11/2/89: Rochester, IN
11/3/89: Plymouth, IN
11/4/89: South Bend, IN
11/5/89: Mishawaka, IN
11/6/89: Elkhart, IN
11/7/89: Goshen, IN
11/8/89: Warsaw, IN
11/9/89: Columbia City, IN
11/10/89: Fort Wayne, IN
11/11/89: Huntington, IN
11/12/89: Wabash, IN
11/13/89: Marion, IN
11/14/89: Alexandria, IN
11/15/89: Anderson, IN
11/16/89: Noblesville, IN
11/17/89: Carmel, IN
11/18/89: Indianapolis, IN
1990: Follow-up throughout the year in Indiana
6/19/91: Lebanon, IN
6/20/91: Frankfort, IN
6/21/91: Flora, IN
6/22/91: Monticello, IN
6/23/91: Francesville, IN
6/24/91: Lacrosse, IN
6/25/91: Crown Point, IN
6/26/91: Gary, IN
6/27/91: East Chicago, IN
6/28/91 & 6/29/91: Chicago, IL
7/13/92: Greenfield, IN
7/14/92: Rushville, IN
7/15/92: Greensburg, IN
7/16/92: Versailles, IN
7/17/92: Lawrenceburg, IN
7/18/92: Cincinnati, OH
7/19/92: Indianapolis, IN
8/8/93: Indianapolis, IN
8/9/93: Greenwood, IN
8/10/93: Franklin, IN
8/11/93: Columbus, IN
8/12/93: Seymour, IN
8/13/93: Salem, IN
8/14/93: New Albany,IN
8/15/93: Louisville,KY
8/16/93: Shelbyville,KY
8/17/93: Frankfort, KY
8/18/93: Georgetown, KY
8/19/93: Lexington,KY
11/19/94: Indianapolis,IN
4/95: Indianapolis, IN
6/23/96: Indianapolis,IN
6/24/96: Lebanon, IN
6/25/96: Frankfort,IN
6/26/96: Lafayette,IN
6/27/96: Reynolds/Monticello,IN
6/28/96: Rensselaer, IN
6/29/96: Demotte, IN
6/30/96: Crown Point,IN
7/1/96: Gary, IN
7/2/96: East Chicago,IN
7/3/96 & 7/4/96: Chicago,IL
10/3/97: Greenwood, IN
10/4/97: Mooresville,IN
10/5/97: Plainfield,IN.
10/6/97: Brownsburg,IN
10/7/97: Zionsville, IN
10/8/97: Carmel,IN
10/9/97: Lawrence,IN
10/10/97: Indianapolis,IN
4/30/98: Greenwood,IN
5/1/98: Franklin,IN
5/2/98: Columbus,IN
5/3/98: Seymour,IN-
5/4/98: Scottsburg,IN
5/5/98: Charlestown,IN
5/6/98: Jeffersonville,IN.
5/7/98: New Albany,IN
5/8/98: Indianapolis,IN
9/22 & 9/23/99: Carmel,IN
9/24 & 9/25/99: Lebanon,IN
9/26 & 9/27/99: Greencastle,IN
9/28 & 9/29/99: Danville,IN
9/30 & 10/1/99: Indianapolis,IN
9/26/00: Shelbyville & Connersville,IN
9/27/00: Franklin & Martinsville,IN
9/28/00: Bloomington & Bedford,IN
9/29/00: Jasper & Santa Claus,IN
9/30/00: Princeton & Evansville,IN
10/2/00: East Chicago,IN
10/3/00: Valparaiso & LaPorte,IN
10/4/00: Elkhart & Kendallville,IN
10/5/00: Garrett & Fort Wayne,IN
10/6/00: Marion & Anderson, IN
10/7 & 10/8/00: Indianapolis,IN
4/16/01: Warsaw, IN
4/17/01: Indianapolis,IN
4/18/01: Columbus, IN-
4/20/01: Connersville,IN
8/5/01: Indianapolis,IN
8/6/01: Muncie & Richmond,IN
8/7/01: Shelbyville & Franklin,IN
8/8/01: Martinsville & Bloomington,IN
8/9/01: Seymour & North Vernon,IN
8/10/01: New Albany, IN
8/11/01: Evansville & Princeton,IN
8/12/01: Terre Haute & Lafayette,IN
8/13/01: East Chicago,IN
8/14/01: Valparaiso & Knox,IN
8/15/01: Elkhart & Garrett,IN
8/16/01: Fort Wayne & Huntington,IN
8/17/01: Kokomo,IN
8/18/01: Indianapolis,IN
9/29/01: Carmel,IN
4/20 & 4/21/02: Kendallville & LaGrange,IN
4/23/02: Indianapolis,IN
4/28/02: Indianapolis,IN
4/29/02: Frankfort,IN
5/24/02: New Albany,IN
10/26/02: Indianapolis,IN
3/20/03: Martinsville,IN.
9/25/03: Chesterfield,IN
4/25/04: Carmel, Westfield, East Union, Tipton, Kokomo and Rochester,IN
5/17/04: St. Louis,MO
5/18/04: Orlando,FL
5/26/04: Glendale,AZ
5/27/04: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & Mesa,AZ
5/30/04: Denver,CO
10/1/04: Indianapolis ICADV
07/02/05: Peoria,IL
09/10/05: Indianapolis,IN (ICADV)
11/05/05: Duluth, MN
4/23/06: Broad Ripple,IN
8/16/06: Richmond,IN
09/23/06: Indianapolis,IN
01/28/07: Goshen, IN
04/01/07: Indianapolis, IN & Lawrence, IN
04/25/07: Campus of IUPUI, Indpls., IN
08/26/07: Indianapolis, IN (ICADV)
01/01/08: Indianapolis, IN (31 miles)
Music:
NOTEWORTHY MUSICIANS WHO ACTIVELY WORK AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SEXUAL VIOLENCE/CHILD ABUSE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE THOSE OF US WHO CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO SUPPORT THEIR WORK!:
Tori Amos: One of the founding forces of RAINN!
Martina McBride: Numerous efforts in the areas of children's and women's issues!
Petra Luna: If you're on Myspace, you know her!
Big & Rich: One of the few strong male voices, these good ole' boys are strong voices against domestic violence!
Christina Aguilera: Along with sharing her own abuse history, Aguilera almost single-handedly saved a Pittsburgh women's shelter in 2003!
Kenny Loggins: Another strong voice from men!
Ashanti: This soul singer has been a strong and visible voice in the African-American community.
Michael Bolton: Bolton has been visible for years as a spokesperson for Prevent Child Abuse America.
Indigo Girls: Extremely visible on women's issues, the Indigo Girls have played numerous benefits for domestic violence shelters
Sarah McLachlan: Sarah has always been visible in the area of women's issues, however, since becoming a mom in recent years has seemingly crossed over into children's issues.
Andy Griggs: This country singer has participated in a domestic violence awareness program for the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
Tina Turner: Another singer who has shared her own story, Turner also participates in numerous efforts in the area
of domestic violence.
Suzanne Vega: Along with her award-winning breakthrough song, "Luka," Vega participates in the Respond Project.
ALONG WITH THESE FINE EXAMPLES...THERE ARE MULTIPLE OTHER ARTISTS WHO HAVE NOTED PARTICIPATION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EFFORTS INCLUDING: Dwight Yoakam (who has played an abuser onscreen as an actor, as well), Clint Black, Coolio, Travis Tritt, Richard Marx, Melissa Etheridge, Chet Atkins, Linda Ronstadt, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Shawn Colvin, Leora Salo, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Liz Phair, Ani DiFranco, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Aimee Mann & Others!
Movies:
NOTEWORTHY ACTORS, ACTRESSES & FILM INDUSTRY FOLKS WHO WORK AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SEXUAL VIOLENCE/CHILD ABUSE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Halle Berry: Berry, more than most, has been very open about her abusive relationships. She's a highly visible celebrity in the area of domestic violence.
Christina Applegate: Applegate, as well, has openly described an abusive relationship. She's now a strong voice for women.
Eve Ensler: Creator of "Vagina Monologues," Ensler continues to do amazing work in all three of these areas.
Angie Harmon: This actress produced a documentary, along with her football player husband Jason Sehorn, about domestic violence.
Salma Hayek: This actress has partnered with Avon to strength Avon's domestic violence initiative.
Sissy Spacek: Co-chairs a domestic violence project in Virginia.
Meryl Streep: Acted as auctioneer for a 2003 auction that benefited a domestic violence organization.
Oprah Winfrey: Incredibly outspoken in the areas of child abuse, sexual violence and domestic violence.
OTHER FILM FOLKS KNOWN TO HAVE SUPPORTED CAUSES IN THIS AREA INCLUDE: Gillian Anderson, Kathy Bates, Janeane Garofolo, Julie Andrews, Debra Messing, Rosanna Arquette, John Travolta, Erin Gray, Billy Crystal, Zhang Ziyi, Kristin Davis, Aisha Tyler, Jane Fonda, Swoosie Kurtz, Marisa Tomei, Glenn Close, Rosie Perez, Cynthia Nixon, Kathy Najimy, Jill Eikenberry, Calista Flockhart, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Iman, Michelle Pfeiffer and others.
Television:
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Books:
Have you read "The Irresistible Revolution," by Shane Claiborne? If not, I highly recommend it. The book is my current "staff recommendation" at Barnes & Noble here in Indy...it is the first book in quite some time to lead me to laughter and tears and love. It has inspired all of us at the Tenderness Network to go even deeper in examining ourselves as community, as servants and as ordinary radicals.
Heroes:
THE TENDERNESS AWARD
The Tenderness Network is the proud sponsor of the "Tenderness Award," awarded annually to recognize individual and organizational efforts to create a peaceful home for every child. In 2005, the "Tenderness Award" was made a national award. In addition to the national award, 2006 brings the addition of awards in the arts, politics, religion and business.
Indiana "Tenderness Award" winners have included:
1999: Prevent Child Abuse, Indiana
2000: Reach for Youth, Indpls., IN
2001: Daryl Abbott of CAPS in Elkhart, IN
2002: The Haven Youth Center, Martinsville, IN
2003: Michie Sebree, NeoFight
2004: Katie Collier, Make-A-Wish of Indiana
In 2005, the "Tenderness Award" became a national award and has recognized:
2005: First Witness of Duluth, MN
2006: Justin Watt, PFC, of Tucson, AZ
