| The Tolerance, Equality, and Awareness Movement | |
| Size: | 162px |
| Mcaption: | Official TEAM Logo |
| Abbreviation: | TEAM |
| Type: | 501(c)(3) |
| Status: | Tax-exempt Nonprofit Corporation |
| Purpose: | Educational and Charitable |
| Headquarters: | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States |
| Membership: | Public |
| Leader Title: | Board President |
| Leader Name: | Christopher Surfus |
| Key People: | Christopher Surfus, Alexandra Minor, Brianna Schmidt, Mark Hitz, and Caleb Hartmann. |
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 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 mass murder 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.
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]
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]