Upstanders

Choosing to Participate asks us, “How can I make a positive difference in the world?”

We invite you to explore these inspirational stories of friends, neighbors, civic leaders, and others who have taken up the challenge to speak out, do the right thing, and make decisions that help create positive change in our world. The people featured here serve as a small sample of the extraordinary Upstanders who are making a difference everyday around the globe. Some acts were big and some were little, but none were too small to notice.

Upstander: An individual, group, or institution that chooses to take a positive stand and act on behalf of themselves and others.
Name City, State Country
Margaret C. TaylorMargaret C. TaylorMargaret C. Taylor, Certified Nurse Midwife, Memphis, TN Margaret C. Taylor is a certified nurse midwife, who for the past 32 years has been helping... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Elaine BlanchardMinister Elaine BlanchardMinister Elaine Blanchard, Community Activist, Memphis, TN A professional storyteller, nurse, minister, and social justice advocate, Elaine Blanchard... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Ellen PrewittEllen PrewittEllen Prewitt, Former Lawyer and Published Author, Memphis TN Ellen Prewitt, a former lawyer and published author, is an advocate for the homeless,... Memphis, Tennessee United States
June Waddell WestJune Waddell WestJune Waddell West, Executive Director of Memphis Heritage, Inc., Memphis, TN June West is the executive director of Memphis Heritage, Inc., a... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Pastor Steve StoneSteve StoneSteve Stone, Pastor for the Heartsong Church, Memphis, TN Pastor Steve Stone and his congregation at Heartsong Church in Cordova made national news... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Elaine SanfordElaine SanfordElaine Sanford, Executive Director of HER Faith Ministries, Inc. Memphis, TN Minister Elaine Sanford has provided outreach ministry and support... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Rena Lynn RosenbergRena Lynn RosenbergRena Lynn Rosenberg, Executive Director of Plough Towers, Memphis, TN Rena Rosenberg is the executive director of Plough Towers,a HUD Senior... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Victoria NealVictoria NealVictorial Neal, Student at Whitehaven High School, Memphis, TN As a 10th grader at Whitehaven High School, Victoria Neal and her family responded... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Bert BornblumBert BornblumBert Bornblum, Philanthropist, Memphis, TN Bert Bornblum and his brother David emigrated from Poland in 1938. They lost their parents and two... Memphis, Tennessee United States
Dr. Sheldon B. KoronesDr. Sheldon B. KoronesDr. Sheldon B. Korones, Founder of the Regional Medical Center's Newborn Center, Memphis, TN Dr. Sheldon B. Korones founded The Regional Medical... Memphis, Tennessee United States