Tennessee Earns JustServe State Designation

Volunteer State is the First to Receive this Recognition in the Southeast and Second in the U.S.

Tennessee is the first state in the Southeast, and second in the nation, to earn the JustServe State designation. Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee accepted the honor June 9th on behalf of Tennesseans. Presented by JustServe.org, a free platform connecting people with volunteer opportunities, the designation recognizes Tennessee's commitment to strengthening communities through service, building unity across diverse groups, and honoring individuals who lead with compassion. 

State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan were also in attendance for the award presentation. Both have worked closely with JustServe and participating nonprofits on the platform. 

“The spirit of service reflects the values that define Tennessee: faith, compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to community,” said First Lady Maria Lee as she accepted the award. “This recognition belongs not to any one administration or generation, but to the many men and women and youth, past and present, who have dedicated their time, talents and resources to make Tennessee stronger. It honors a legacy built over decades and sustained by citizens who understand that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. And, as First Lady, I've had the opportunity to meet extraordinary Tennesseans whose quiet acts of kindness and leadership inspire hope and create lasting change.”

JustServe is a global movement to build stronger, more connected communities through service. More than 10,000 JustServe users statewide and 650 Tennessee organizations use the platform. Franklin, Tenn., is one of the first “JustServe Cities” in the country. 

According to JustServe representatives, Tennessee continues to set a meaningful example of community service and the Volunteer State’s legacy of service is being carried forward by the rising generation, with more than ten JustServe high school clubs now active across the state. 

“Service is one of the purest ways we show love for God and for our neighbors,” said Brett Benson, an area leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a JustServe representative. “Through JustServe, people from different backgrounds can work side by side to support local organizations and lift those in need. We’re deeply grateful for the spirit of service found throughout Tennessee and honored to recognize this culture of compassion that helps neighbors feel seen, valued and loved.”

According to Benson, JustServe helps people turn a desire to serve into real community impact by matching individuals, groups and organizations with service opportunities. The platform connects volunteers with organizations in seventeen countries, making it easier to serve in meaningful ways close to home. JustServe has more than one million registered volunteers and over 20,000 participating organizations. 

Governor Lee praised his wife’s efforts encouraging service statewide. “Over the last eight years, she’s been inspiring people to serve in distressed counties and organizing young people to foster an environment where they naturally engage in loving their neighbors as themselves,” said the governor. “Most importantly, we are proud of Tennessee for who they are and how they serve their neighbors that creates recognition like this for our state.”

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To learn more, visit JustServe.org.