From the staff, Board of Directors, and Community Action Council of Tennessee Nonprofit Network
It’s been a tough few weeks in our country. We’re all feeling the tension in the air, the weight of the news, and the further division that recent events have caused across our country. In the nonprofit sector, we are on the front lines of these challenges, working tirelessly to serve our communities. We see the pain, the frustration, and the hardship up close.
But amidst all of this, our work is also a powerful reminder of hope. It’s in the small victories, the connections we forge, and the profound impact we make, one person at a time. This work is a choice to believe in a better future, and that belief requires us to find and hold onto joy, even when it feels difficult.
Joy isn’t about ignoring the pain; it’s about building the resilience to face it. It’s about remembering why we started this journey and replenishing our spirits so we can continue to serve with passion and purpose.
So, today, we invite you to take a moment for yourself. Step away from the screens and the headlines for just a few minutes, and watch something that makes you smile. We’ve compiled a short list of videos that are sure to lift your spirits.
A few happy videos to get you started:
Description: Watch a professional dancer surprise his soon-to-be-fiancee with a flash mob and marriage proposal in the middle of Downtown Disney!
Description: This is one of my favorites. Might be a little long but a classic cover using talent from around the globe. I’m a geek about production value and this is 6 stars good. Added bonus it’s from Playing for Change.
Submitted by Phil Trammel, Community Action Council member
Description: It’s the classic hilarious video that’s even been recreated on an episode of “The Office!” Watch the most joyous entrance of a marriage party ever!
Submitted by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: Babysitting can be an adventure on the best of days, but it can quickly spiral into chaos! In these vides, babysitting goes all wrong! Get ready to laugh! Adam Rose’s reactions are spot on!
Submitted by Christy Dolinich, Community Action Council Member
Description: This is what brings me joy: helping kids and my horses. This is a full hour of happy horses to bring you joy!
Submitted by Rachel Bailey, Community Action Council Member
Description: We find a sense of awe not just in remarkable moments like a storm on a plain or holding a newborn, but also in everyday, ordinary experiences like stargazing or listening to music, reminding us that we are part of something vast and timeless.
Submitted by Kelly Walberg, Board Member
Description – Women walking on the treadmill getting her groove on
Submitted by Candace Surface, Community Action Council Member
Description: get some tissue ready! These soldier reunions will bring you lots of joys (and tears) as they surprise their families with a reunion of a lifetime!
Submitted by Kevin Dean. President & CEO
Description: Nothing says line dance like the iconic Law & Order theme music….
Submitted by Teresa Cheeks-Wilson, Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Description: Man sings to cows and horses to make them feel better
Submitted by Candace Surface, Community Action Council Member
Description: Acapella group Pentatonix performs an amazing cover of the famous David Guetta song!
Submitted by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: This cat really doesn’t love that oven mitt! Add a voiceover to the cat, and you have just over a minute of pure joy!
Submitted by Angela Meekins, West Tennessee Regional Manager
Description: Watch the cutest little girl perform an acoustic version of I Wish You Love!
Submitted by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: Nothing screams pure joy like a delicious meal! Here’s a bunch of recipes sure to bring you (and your belly) lots of joy!
Submitted by Angela Meekins, West Tennessee Regional Manager
Description: The official ‘Save A Kiss’ music video. Taken from Jessie Ware’s album ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’. This video helped me get through COVID lockdown, and I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t try to learn all of the choreography!
Submitted by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: This cat knows how to party!
Submitted by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research
Description: Official Video for “Back On 74” by Jungle from their studio album, Volcano. This is some of the best Bob Fosse-inspired dancing ever!
Submitted by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: A hilarious “ding dong ditching” efforts goes wrong when a little boy gets caught, but he has a surprising accomplice!
Submitted by Kelly Walberg, Board Member
Description: A school teacher made a Pharrell-inspired music video with students from a Memphis school, and the video went viral across the country. You can’t watch this video without a smile, whether you’re a Memphian or not!
Submitted by Kevin Dean, President & CEO
Description: Watch some incredible makeovers in this heartwarming video.
Submitted by Candace Surface, Community Action Council Member
Description: Be prepared for this dynamic voice coming from an unexpected place!
Submitted by April Carter, Chief Programs Officer