Community Initiative Opportunities

As part of our commitment to equity, access, and inclusive tourism, this year's summit will offer meaningful ways for attendees to give back to the Jackson community.

These optional, hands-on activities support local organizations and help strengthen the connection between tourism and community well-being. Each project is designed to be purposeful, accessible, and impactful.

Collective Art Project

Benefits: Students and youth in underserved areas
Title: What Your City Means to Me…
Location: Summit venue | Ongoing throughout the summit

Attendees will be invited to respond creatively to the prompt “What your city means to me…” through:

  • One-word responses added to a large communal display
  • Small individual canvases, posters, or note cards
  • Decorated journal covers with personal messages of encouragement
  • Letters or notes to local students

Why it matters: Art is one of our tourism pillars. It brings people together, reflects local pride, and offers a platform for underrepresented voices. This project fosters emotional connection to place and could be gifted to local schools or community centers like Briarwood Arts Center or Clausell Elementary.

Beautification Project

Benefits: Downtown residents, workers, and visitors
Partners: Keep Jackson Beautiful or Downtown Jackson Partners
Location: Designated public area near the summit site | Date/Time TBD

Volunteers will help beautify a public space near the summit—planting flowers, painting planters, cleaning up, or adding artistic touches. If selecting a space proves difficult, we could identify a wall or electrical box for attendees to enhance.

Why it matters: Clean, welcoming spaces enhance quality of life for residents and create a positive impression for visitors. Tourism and civic pride go hand-in-hand.

Food Pantry Give-Back Station

Benefits: Underserved families and unhoused individuals
Partners: Good Samaritan, Stewpot, or similar organizations
Location: Summit Venue

Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Make a donation via QR code
  • Assemble meal kits for holiday distribution
  • Learn about food insecurity through a staffed info table, and connect with like-minded organizations in their hometowns

Why it matters: Supporting basic needs is a cornerstone of inclusive, people-first tourism. Visitors who give back to local families help strengthen community ties and leave a meaningful impact.

Host a Halloween/Fall Event

Benefits: Young adults with special needs, including physical and developmental disabilities
Partners: One Hope or other local groups
Location & Time: TBD during Summit Week

We’ll host a festive fall-themed event for participants from One Hope and similar organizations. The event will include games, decorations, and treats. Attendees can help with:

  • Decorating
  • Running activity stations
  • Creating party favors or welcome signs

Why it matters: Tourism should make space for everyone. Hosting inclusive, joy-filled events for young adults with special needs reflects the heart of hospitality and enriches the experiences of both visitors and residents.

While all projects contribute meaningfully, the art and fall celebration initiatives best represent Jackson's unique spirit and values. They foster not just service, but connection—and that’s what sets them apart.