Everything we do at TAPP USA has a purpose. We decided the way we organize together must be a picture of the alternative community we hope for the world that is free of hierarchical oppression and a culture of dominance. We believe that a more holistic approach to community is circular and layered; where instead of having positional power we have layers of commitment and responsibility. Within this model everyone who finds him/herself in a layer of the circle is given ownership of TAPP and a voice to speak into the life and direction that TAPP is headed. The closer you get to the inside of the circle, the more responsibility you have not only as leaders, but listening to the rest of the community during the process.
TAPP Uganda: TAPP Uganda is at the very core of our operation. We seek solidarity with, not ownership of TAPP Uganda. TAPP in Uganda grew out of the local grassroots movements of the Church of God of East Africa. It is deeply important to us that we ask questions, and listen for guidance from our Ugandan sisters and brothers. Still the visions and dreams for TAPP Uganda come from within the local towns and villages. TAPP USA exists to surround them with support, empowerment, and intentional relationship.
Leaders: Every Community needs those people who have rooted themselves as servant leaders to the rest. These are the people who have decided not to come and go, but to give of them selves deep into the foundation. They offer opportunity of stable growth for others within our community as trust of longevity is built and sustained. With this role comes the most responsibility to be able to listen well to all the layers of community as one who encourages and empowers.
Lacey Sprunger and Scott Schomburg
Interns: Our Interns are a very exciting layer of our community. Empowered by the leaders to grow TAPP to new possibilities, the interns embark on a journey of spiritual growth, which permeates their professional and personal lives. As the interns, they are also leaders within our organization that bring sustained expertise and creativity to create a solid, well-rounded community. They hope that through their investment the rest of our layers can branch out and bloom, bringing change in their own lives and others around them.
Mary Deitrich and Matt Smith and Lauren Brake
Volunteers: Our volunteers are at the heart of our community. This organization was started with a spirit of volunteerism. Empowering, nurturing, and listening to the voices of our volunteers is very important to us. We hope that through volunteering some will enter into other layers of our communities as well. People giving their time and hard work selflessly reminds us what it means to truly serve our brothers and sisters. The leaders and interns are committed to serving the volunteers as they lead them to foster growth and change in and around them.
Supporters: Our supporters bring life into our organization. Without you we would only be a group of people who thought they had some good ideas. Only with your support and contribution are we all able to see the fruits of our labor in Uganda. Only when you decided to support the TAPP members are we able to continue this journey. It is the moving of your hearts that moves our organization forward. We have been fortunate to make relationships with many of you. Many times we have recognized the spirit of God in you breathing life into us and we are never the same again.
