HIGHER GROUND
I told you in an earlier Convener newsletter that Thanks-Giving Square has no institutional political or religious ideology, and thus in these areas we have no agenda to advance. Our views are neither conservative nor liberal. We don’t prefer dogs over cats, and we don’t express an opinion on beef vs. fish! We remain neutral on most things. This neutrality makes Thanks-Giving Square the ideal convener of thoughtful, diverse idea exchange on topics of importance to our community. Watch for more programming that probes at the issues and questions of the day. Convening Conversations That Matter is one of the ways we seek to lead the way to Higher Ground.
This said, you might ask, does Thanks-Giving Square take a stand on anything? Why would such an institution deserve your interest and support? Well, we are not completely without organizational conviction. We stand firmly against hate. In fact, we hate hate! Hate is the root cause of many of society’s ills, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Working to change hardened hearts is difficult work, but the reward is great! If we can together turn the tide on hatred, we will find that our community will be prepared to find real solutions to the toughest problems that we face.
At Thanks-Giving Square, we urge all who we encounter to choose love over hate. Inclusion is our ideology. If you are a person of goodwill, then you are invited to come together with us on Common Ground, and to move with us to Higher Ground. Help us make Dallas the City of Thanks-Giving!
FEATURED NEWS
T.G.I.F. at Thanks-Giving Square
Join us at Thanks-Giving Square on Sept. 3, Sept. 10, and Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a special Friday lunch outside! A food truck from Mi Cocina, a Dallas Tex-Mex favorite, will be parked at The Square with food available for purchase. Enjoy your lunch with music in the gardens, and don’t forget to stop by the Chapel to write a gratitude note during your visit!
Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
Thanks-Giving Square will be open during our normal hours on Saturday, Sept. 11 and is available to the public for a personal visit or convening.
The Square is a community space designed for reflection, transformation, healing and growth. While Thanks-Giving Square is an available resource for the community to visit and be transformed any time, it is an especially significant location in times of tragedy and strife. We hope the community finds peace, healing and connection at The Square as we recognize this anniversary and grapple with the continued struggles in Afghanistan today.
During this time of reflection, we also encourage the expression of gratitude towards the first responders and heroes who stepped up to serve those in need on that tragic day as well as those still on the frontlines of our ongoing challenges. The community can also share thankfulness through gratitude notes on the message board in the Chapel of Thanks-Giving.
The Garden is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and the Chapel of Thanks-Giving is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
2021 Virtual Compassion Walk
On Sept. 21, join Thanks-Giving Square, Compassionate DFW, Faith Forward Dallas and the Peace and Justice Center for the virtual 2021 Compassion Walk. Held on the International Day of Peace, the silent, meditative experience unites Dallas-Fort Worth civic leaders, community and various organizations to come together to reflect on our society’s past, present and peaceful future. Participants are encouraged to take a walk on their own or with family members.
YMCA Turkey Trot T-Shirt Unveiling
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas unveiled the highly anticipated design of the 2021 Turkey Trot participant t-shirt during a special event at Thanks-Giving Square on Saturday, Aug. 7. The celebratory event featured a short program to recognize the winning artist, music, food trucks and photo opportunities with the YMCA Turkey Trot mascots.
Dallas-born Kevin Underwood submitted the winning design, titled “Speedy.” His artwork was selected from more than 30 submissions in the community-wide competition and will be featured on shirts worn by more than 20,000 entrants for this year’s event.
North Texas Giving Day
Don’t forget about Thanks-Giving Square when making your donations during North Texas Giving Day on Sept. 23.
Your donation helps fund the work we do, which involves changing hearts, minds and souls to prepare and enable the community to come together in goodwill to take action to solve the problems we can’t solve alone.
DID YOU KNOW?
Water plays a prominent role in the landscape at Thanks-Giving Square, with active fountains masking city noise and leading visitors to the Center Court of Praise with its calm pools and Hall of Thanksgiving.
UPcoming Events
Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
September 4 | 8 a.m.
Fountain Place
9/11 Day – Dallas Meal Pack
September 11 | 8 a.m.
Hilton Anatole
VolunteerNow – Voly in the Park
September 11 | 11 a.m.
Klyde Warren Park
Bryan’s House – 2021 “Pathways to Inclusion” Luncheon
September 22 | 11:30 a.m.
Belo Mansion
North Texas Giving Day
September 23
Virtual
Gratitude Spotlight
Expressions of gratitude left by visitors on our Gratitude Wall.
Partner Feature
The George W. Bush Presidential Center
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, and the George W. Bush Institute, the nonpartisan, public policy arm of the Bush Center. The Bush Center is located on the campus of SMU in Dallas, Texas, and also includes a 15-acre park, a full-service restaurant, Café 43, and a museum store.
The Bush Center’s 226,000-square-foot building and 15-acre urban park sit on the beautiful SMU campus in Dallas, Texas and offers distinctive dining and shopping experiences, as well as an urban oasis in the Native Texas Park.
About us
“The Convener” is a monthly publication of The Thanks-Giving Foundation. If you have suggestions or comments, please contact tgs@thanksgiving.org.