East Texas is a story worth telling, and we hope you will share your perspective through the survey below. It’s built by the people who live and work here, the places that shape us, and the communities that keep showing up for each other. Since 1962, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation has had the privilege to be a part of that story. 

Together, we’ve worked to expand access to resources, deepen partnerships, and sharpen our understanding of what it takes for rural East Texas to thrive. As the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan has sunset, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on what’s been built, what’s been learned, and what our communities still need. 

We recently developed a set of core values that our organization is now using as the foundation of everything we do, from day to day to how we interact with others to what we aspire to be as partners.  The next phase calls for an ‘Operating Plan’ — a deliberate shift to highlight that our future efforts will prioritize implementation and adaptability. It’s designed to learn and adjust as conditions change and new information emerges. It will hold space for community-led approaches and data-backed strategies alike. Most importantly, it’s built on the belief that the people who live and work here and the inherent assets of our region are best positioned to identify and tackle our shared challenges. 

Conversations are and will continue to happen to share lessons and clarify what “thriving” means across rural East Texas communities. We are also examining what progress has been made and what gaps still exist. Additionally, we are considering how all forms of our capital could be utilized and aligned to serve rural East Texans — see more about Total Impact Approach Theory. From there, planning will go deeper into the distinct sub-regions within our geography, understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in each, and partnering with East Texans to meet those realities. 

We believe the people who know our communities best should be shaping this plan. If you’re a rural East Texas community member, partner, grantee, or neighbor with a perspective on what is needed to thrive, we would be honored to get your thoughts and insights on shaping our shared future through the survey below.

Onward, 

Charlie Glover
President and CEO, T.L.L. Temple Foundation