Tennessee is at a political inflection point. Despite rapid population growth, especially in Middle Tennessee, and demographic shifts that should favor more reflective governance, our state remains dominated by one-party-rule that has systematically suppressed voter engagement, passed extreme legislation, and created institutional barriers that prevent progressive candidates from gaining traction. The result has been a self-fulfilling prophecy of political disengagement and apathy, dismal voter participation, and uncontested elections. The consequences of continuing to do nothing will lead to continued erosion of our democracy, deepening of one-party rule, and disenfranchisement among young and diverse voters.
At Upstream, we believe a better future is possible in Tennessee. We envision a state where Tennesseans are thriving through transformative policies championed by progressive changemakers and leaders. Upstream exists at the intersection where socially-conscious civic and corporate leaders hold equal representation in all private and public industry sectors, driving governance that leads to thriving communities.
Upstream is a strategic advisory firm, founded by Senator Charlane Oliver, committed to building leadership development pipelines that train, develop, and support courageous, skilled, diverse leaders and changemakers in Tennessee. Since September 2023, we have actively - and proactively - worked to address the leadership void in Tennessee’s political infrastructure by powering institutions to lead effectively, identifying high-potential candidates, delivering campaign-readiness training, and creating connective tissue between political entities and allied-stakeholder organizations.
With a deep understanding of Tennessee’s unique political terrain, Upstream is well-positioned to offer a rare blend of political and policy expertise, cultural fluency, and communications mastery tailored specifically for Southern battleground states like Tennessee.
Your support allows us to host free and low-cost trainings and convenings for Tennesseans, virtually and on the ground, to shape the future of Tennessee.
Who We Are
What We Do
Strategic Advisement
We offer professional services to by powering institutions, political parties, campaigns, and social welfare organizations to lead effectively.
Campaign Training
Our aim is to train and equip candidates and staff with the knowledge, tools, skills, and temperament to run for office, lead campaigns, and pass bold, transformative policies.
Leadership Wellness
Our goal is to fully support change-driven leaders with the resources necessary to launch a viable campaign, stay in the race, win victory on Election Day, and govern effectively.
Upstream Boot Camp
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On May 31st - June 2nd, Upstream partnered with Emerge Tennessee to offer our inaugural Upstream Boot Camp Training in Nashville. This training was designed for anyone - volunteers and team members alike - to learn how to effectively lead well-resourced campaigns, alongside Emerge Tennessee candidates. In total, we welcomed 12 candidates and campaign staff members to complete the training.
Boot Camp Training is open to Campaign and Organizational staff and volunteers (managers, directors, coordinators, etc). Participants will have the opportunity to discover effective strategies for campaign planning and strategy, messaging and media relations, digital organizing, fundraising and budgeting, field planning and direct voter contact, as well as for advocating common-sense gun safety reform, healthcare for all, reproductive freedom, and democracy and voting rights within your campaign team.
For additional inquiries, please contact win.upstream@gmail.com.
Meet Hannah
Hannah is a Regional Field Organizer for the Megan Barry for Congress campaign. She participated in Upstream's inaugural boot camp training. Hear what she had to say!