As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Felicia Anchor has come to understand that we live in a world where the random circumstances of our birth, location or class may have a significant influence on the outcome of our lives.  Life isn’t always fair.  As a result, she says, “I volunteer because I have no patience for injustice.  I believe it is the obligation of those who have overcome challenges to work to level the playing field for all.”

Felicia has volunteered with numerous Nashville and national organizations in leadership positions to create a better life for all of us by using her strategic planning and advocacy skills to assess community needs, educate the greater community about the challenge and develop programs to meet those needs.  “I have used my voice and organizational skills to develop networks and advocate for women, children and the memory of those lost in the Holocaust.   My priority has been to help girls and women learn to empower themselves so they make positive, healthy, constructive decisions for themselves,” she says.  “The purpose of my work with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission and the Anne Frank in the World Exhibit has been to give a face to the people who died in the Holocaust and to remember they were real people with real hopes and dreams who were subjected to unthinkable atrocities. We must never forget them.

“It’s easy to not speak up, easy to make excuses and tolerate different standards for ourselves and others,” Felicia added.  “Everyone deserves justice and dignity.  Providing justice and dignity for those who can’t speak for themselves has been my goal ever since I can remember.  I hope that my work has been a catalyst in creating a better life for all of us.”

Local organizations benefiting from Felicia’s leadership include the Nashville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, President of Crittenton Services, President of Jewish Family Services, Chair of the Metro Human Relations Commission, Chair of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission and Chair of the Anne Frank in the World Exhibit.  She has also served on the Boards of the United Way of Middle Tennessee, National Conference of Community and Justice, Tennessee Women’s Economic Council Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Nashville. She was a founding member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Nashville and helped create the “Children’s First” license plate for child abuse prevention.   Felicia is also involved in several national and international organizations.

Personal Benefits of Volunteering

Felicia says that she has gained much more from volunteering than she has ever given.  She credits her mentors who trained her with the skills to see herself as a leader, and has accepted that role with determination and humility.  Her husband has even suggested that she has received a free MBA as a result of on-the-job training and experiences.  “I feel that I am a dedicated stakeholder in working for the future success of our community,” Felicia added.

Doing Good is proud to recognize Felicia Anchor as November’s Volunteer of the Month.  Megan McInnis, founder of Doing Good, says “Felicia’s talent and executive leadership skills are as important to the success of a non-profit agency as executive leadership skills are to the success of a large or small corporation.”

Join the Conversation:  What are you doing to eliminate injustice, to add dignity and to make life better in and around Nashville?  Please add your comments.

Blog Written by:  Karen E. Williams, a volunteer with Doing Good, an organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism.  The website is www.DoingGood.tv.  Nashville’s Volunteer of the Month is a free program which educates and inspires others to volunteer by sharing stories of local volunteers through media partners.