World Vision President Invites Music Row to Use Their Voice on Behalf of the Poor

April 15, 2011, Nashville, TN–Humanitarian and relief organization World Vision hosted a reception at the CMA headquarters for Music Row executives to meet World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns. For the past two years World Vision has been working to expand their successful “Use Your Voice: Do Good” campaign into the Country marketplace by partnering with artists through tour sponsorships and development. 

Stearns, a best-selling author and former president of Parker Brothers Games and CEO of Lenox China, wanted to meet with country music influencers to further the conversation regarding global issues of justice and poverty and the positive impact artists can have. “Use Your Voice: Do Good” provides an opportunity for the Country music community to join forces with one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world in an effort to combat the issues of poverty around the globe.

The event was attended by over 50 Music Row executives and was hosted by World Vision’s Nashville based team. The “host committee” for the event included John Huie (CAA), Kathy Olen (WME), Lynn Morrow (Adams & Reese, LLP) and Steve Moore (CMA), each of whom have been involved in discussions with World Vision during the past two years regarding country music initiatives.

“Use Your Voice: Do Good” has been a very successful campaign within the Gospel and Contemporary Christian touring market with more than 750,000 children in need being sponsored over the past 12 years alone. World Vision has more than 20 years of experience in touring and music business partnerships and believes the Country market is a natural fit in their ongoing efforts to help more children. Artists who have been involved thus far include Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Patty Griffin, Kenny Rogers, Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, and Jordyn Shellhart.

Stearns stated, “At World Vision we look for the most relevant and impactful means of telling the message of those who desperately need our help around the world. Over and over we have seen and experienced the power of the voice of artists like those in country music. Not only does the music have an impact, but artists also have the platform and the respect to influence significant change for generations to come.”

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.