(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) – For half a century, Tennessee Valley Authority retirees have transformed their golden years into golden opportunities for service, channeling their expertise and dedication into volunteer work that continues to strengthen communities across the region.
Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. (BVI) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of connecting retired TVA employees with meaningful ways to give back. The organization serves as an umbrella for three interconnected nonprofits: BVI, National Emergency Assistance (NEA), and Retiree Resources Corporation (RRC), each providing different pathways for former TVA workers to remain engaged in public service.
Hands-On Education and Outreach
Visitors to TVA facilities across the region are often greeted by familiar faces—BVI volunteers who staff visitor centers at Fontana Dam, Kentucky Dam, Norris Dam, and Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility. These retirees share their deep knowledge of TVA’s operations and history, transforming technical tours into engaging educational experiences.
The numbers tell a compelling story of sustained commitment. Currently, 235 active BVI volunteers contribute their time and expertise, accumulating an impressive 240,000 hours of service over the past decade alone.
Fostering the Next Generation
BVI’s impact extends far beyond dam tours. The organization has partnered with TVA to award STEM grants to more than 340 educators over the last ten years, providing resources that enhance science and technology education in classrooms throughout the Tennessee Valley.
This year marked an expansion of their educational support with the launch of robotics awards for schools and nonprofits serving young people. The initiative builds on BVI’s longstanding commitment to robotics education—they have helped send 2,100 Tennessee Valley robotics teams to competitions, nurturing the technical skills and innovative thinking that will drive the region’s future.
A Legacy of Purpose
“For 50 years, BVI has been a bridge between purpose and action, empowering retirees to make a lasting difference in their communities through opportunities with TVA, FEMA, and volunteerism,” said Kathy Black, President of Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. “This milestone isn’t just about looking back; it’s about honoring the people who built this legacy and inspiring the next generation to continue it.”
The organization’s reach extends through financial support for local TVA Retiree Association chapters and their community projects, while also providing free educational resources that help teachers illuminate the remarkable transformation of the Tennessee Valley region.
Continuing the Mission
TVA President and CEO Don Moul emphasized the lasting impact of this sustained volunteerism: “The service of our TVA retirees through BVI for 50 years has made monumental impacts in the region that will continue to pay dividends for decades to come. TVA was founded to serve the people of the Valley and the retirees devoting their time, energy and resources through BVI have made it a lifelong mission.”
Golden Anniversary Gift
BVI marked their milestone anniversary on September 11 with a reception in Chattanooga, where they presented a $50,000 donation to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This nonprofit builds and delivers complete bed sets—including mattresses, sheets, and pillows—to children who lack a comfortable place to sleep, working toward their mission that “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Looking Forward
Today, approximately 7,500 TVA retirees actively participate in community improvement projects. Those interested in joining this legacy of service can learn more and get involved by visiting mybvi.org.
As BVI enters its next half-century, the organization continues to demonstrate that retirement doesn’t mean stepping back from service—it means finding new ways to make a difference.
PHOTO: (L-R) Kentucky Dam Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. Linda and Ralph Rose