Memphis is built on community—neighbors who care, creators who innovate, and citizens who show up. As our city continues to grow and evolve, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to the work happening around us.
This guide is designed to help you stay informed, engaged, and equipped to contribute to the Memphis you love, from understanding your rights and local resources to finding ways to give back and get involved.
Stay Informed and Engaged
"We are a city that rises, a city that leads, and a city that defines itself not by challenges, but by our culture, innovation, and hope.”
For the latest updates on public safety initiatives and community responses, visit the City of Memphis website.
Get Involved Locally
“Memphians are right to ask what is going on and what any of this is meant to accomplish...We still have agency over our community’s response to violence and harm.”
Memphis is home to countless organizations, leaders, and advocates working every day to keep our community informed, supported, and protected. From understanding your rights to taking part in efforts that make our city stronger, there are many ways to stay connected and contribute.
Contact Your Elected Officials: Reach out to your Shelby County Commissioner to advocate for fair practices, accountability, and community-centered policies.
Join Court Watch: Participate in Just City’s Court Watch to learn how local courts operate and promote transparency in the justice process.
Learn Your Rights: Explore accessible resources available in English, Spanish, and Arabic to better understand your legal and civic protections.
Stay Connected with Local Organizations: Follow these organizations for updates and opportunities to act:
- 901 Harm Reduction
- Decarcerate Memphis
- The Equity Alliance
- Free The 901
- Indivisible Memphis
- Just City
- Justice and Safety Alliance
- Memphis For All
- MLK50
- Stand For Children TN
Phone numbers to know
Downtown Dispatch Center – 901-281-9146: Provides real-time assistance with cleanliness, safety escorts, and outreach for unhoused individuals. (Note: This is not an emergency line.)
311 or the 311 app: City services like blight, trash, potholes, dumping, and beautification concerns. Learn more.
988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline): Going through a mental health crisis or know someone who is? Call 988.
2-1-1 (LINC 211): Connects you to local resources for basic needs, family support, mental health, senior services, legal aid, and more.
Vecindarios 901 – 901-329-7979: Rapid Response Line if you see ICE activity in your community.
Make an Impact in Memphis Schools
Use Local Resources
Memphis thrives when Memphians take part. Think about the issues that matter to you (housing, education, transit, the environment) and find your place in the work.
🏡 Learn about housing initiatives
📚 Support education programs
🐾 Volunteer with animal rescues
🚌 Learn more about MATA and public transit
Attend public meetings:
- Memphis City Council (125 N. Main): 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month (open to the public)
- Shelby County Commission (160 N. Main): Select Mondays at 3:00 PM (open to the public)
Show Up For Memphis
Lead by Example: Champion small businesses, invest in your neighborhood, and model the strong, hopeful community spirit that defines Memphis.
Invest in What Works: Support proven local strategies like youth engagement, workforce development, and community-based prevention.
Be Leaders in Unity: No matter the challenges, Memphians set the tone. Stand together, model hope, and amplify what makes our city extraordinary.
Make Memphis even more beautiful: Need free recycling bins for events? Want to borrow tools or get mulch for community projects? Memphis City Beautiful can help with all of that and more!
