Why should we care?
SCS’s ability to provide a quality, equitable education is being undercut by high teacher turnover and year-long teaching vacancies, as well as significant maintenance deficiencies within the schools, all of which leads to higher financial, educational, and health costs. A lack of access to wraparound services provided by qualified social workers, psychologists, and nurses inhibits the successful treatment of trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Abuse, neglect, and trauma significantly increase the likelihood of suspensions, juvenile criminal behavior, and incarceration. With a median age four years below the national average, Memphis’s population can support economic development, but only if we provide children in our community access to opportunities and support.
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Equipping people of faith and goodwill to organize communities for systemic change through collective action.
Community Listening Session: Shaping The Rustin Institute
Sat, Nov 01
|National Civil Rights Museum
Join the National Civil Rights Museum for a Community Listening Session to help shape the vision and values of the new Rustin Institute, a hub for education, interfaith dialogue, and justice-centered organizing inspired by Bayard Rustin’s legacy.
Time & Location
Nov 01, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
About the event
In 2026, the National Civil Rights Museum will launch the Bayard Rustin Institute—a new initiative honoring the life and legacy of this visionary activist and strategist, best known as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Following in Rustin’s footsteps, the Institute aims to support the vital work of Memphis’s organizing and advocacy community. You are the experts in this work, and we’re eager to hear your thoughts and insights as we design an Institute that best supports a thriving and robust organizing landscape.
Join the National Civil Rights Museum for a Community Listening Session to help shape the vision and values of the new Rustin Institute, a hub for education, interfaith dialogue, and justice-centered organizing inspired by Bayard Rustin’s legacy.
Together, we’ll explore:
What Memphis needs from a Rustin Institute
How the Institute can serve local communities
The…
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Upcoming Events
- Thu, Mar 12Trinity United Methodist ChurchWe are calling all people of faith and spirit, to pray, receive testimony, sing with one voice, and act for the dignity, humanity, and sacred worth of all people, for an end to cruelty and abuse of our migrant neighbors, and for a just and merciful immigration policy.
- Fri, Mar 13Centenary United Methodist ChurchJoin the Better Transit for Better Memphis (BTBM) Coalition for a BTBM Postcard Party! We’re gathering community members and transit supporters to write postcards to Memphis City Council in support of our campaign demands for better, more reliable public transit.
- Sat, Mar 14BRIDGESJoin our Voter Academy to prepare for Tennessee's 2026 Elections! As Memphis continues to experience the ongoing federal occupation, ICE detentions, and over-policing, it’s more important than ever to move from reaction to strategy, and that includes our Integrated Voter Engagement Strategy!
- Thu, Mar 19Location given after registrationLearn how Immigration Court works & become a Community Observer!
- Multiple DatesThu, Mar 19Idlewild Presbyterian ChurchBetter Transit for a Better Memphis, led by daily riders and other community champions, organizes and advocates for fully funded, accessible, and equitable public transit.
- Sun, Mar 22Location is TBDWant to help protect your community? Join us at one of our trainings for our Rapid Reponse Hotline! The next volunteer confirmer training is on March 22nd from 5-8 pm.