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.
Our Issues
BTBM urges City Council to secure $50 million budget for MATA
BTBM strongly urges City Council to increase support for MATA Operating Budget- by adding $20 million to the Mayor’s proposed $30 million.
This change would: Implement 100% of MATA’s published BUT unfulfilled route schedule, Restart the steel-wheeled Main St. Trolley, Provide $10 million to pay vendor outstanding balances, Reduce MATA’s $40 million Balance Sheet shortfall, Demonstrate the City’s commitment to daily riders, the community and to new executive position, and Recognize that the City’s contribution to MATA’s operating budget has not kept up with inflation
Ask Mayor and City Council to increase Public Transit Funding
Right now, BETTER TRANSIT in the Memphis area is in a critical phase. Your support can make a great impact locally on economic and racial equity, poverty and truly making a BETTER MEMPHIS. Together, we can build on our victory in February, securing $5 million in added City funds that are preventing drastic new service cuts. Send a letter to Mayor Young and the City Council persuading them to fund meaningful improvements and hold MATA accountable for making these improvements using the link below.
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Recommendation for MPD Transparency and Accountability
In Memphis, such a database would begin to address the severe deficiencies highlighted in the DOJ report and provide much-needed transparency in MPD’s practices. This initiative represents a practical and forward-thinking step toward ensuring equitable and constitutional policing. By embracing this effort, the MPD and the City can demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability.
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Shelby County State Representatives Mark White and John Gillespie and Senator Brent Taylor are pushing forward bill, HB662/ SB714, that would strip Memphians of decision-making power over MSCS. Memphis should maintain democratic control of our school board, evening during a difficult season.
Join other Memphians and send a letter or make a call TODAY to your state legislators to demand democratic control of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board!
Better Transit for Better Memph
The root cause of our transit system is the chronic defunding of MATA over the last decade. BTBM warns that without significant funding, MATA’s current system cannot sustain its services or implement. Learn more about our work to secure increased,
sustainable funding for public transit.
Resources for organizing, legal advice, renter's rights, social security services, and more!
Heading into 2025, Gov. Lee and the voucher lobby are back again to push this scam and dismantle public education in Tennessee. With the threat of a special session, it's important that we come together to fight back and defeat vouchers again. The Education Equity Taskforce joined TN4All to stand in opposition to this scam, and address local tensions with the school board.