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.
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What's happening?
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Louisiana v. Callais, Governor Bill Lee has called a special legislative session on Tuesday May 5th to redraw Tennessee district maps with a particular focus on Memphis' 9th Congressional District.
Memphis is not simply a political region on a map. It is a city with a sacred history — where the blood of the civil rights movement soaked these very streets, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drew his last breath standing in solidarity with working people, and where generations of men and women have fought, prayed, and sacrificed for full representation and full humanity.
To redraw the congressional boundaries that currently give Memphis its voice in Washington is to strike at the heart of that legacy.
Here is what is at stake:
Memphis is one of the most underserved, under-resourced, yet resilient cities in this nation. We fight poverty, crime, health disparities, and economic inequity every single day — and we need a strong, focused congressional voice that is accountable to us, that knows our streets, our schools, and our struggles. Diluting our district does not make Tennessee stronger. It silences the people who need to be heard the most.
We also want to be clear: this is not a partisan issue. This is a justice issue. This is a representation issue. This is a human dignity issue. And as people of faith and goodwill, we are compelled by scripture and by conscience to speak.
Proverbs 31:8–9 commands us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
We are speaking up. And we are asking you to do the same.
There are multiple actions you can take this week. Pick the ones that make sense for you and share these with others. Together we can Protect the South.
 
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Cast Your Ballot on May 5th
We've all heard the phrase - if you don't use it, you LOSE it. While the state legislature attempts to dilute our voting power, the best way to protect it is by using it.
If you missed early voting, you can still go on Election Day, Tuesday May 5th, from 7am- 7pm at your assigned polling location.
Make your plan to vote and bring someone with you.
Check out the Election Resource page on the MICAH website to:
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Look up your polling location
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Research the positions and candidates
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Learn about Election Protection Info
Level 1
1. Sign the Protect the South Petition
Join Tennesseans across the state joining together to send a message to our state leaders: Hands Off Our Vote!​
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2. Share the Action Posts on Social Media
Folks are looking for ways to get involved in this fight for democracy. Make it easier for them by amplifying these action opportunities on social media.
 
Level 2
1. Call and Email Elected Leaders
Call your state legislators and state officials and tell them NO on redrawing our maps.
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Level 3
1. Volunteer at the Memphis Election Day Election Hub
Tuesday May 5th
From 9 am to 4 pm at First Congo, the Election Day Hub will be alive with organizers, volunteers, and community members all working toward one goal: getting our people out to vote. At the hub we'll be:
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Texting and calling voters
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Canvassing and knocking doors
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Writing postcards
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Providing rides-to-the-polls
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We’re also organizing crowd canvassing efforts at high turnout polling locations in the Downtown/Midtown area. We’ll be meeting voters where they are, thanking them for showing up and making sure they understand what’s happening and why it matters.
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Shifts Available: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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2. Protect the South: TN State Capitol Activations
Tuesday, May 5th - Thursday, May 7th
Civic TN and partners are showing up at the Tennessee State Capitol for three days of action during the special legislative session.
Join us Tuesday, May 5th at 12 noon CT, Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th at time to be announced. Show up for fair maps, fair representation, and a transparent process.
The Equity Alliance and Memphis for All are organizing buses to go from Memphis. Save your spot at the RSVP below.
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