"We knew that we had an opportunity to be the difference. It is a challenge for those 18 to 25 years old currently; I need them to see themselves [in their elected officials]. They have the opportunity to be the change."

It is election season, mane! This topic is mission critical all year long, but the need for courageous conversations is always heightened during this season. We're chatting with Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs about the nuances of the job, the need activation, and where and how citizens of Memphis and Shelby County can take that action.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Previous episodes focusing on civic opportunities include: Rock the Vote: Ballot Basics 101, On The Record: Ballot Basics 102, and A Conversation with Elected Officials
• State and federal primary and county general elections are just around the corner._ _For election details and a sample ballot, click here.
• Shelby County Commissioners
• Memphis Shelby County School Board
• Five Black women advance to general election, changing landscape of Shelby County Commission
• Teach for America Memphis
• Teach Plus
• New Memphis Fellows and LDI programs
• Memphis Challenge
• John Gaston Hospital that became Regional One Health
• Michael Whaley will be the next chairman of Shelby County Commission
• Contact information for Chairwoman Clay Bibbs includes email Miska.ClayBibbs@shelbycountytn.gov and phone number 901-222-1000

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"If we're looking at long term solutions, the changes need to be within the systems that prevent people from realizing the opportunities they can have."

How would our city change if we collaborated more? New Memphis convened a series of conversations with leaders from three visionary organizations who are revolutionizing the way Memphis develops and implements solutions. Hear how these big visions for big change are coming to life and learn how you can get involved to amplify access in this week's episode!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• New Memphis Leadership Summit on August 9, 2024
• TEDxMemphis on September 28, 2024
• More for Memphis
• Slingshot Memphis
• The Collective Blueprint
• S4E18 Explore the Experiences
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You borrow things from your neighbors, and the library is everyone's neighbor. We lend you our books, our space; why not lend other stuff, too?"

They say don’t judge a book by the cover, but what about libraries? Memphis is full of unique libraries that create access and opportunity, not only for knowledge, but experiences. Today we’re chatting with Anthony Lucatelli and Jenna Pertl of Memphis Public Libraries to share about the access made possible through collaboration, specifically their Library of Things.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• New Memphis Leadership Summit
• TEDxMemphis 2024
• Memphis Public Libraries
• Library of Things
• Seed Library
• Cloud901 Teen Learning Lab
• Youth Action Council
• BRIDGES
• S4E7 "Leadership at Every Age"
• Language Learning at Memphis Public Libraries
• Cossitt Library
• Memphis Botanic Garden
• S4E16 "Not-So-Secret Garden"
• UT Agricultural Extension Office
• The Works Inc.
• S4E26 "Full Bellies and Full Hearts"
• LINC 2-1-1
• Memphis Library Foundation
• Friends of the Library
• Memphis Area Legal Services
• Memphis Shelby County Room

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.