Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement

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125 N. Main, Room 514 Memphis, TN 38103

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(901) 636-6786

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(901) 636-6796

6Program Overview

The Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement (MACE) is a multi-week course sponsored by the Memphis City Council. It is designed to connect residents with their local municipal government. MACE will enhance residents’ civic knowledge, strengthen participants’ understanding of how their local government works for them, and promote civic volunteer opportunities. MACE’s goal is to get residents directly involved in their local communities and municipal government. The Academy will ultimately prepare and activate everyday citizens into action in their communities through service, volunteerism, and leadership — beyond the voting booth.

Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement Application

Apply Now Open: MACE Spring 2 2024 Application
Deadline EXTENDED for applications: April 26th, 2024 at 5:00pm CST
Applicants selected for the Spring 2 2024 Cohort will be notified by April 29th, 2024.

MACE in the Media

Press release for MACE Applications: April 2024
WREG Live at 9 interviews: July 2021, January 2022
Council in Your Neighborhood podcast episode: Community Involvement with JB Smiley, Jr. (produced by Kudzukian)

applications for the spring 2 2024 cohort are now open please click here to apply!

MACE FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

Citizens of Memphis ages 18 and over can apply.

What do participants learn?

Participants in the program will learn about many facets of Memphis government and civic participation from the program facilitators and invited speakers in a multi-session format. Speakers will include leaders of various divisions of City of Memphis government who will share how the divisions serve the citizens of Memphis each day, and representatives from community organizations will share how they serve Memphians in varying capacities. Selected session topics include: Memphis 101, City budgeting, public safety, service opportunities, etc.

What is the format of the sessions? When are the sessions?

Sessions will be 1.5-2 hours in length. These are the dates for the Spring 2 2024 cohort: May 1, 8, 18, 22; June 8. The Spring 2 cohort will follow a condensed schedule of the program.
Depending on the date of the session, the meetings will be held on Wednesday evenings (approximately 6-8pm) and Saturday mornings (approximately 10am-12pm). The sessions will be held in in-person or virtual formats, depending on the session.

I can’t participate in this cohort but am interested in the program. Will there be more cohorts in the future?

Check back for updates on future cohort applications.

I’m interested in MACE but missed the application deadline. How can I submit my contact information to learn when the next application cycle opens?

There will be a separate cohort application for the Spring 2 2024 cohort later this spring. Please check back for when that application becomes available.
Send an email with your name, preferred email address, and request to be added to the notification list for the next application cycle to [email protected].