Putting the needs of our children front and center - those 256,737 youth under the age of 18 who call Memphis and Shelby County home - the Ask First campaign is both a challenge and a dialogue, one that asks local businesses, faith-based organizations, community agencies, and private citizens to incorporate the campaign’s central message – “Is it Good for the Children?” – into their daily agenda, their company policies and practices, their place of worship, their schools, and, ultimately, their own lives. In doing so, the Ask First campaign (modeled on similar campaigns in metro areas such as Kansas City) takes aim at some of the most important issues our children face – education, healthcare, violence prevention, freedom from abuse and neglect – by targeting the decision-making we all make and how those decisions ultimately impact our children and youth.

Host a Children’s Sabbath!

Attention Multi Faith Communities! Do you want to know how you can participate in a Children’s Sabbath? In as many ways as you want, including a) a reminder in your worship service or prayers that each of us is called to nurture and protect our children; b) educational programs that examine the needs of children, what your faith’s writings say on the subject, and how to turn such teachings into action; c) activities that engage your congregation in child advocacy and help; d) follow-up actions that incorporate children’s agendas into the daily lives and activities of your faith based organization.

We want to highlight your Children’s Sabbath activities through our website and newsletter! To do this, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shelby County Family Day

Through Family Day at Work, Shelby County demonstrates its value for employees and promotes family involvement by encouraging children of employees to observe first-hand the career path of their parents, relative or friend along with the process and structure of the government workforce. This annual event has given children of employees the opportunity to serve as judges and attorneys in actual County courtrooms, participate in public health activities at the Memphis/Shelby County Health Department, as well as spend time with the Shelby County Mayor.  This exposure allows girls and boys to see what their parent, family member or mentor does during the work day but it also reminds them of the value of their education and unlocks endless possibilities for where their future may lead them.