Memphis volunteer opportunities

Join the court watch program

Volunteers are needed to observe the courts and learn what is happening behind the headlines. Our court watch program is a great introduction into the judicial system and how the criminal system is managed. We look for inefficiencies and trends so that we can hold the courts accountable. Our volunteer sessions are flexible and are available from 9 am to 1 pm. Email memphiscrimebeat@gmail.com for more information.

Just give an hour a week to make Memphis a safer place.

The single most influential thing you can do to nurture a safer, more productive community is get involved in the lives of at-risk youth. With just one hour a week, you can make a world of difference to a little girl in elementary school who’s struggling to read. Or a vulnerable teenage boy looking for a safe place to go after school.

Discover how you can make the biggest impact.

Four proven ways to help Memphis youth

Get involved in one (or all!) of these four key initiatives to help our youth avoid a life of crime.

Please note that to volunteer with youth, you’ll probably need to pass a background check.

Back the Blue 901

Follow and get involved with Back the Blue 901, a group of citizens and businesses who actively support the Memphis Police Department. With Back the Blue 901, you’ll better understand MPD initiatives to protect our community, including their critical outreach programs.

Follow Back the Blue

Ordinary people. Extraordinary work.

  • ARISE2Read

    Tutor an elementary student one hour a week. You’ll help them develop the literacy skills they need to keep pace with other students and not fall behind during this critical stage in their education.

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  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Memphis

    Give young people a safe, stable place to go after school. You can join in with various programs, including ballet, robotics, and tennis. And you can assist in fundraisers and special events at the clubs.

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  • Carpenter Art Garden

    Nurture the creativity and self-worth of children in the Binghampton area through artistic, educational, and vocational programs. You’ll take part in fun events like Art Garden Summer Camp.

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  • JIFF

    Give valuable time to fill the void of a fatherless home. As a mentor, you’ll help break the cycle of crime, unwanted teen pregnancies, and poverty that can result from not having a positive male role model in a youth’s daily home life.

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  • Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South

    Bring your real-life experiences and knowledge to the classrooms of local schools. As a positive role model, you can share how you achieved your goals and help students envision what’s possible for them.

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  • Memphis and Shelby County Police Activities League (PAL)

    Have some fun by connecting kids, cops, and sportsmanship. You can participate by coaching, working concessions, cleaning up, and providing support as needed.

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  • Memphis Grizzlies Foundation

    Work with the Grizzlies Foundation to volunteer with one of their many partners. With MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies, you’ll have the opportunity to find the right organization for you.

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  • Memphis Rox

    Take part in arts and crafts made with up-cycled climbing ropes. Team up to construct and maintain an educational farm-to-table food garden. Or simply pressure wash facility equipment.

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  • Memphis Youth Athletics (MYA)

    Encourage youth to get moving! Get involved with cross country, track and field, and summer programs that promote healthy mind-and-body habits and team-building skills.

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  • RedZone Ministries (RZ)

    Tutor a student after school in math, science, or English. Lead a Bible study. Transport youth to special events. Or get busy with a school beautification project. You’ll find no shortage of options with this Orange Mound-focused ministry.

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  • Shelby County Mayor’s Office Youth Court Program

    As an attorney, you can mentor high school students who are interested in a law career. You’ll help prepare them to prosecute or defend, or serve as bailiffs or jurors in real sentencing hearings.

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  • STREETS Ministries

    Mentor. Tutor. Coach. Or share the Gospel with students at after-hours block parties. With STREETS, you and your mentee might even attend Memphis Grizzlies games together.

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  • Urban Bicycle Food Ministry

    Strap on a helmet and join others as they deliver food and other essentials to some of the most marginalized Memphians—the homeless. You’ll also deliver to other individuals who are facing extreme poverty.

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  • Young Actors Guild (YAG)

    Share your passion for the performing arts with inner-city youth. You’ll help motivate, inspire, and educate them through several genres of dance, from beginner-level to advanced.

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  • Youth Villages

    Serve at Youth Villages events. Teach job and interview skills. Coordinate donation drives. Or host a birthday party. You’ll find a variety of ways you can get involved.

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Not sure which organization is right for you? Check out Volunteer Memphis. You’ll get assistance finding the one that works best for your skills and schedule.

And if you’re still not sure how you want to get involved, donate to an organization of your choice. Every penny enables them to keep the lights on and their vision for helping youth alive.