At Data Midsouth, powered by Innovate Memphis, we’ve always believed in the power of data to make a difference.
We began with an ambitious goal: to build a Justice and Safety Dashboard based on a dataset secured from a partner through the support of a Microsoft Catalyst grant. However, challenges in securing this data led us to shift gears. Instead, we focused on listening to the community to develop a prioritized list of datasets that reflect their needs and concerns. This process ensured that our efforts are informed by those who would benefit most.
Although enthusiasm for the project was high, securing datasets proved more difficult than anticipated. Here’s why:
1. Building Trust After Community Trauma
The tragic death of Tyre Nichols and its aftermath created heightened caution among potential data providers. Many organizations were reluctant to share sensitive information due to concerns about how it might be used or misinterpreted.
2. Legal and Administrative Hurdles
Data-sharing agreements involve complex legal requirements and extended approval processes. These obstacles slowed negotiations and created uncertainty about access.
3. Limited Capacity
Smaller nonprofits and public agencies often lacked the resources to prepare and share data in the formats needed. Even when they were willing to help, logistical barriers made collaboration difficult.
Rather than letting these obstacles halt progress, we turned to the community. Over a series of three workshops, we invited residents, nonprofit staff, and advocates to help guide the project. Together, we explored what types of data are most needed to address local challenges.
With the support of partners from the Justice and Safety Alliance, these workshops provided the foundation for a list of prioritized datasets that will guide our work moving forward.
The workshops engaged over 30 residents and grassroots partners, creating a space for collaboration and actionable insights. Each session focused on key aspects of data needs:
Workshop 1: How Might We Use Data to Make the Case for Change?
This session focused on justice and safety. Presentations, including one from Decarcerate Memphis, demonstrated the power of traffic stop data analysis in driving policy changes, such as citywide ordinances banning pretextual stops. Partners like Stand for Children and Knowledge Quest helped recruit participants and guide discussion.
Workshop 2: Identifying Data Gaps and Prioritizing Needs
Participants identified community-specific data gaps and collaboratively prioritized datasets that could provide actionable insights for advocacy and organizational strategy.
Workshop 3: Turning Ideas Into Actionable Insights
This session refined the list of datasets and explored their real-world applications, ensuring that the data reflected lived experiences and supported advocacy, policymaking, and nonprofit work.
To maximize participation, we addressed barriers by
Our success in these workshops was made possible through partnerships with organizations that brought expertise, networks, and perspectives to the table. These groups included:
These partners helped ensure the prioritized datasets were grounded in the community’s needs and realities.
The outcome of this work is a community-informed list of prioritized datasets that will guide our platform’s development. By focusing on collaboration and listening to the community, Data Midsouth is turning obstacles into opportunities.
