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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

This is just the beginning!
SOCM's Lobby Day inspires

 

Dear SOCM members and supporters,   

 

The 2011 SOCM Lobby Day not only inspired, but reminded members that working for social, economic and environmental justice issues is

no short-term task. The chance to talk directly with legislators was invigorating, and members returned, prepared for the lengthy legislative season we are in the midst of influencing!

2011 SOCM Lobby Day
Members gather for a group photo during the
2011 SOCM Lobby Day!
 

Find photos taken at the event by clicking here.  

 

Highlights from the event included the highly anticipated Rally for Good Jobs, Living Wages and Our Public Services. Activists from across Tennessee - of all ages, races and backgrounds - showed up in full force. Throughout the day, SOCM members took advantage of one-on-one time with elected senators and representatives to lobby for sustainable jobs, economic security, an end to mountaintop removal and against anti-immigrant bills.  

 

With more than 50 members from all across the state in attendance, the message was clear. SOCM wants laws to be passed that improve Tennessee. Come along as we continue fighting for stronger measures to protect residents and Tennessee land. Your efforts are needed.   

 

To become involved in SOCM's Legislative Committee, contact Stacey Mitchell by emailing [email protected] or calling 865.249.7488.  

 

Sincerely,  

Your SOCM Team    

Media Hit: Citizens group forms to fight Fentress Co. 49% tax hike
Read an editorial in the Tennessean

  

SOCM's Fentress County crew continues to fight a 49 percent property tax increase, passed in September 2010. Recently, SOCM member David Beaty and community leader Kristin Rosecrants wrote an editorial regarding efforts to create a charter government. Read the article here.
More than 200 people sign petition in support of Tenn. LUMP   
Click here to sign your name to an official comment!


The North Cumberland Area Lands Unsuitable for Mining Petition received growing support during three public hearings hosted to consider the important petition in March.

Nearly 150 people showed up for a rally to support the Cumberland
LUMP Hearing, LaFollette
Attendees pack the house during the LaFollette, Tenn. scoping hearing.
Area LUMP, March 10. SOCM and United Mountain Defense hosted a press conference leading to a public hearing, one of three planned by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement at 6:30 p.m. Read coverage of the LaFollette, Tenn. hearing events here.

Another hearing took place yesterday, March 15, in Oak Ridge, the last public hearing meeting. SOCM will present a petition in support of the LUMP, signed by more than 200 people.

The North Cumberland Lands Unsuitable for Mining Petition (LUMP) would make 600 feet on both sides of the ridgelines in the petition area off limits to surface mining. Find details here.

Please take a moment to express your concern for protecting the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) through a lands unsuitable for mining designation by signing your name to a mass comment.
Walter Stark will be missed
Stark is remembered by his SOCM family

SOCM learned recently that dear member Walter Stark passed March 3. His memorial service was held March 12 at Pleasant Hill Community Church United Church of Christ.

Stark and his wife, Dorothy, were longtime members of SOCM's Cumberland Chapter. He was one of SOCM's top membership recruiters for many years and was very active in the chapter and SOCM's annual walk-a-thon. Members throughout SOCM's membership base considered Stark a friend.

Stark's enthusiasm for justice work, his community and friendship will be greatly missed.

Attend SEEED's Green Tie Event

Green Tie Event
 
 
For Knoxville members, we hope you'll consider attending SEEED's Green Tie Event fundraiser on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. This is a wonderful opportunity to support another organization doing progressive work in the community!

Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) is a green community development non-profit focusing on creating and sustaining jobs for Knoxville's urban young people, and ensuring clean energy and conservation technologies are available for low income residents.Learn more by clicking here.
In This Issue
This is just the beginning!
Media Hit: Citizens group fights Fentress Co. tax hike
200 people sign LUMP petition
SOCM member Walter Stark will be missed
Attend SEEED's Green Tie Event
  Your Community
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"The first requisite of civilization is that of justice."

- Sigmund Freud


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