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Let's GROW SOCM!
Rewards program launches for Every Member Get a Member Campaign
Dear SOCM members and supporters, Take a look around, SOCM folks! This organization is growing. Since October 2010, we've welcomed strong activists to our SOCM roster,  | | People working together to get things done since 1972! |
working to make this state a better place to live, work and play. Remember, when we grow, we can have bigger legislative impact, community influence and a louder voice for justice in Tennessee!
We want to keep this growth spurt churning. SOCM is introducing the first ever membership recruitment rewards program for the Every Member Get a Member Campaign. When you recruit new members, you are helping ensure that others have a chance to fight for social, economic and environmental justice  | | SOCM Board member Johnny L. Farris (pictured left) was SOCM's top member recruiter in 2010, recruiting more than 70 members! |
issues. In addition, you'll now have a chance to win some very cool donated items, including pottery, artwork and more. Find details by clicking here. Every member who recruits a member will be entered to win these donated items. And top chapter and committees will win dinner made by the SOCM staff! Get started today and help us grow our influence for good in the state of Tennessee!
Currently, there are three members in the running for "top 2011 recruiter" status. These include: Bill Geissler, Noel Johnson and Antonio Perez. Let's give these dedicated members a run for their money by recruiting for SOCM! Sincerely, Your SOCM Team
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Anti-mountaintop removal bills die in Tenn. Senate
It was a tragic death for Tennessee's biggest hope for an anti-mountaintop removal bill Wednesday, March 30. SOCM members and staff turned out to show support for SB 0577 and SB 0578, known as the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act. Find a video of the meeting by clicking here. Since the bills will not move forward in the state Senate, it is likely that the counterpart bill in the House will die. To learn more about these bills, and efforts to pass anti-mountaintop removal legislation in Tennessee, contact Stacey Mitchell, stacey@socm.org, 865.249.7488. SOCM wishes to thank Sen. Stewart in his leadership to protect Tennessee's beautiful mountains and rivers. SOCM also extends a thank-you to Sen. Beverly Marrero for her consistent and dedicated effort over the years to protect Tennessee's natural heritage.
Be Inspired. The Voices of the Mountains Will Continue Fighting!
"I'm a root digger; it's what little way I have to make a living and
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| | Carol Judy attends Appalachia Rising. |
that living is being taken away from me. I don't see how they can say that there is no mountaintop removal mining here when they are taking the whole mountain and leaving nothing but a pile of rocks where no roots or herbs will grow. We mountain people need to support this bill so our home places are protected," said Carol Judy, SOCM Campbell County member.
 | Vickie Terry speaks to Joseph Pizarchik, director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
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"Mountaintop removal is very scary stuff. I go up there every day to take pictures of those mountains in my backyard, and I almost always cry when we see the smoke move up and hear the dynamite go off. I see tears in my husband's eyes watching those mountains come down," said SOCM member Vickie Terry.
"Mountaintop removal coal mining is the wrong approach to mining in Tennessee. This destructive practice is going on in our backyards, ruining our ridge tops and water quality. Please, join us Wednesday in calling for our representatives to pass this bill," said SOCM member Landon Medley.
 | | SOCM member Wanda Hodge. |
"Mountaintop removal coal mining is one of the most devastating forms of coal mining and it takes people dedicated to the protection of our precious mountains to stop it. Only by joining together in this course can we make a difference," said SOCM member Wanda Hodge.
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Take action during the 6th Annual End Mountaintop Removal Week in D.C.
Joining hundreds of people form across the U.S., SOCM members will make their way to Washington, D.C., April 2 - 6, to attend the 6th Annual End Mountaintop Removal Week! Although it seems that an anti-mountaintop removal bill will not be passing in Tennessee this year, we still have hope for federal legislation. In 2011, SOCM has a real opportunity to pass the Clean Water Protection Act and the Appalachian Restoration Act - bills that would limit mountaintop removal by ending valleyfills. But, for these bills to pass, Congress needs to hear from citizens across the United States, and that's what this year's Week in Washington is all about. What can you do if you can't make it to D.C.? If you won't be joining the SOCM train to D.C., you can still help promote these important bills. Consider the following: 1. Call your federal senators and representatives to ask that they vote yes for the Clean Water Protection Act and the Appalachian Restoration Act. 2. Call a friend or family member to educate them about these influential pieces of legislation and ask that they call in support. Find contact information here. Last year, Week In Washington brought out more than 250 people from more than 20 states. These traveling activists attended more than 300 meetings with Congressional offices. The result? The group ended 2010 with a record 173 co-sponsors in the House and 11 co-sponsors in the Senate, supporting bills that would have long-term impact by protecting natural resources. Let's pull out all the stops this year to make sure 2011 is such a success!
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Donate items for the Every Member Get a Member rewards program
Your giving will provide opportunity in Tennessee
The SOCM Every Member Get a Member rewards program is so important this year! We are excited to provide a variety of donated items that can help ensure that our hard working members are recognizes for their recruitment efforts.
Take a moment to consider if you have any items
or skills you currently have or could solicit for donation to this important cause! We are currently accepting a range of items, including pottery, show tickets, amusement park tickets, jewelry, donated garden work and more. Get those creative juices flowing and consider what you may have to offer that can get our membership growth on the right track.
Email information about your proposed donations to Christina Honkonen, christina@socm.org or call 865.249.7488.
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Permit fails to adequately limit Zeb Mountain selenium
Regional groups take action to protect Tenn. mountainsOn March 28, the Sierra Club, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), and the Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) took action to protect Tennessee streams by challenging the pollution discharge permit that allows continued operations at the Zeb Mountain mine in Campbell County, Tenn. The permit, issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, contains insufficient protections against the discharge of toxic selenium, among other deficiencies. At more than 2,107 acres, Zeb Mountain is by far Tennessee's largest mountaintop removal coalmine. Read more about this action by clicking here.
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 | | Click on the image to learn more about this exciting SOCM job opportunity! |
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Your Community
Needs You
Join SOCM today! Click on the link below and designate your donation as membership dues or mail us a check with "new member" in the memo line.
Click HERE to donate!
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"Only a kind person is able to judge another justly and to make allowances for his weaknesses. A kind eye, while recognizing defects, sees beyond them."
- Lawrence G. Lovasik
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