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SAVE THE DATE: SOCM's 2014 Annual Meeting
October 18 - 19
Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN
We are excited to announce the date and location of our 2014 Annual Meeting! This year, we'll head back to Montgomery Bell State Park (just west of Nashville) for a weekend of sharing, learning, and leading.
SOCM is a membership-driven, member-run organization, so our members decide the direction we take. Prior to the Annual Meeting, members of chapters and committees will go through the goal-setting process to determine what to work on next year. Then, with input from members at the Annual Meeting, the SOCM Board sets priorities for the following year. How we prioritize our work helps to determine where funds and staff time are allocated, and whether our organizational structure needs to change to support this work. So it is INCREDIBLY important for members to attend the Annual Meeting, as this is your chance to contribute to the decision-making process.
The Annual Meeting isn't all business though! It's a great opportunity for members to share their work and for us to learn from each other. Additionally, the Annual Meeting committee is researching trainers and speakers to facilitate workshops and discussions so we can learn new things and develop new skills.
We hope to see you at Montgomery Bell State Park in October. If you would like to help plan the weekend's activities, please consider joining the Annual Meeting Committee. Email Casey Self at casey@socm.org for more information.
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Upcoming Face-to-Face Committee Meetings
Two of SOCM's statewide committees will be holding face-to-face meetings this month to go through the goal-setting process for next year. If you were ever interested in joining either the E3 (Energy, Ecology, Environmental Justice) or Social Justice Committees, please consider attending these meetings.
E3 Committee Meeting
Saturday, July 12th, 1 - 4 p.m. ET
SOCM Office, Knoxville
Social Justice Committee Meeting
Saturday, July 19th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT
Hobson United Methodist Church, Nashville
Contact Organizer Brad Wright for more information at brad@socm.org or 615-355-9356.
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First of Several Cumberland County Candidate Forums Draws Big Crowd
A Candidate Forum for County Mayor, Commission 8th District, Criminal, Circuit, General Sessions Court Judges, and Circuit Court Clerk was held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 in the Pleasant Hill Community House.
At 8:30 a.m. there were homemade baked delicacies, fruit, juices and coffee
to share and the opportunity to meet more than a dozen candidates. At 8:45 the candidates not on the agenda and elected officials in attendance were asked to
self-introduce themselves which 5 did. A t 9 a.m., the candidate presentations began with each candidate asked to address five questions: 
1. Who are you, what are your qualifications, experience, education?
2. What is your platform or what do you hope to contribute?
3.What do you hope to see changed?
4. Why do you want the job?
5. Why should people vote for you?
The 5 to 10 minute presentations were conducted with graciousness and
courtesy. The 90 or so attendees warmly applauded each presentation and the
family members of some candidates that accompanied them. Some candidates had family ties to the community and a couple had stories to tell. Afterward,
the candidates were engaged in conversations and more refreshments.
 Another Candidate Forum will take place on Thursday, July 10 at the same time and place for the remaining candidates for election on August 7, 2014. In the fall, at least two other Candidate Forums will be sponsored for US, State and Pleasant Hill Council candidates.
The Forums are sponsored by Cumberland Countians for Ecojustice, Ecojustice Class of Pleasant Hill Community Church and the Cumberland County Chapter of SOCM.
Submitted by Don Clark
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Fun Times at the Maury County Chapter Fish Fry
 Thanks to all the Maury County Chapter members and friends who helped us with our Fish Fry Fundraiser in Mt. Pleasant. We served up delicious fish plates (including white beans and cole slaw) and fish sandwiches (with all the fixings) to our friends and neighbors...all for a good cause! If you live in the Maury County area and you missed Saturday's party, don't worry because we're planning another one in August. |
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Still Spring Cleaning? Donate to the SOCM Yard Sale
Board Member David Beaty and his wife Beckey are representing SOCM in the world's longest yard sale, also known as the 127 Corridor Sale, August 7-10. David and Beckey are prepared to collect yard sale items from members across the state to raise money for SOCM. If you have items for the sale, please contact David at davidbeaty@twlakes.net to figure out transportation (if possible). David is asking that all items be submitted by the July 26th Board Meeting. If you are a member of a chapter, please be in touch with your chapter's Board rep about taking the items with them to the Board meeting.
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SOCM at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
In mid-June, a great group of dedicated members attended the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN to spread the good word about SOCM. SOCM has been fortunate enough to have been invited to participate as a non-profit at the festival four of the last five years.
Special thanks to Jordan and Emma Kirkman, Amanda McCulloch, Jan Crean, Daniel Snider, and Ben Salter for doing such a great job.
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Join SOCM!
Your community needs you. |
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Social Justice Committee Conference Call
Tuesday, July 8
6 - 7 p.m. CT
Contact Brad Wright at brad@socm.org for call-in information
Cumberland County Candidate Forum
Thursday, July 10
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. CT
Pleasant Hill Community House, Pleasant Hill
E3 Committee Meeting
Saturday, July 12
1 - 4 p.m. ET
SOCM Office, Knoxville
Climate Knoxville Action
Saturday, July 12
5 - 8 p.m. ET
Market Square, Knoxville
Maury County Chapter Meeting
Monday, July 14
6:30 - 8 p.m. CT
New Hope Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant
Rutherford County Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, July 15
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. CT
Unity Church, Murfreesboro
Social Justice Committee Meeting
Saturday, July 19
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT
Hobson United Methodist Church, Nashville
SOCM Board Meeting
Saturday, July 26
9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. CT
First United Methodist Church, Lebanon
Knoxville Chapter Meeting
Monday, July 28
6 - 8 p.m.
SOCM Office, Knoxville
See our Calendar on www.socm.org for more information about these events.
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"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."
- Vincent Van Gogh
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