Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment

The Bedford Chapter was formed in November 1999.

For its first campaign, the chapter joined forces with the Kiwanis Club to expand the Bedford County Head Start program. The campaign was a success, winning a new building for the Shelbyville Head Start, an early childhood education center, and additional funding for children, including more Latino children from families who had recently moved into the area.  The chapter succeeded in getting the South Central Human Resource Agency (SCHRA) to employ a bilingual resource person to work with Head Start’s Spanish speaking children and parents.

Bedford works for immigration reform

Bedford Co. is working to confront immigration issues on the state and federal level. The group's ongoing efforts involve legislative work and encouraging a better understanding of immigration issues in the area. If you are interested in assisting with research, attending legislative meetings, planning workshops and more, please contact Brad Wright at .

While the Bedford Chapter members moved to redefine the chapter and expand the geographical boundaries into surrounding counties, clusters of SOCM members in the Franklin County area were activated in the fight against an unwanted quarry along scenic Greenhaw Road, just outside of the town of Decherd.