What issues are SOCM members working on?

SOCM members determine what issues they want to tackle in their own communities. Staff (and often other members from different chapters) provide support and guidance as needed. In general our issue work falls into one of these categories:

• Chapter Campaign (issue campaign led by a SOCM Chapter)

• At Large Issue Campaigns (issue campaign where SOCM members provide leadership, but no official chapter has formed)

• Coalition Campaign (SOCM members participate in issue campaign in coalition with other groups)

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*Click the pins to see what issues our members are working on!

Cumberland County Chapter

Energy Democracy & Sustainability

For decades, the Cumberland Chapter has worked hard to better the lives of those in Cumberland County and beyond. Recently, they have been focused on energy democracy, sustainability through green energy sources, and increasing recycling programs.

Jackson Chapter (Madison County)

Fair Utilities & Voter Engagement

Founded in 2008, Jackson became SOCM’s very first west Tennessee chapter. Since then, the Jackson Chapter has fought to give a voice to the voiceless, whether through registering voters or fighting to rebuild communities after a storm. Currently, the chapter is focused on ensuring that utility rates are fair and just throughout Madison County.

Knoxville Chapter (Knox County)

Housing Justice & Lending Equity

The Knoxville Chapter was founded in 2012 as our first urban chapter. The chapter is currently focused on housing justice issues throughout Knox County, supporting lending equity and affordable housing initiatives. In 2019, the Knoxville SOCM Chapter was part of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s massive victory and the creation of a $60 billion Community Benefits Agreement.

Maury County Chapter

Education & Racial Justice

For over two decades, the Maury SOCM Chapter has fought for people of Mount Pleasant, Columbia, and beyond. In recent years, the chapter has rallied the community around improving public education and the treatment of teachers and students. Every year the Maury Chapter hosts an Achievement Award ceremony to honor young people making a difference in their communities.

Rutherford County Chapter

Sustainability & Housing Justice

For nearly a decade the Rutherford Chapter has been fighting for a safe and sustainable Murfreesboro. One of their major campaigns has been to regulate the local landfill and to have the county adopt a Solid Waste Authority and zero waste plan. The chapter has also worked for the last three years to increase voter turnout and voter registration.

Are You Ready?

Start a Chapter in Your Community

Don’t see a chapter in your area? Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Get in touch with us about how to start a local chapter!