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)
Ad Hoc Issue Campaign (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)
*Click the pins to see what issues our members are working on!
SOCM Sentinels
SOCM Sentinel's are the quarterly newsletters written by SOCM members & staff. This is a great way to get details on current work!

Q1 2022 SOCM Sentinel
SOCM Members Celebrate 50 Years of Community Organizing • You’re Invited to SOCM’s 50th Anniversary Celebration •
Jackson Chapter Update • Knoxville Chapter Update • Maury Chapter Update • Rutherford Chapter Update •
Cumberland Chapter Update: Members tour Aries Biochar Operation • Grundy County community fights sand mine
development and visits the state legislature • SOCM and SOCM Resource Project board members gather for joint retreat •
SOCM in the Lens • We’re Hiring: SOCM is hiring a Middle TN Community Organizer • SOCM members sign on to Black Lung
Letter • Claxton residents discuss extensive outreach strategies • SOCM joins allies and community members to honor
Kingston Coal Ash workers and families • Stalking the “Secret Squirrel • SOCM Board Member Doug Hudgens passed away
March 26 • SOCM hires Austin Sauerbrei as Executive Director
Q4 2021 SOCM Sentinel
Included inside:
SOCM members attend Annual Meeting
Looking towards our 50th year
SOCM members perform bond release inspection (Clearfork Valley)
Community Steering Group forms in response to Bull Run 2023 closure; multiple developments around Kingston Fossil Plant
Cumberland Chapter takes field trip to view composting operation in Sevierville
Chapter updates
SOCM mourns the death of long-time member Landon Medley
ETSU Archives is now home to 50 years of SOCM's history
Members sign on and comment about various environmental issues
Thank you Ann League from all of us at SOCM


Q3 2021 SOCM Sentinel
Included inside:
Bull Run Neighbors centers people power in wake of Bull Run closure
Asset mapping points to long-term community development planning
Chapter updates
SOCM members participate in Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Movement
A Message from Student Health Coalition Legacy Fund
Members submit comments holding TDEC and TVA accountable
Climate change: TVA move us to carbon-free, clean power!
Members participate in Alliance for Appalachia flyover
Q2 2021 SOCM Sentinel
Included inside:
STEM/STEAM campus facial recognition causes concern
Governor Lee signs bill directing TDEC to request state primacy
Chapter updates


Q1 2021 SOCM Sentinel
Included inside:
Should the State of Tennessee take over the regulations of coal mining? SOCM says no!
SOCM members demand oversight on primacy
After decades coal ash remains problematic
TVA plans PEIS on nuclear reactor technological park
Legislative Update
Chapter Updates
SOCM members work with JwJET on justice issues
SOCM members participate in bond inspection tour
SOCM and community members release open letter about stadium
Knoxville members join caravan protests against evictions
