We're happy to bring you the debut issue of our weekly Unitarian Universalist Justice Action (or UU JustAct for short). It arrives just in time to welcome all our new congregational Social Action Chairs (see our special note to SACS below). In it you will find how congregations can take action in support of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), information on the new resource - A People So Bold DVD and curriculum that inspired the UU University Social Justice Track at General Assembly, and news about the Basta Dobbs! Campaign and Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls.
In faith and for justice
Susan, Audra, Orelia, Rowan, Kat, Rob and Meg
ACTION: Act Now to Help Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act!
On Thursday, November 5th, the Senate will hold its first hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) since 2002. We can't wait any longer for ENDA to extend basic employment protections to bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender workers in the United States.
Your members of Congress need to hear from you TODAY! Tell them that workplace discrimination should be against the law. Tell them that as a person of faith, you demand to see their commitment to justice and equality for all.
Ask them to Help Pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act!
SUCCESS: Unitarian Universalists & Friends Join Basta (Enough!) Dobbs Campaign
UUA President Rev. Peter Morales and a contingent of Unitarian Universalists participated on October 21st in a Basta Dobbs! rally and press conference held at the Massachusetts State House. The Basta Dobbs (translated as "Enough Dobbs!") effort calls on CNN to take pundit Lou Dobbs off the air. The campaign states, "Lou Dobbs uses his platform on CNN to spread myths and misinformation about Latinos and immigrants, even as his network is wooing Latino viewers. It's time we said enough (that's "basta" in Spanish)."
For full story and to sign on to the campaign see http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/151861.shtml.
NEWS: A Special Note to Social Action Chairs about Unitarian Universalist Justice Action
First a welcome to all the new SACs! Our new weekly streamlined UU Justice Action replaces the monthly SAC-News and weekly Advocacy News that our UUA Advocacy & Witness staff used to send you. Each week you will find an Action, Success, News, and Resources. Look for your weekly UU Justice Action to get information and opportunities for action to share with your congregations.
Please let your Task Force and Project Chairs know that there are also lists for particular issues - such as immigration, environmental justice, LGBT rights, gulf coast recovery and more. They can sign up at http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1272/t/4696/signUp.jsp?key=1357. And remember, they can always find more resources and information on social justice issues at http://www.uua.org/socialjustice.
We hope that you will find our new format helpful and would love your feedback. Also send us your success stories so that we can share them with our readers and help building a learning community for justice!
RESOURCE: A People So Bold: Social Justice Ministries & Theologies
Resources for congregations to deepen work for social justice
In January 2009, thirty-two leading UU theologians, ministers, and activists gathered to reflect on how congregations might be beacons of UU values for the larger world. How do we understand suffering, oppression, injustice in the light of our faith?
Out of those conversations came A People So Bold, a DVD and online curriculum materials designed for congregational use as well as individual viewing and reflection. The curriculum can found online at www.uua.org/apeoplesobold and copies of the DVD can be requested by emailing socialjustice@uua.org. The video will soon be available for viewing online as well.
Standing on the Side of Love Friday CALL: Let's Start at the Very Beginning
We continue with our weekly 45 minute Standing on the Side of Love Calls, Friday at 1 PM EST. This week, a call for congregational leaders who still aren't quite sure what it all means!
Rev. Meg Riley, Campaign Director, will share what the campaign is, and how congregations can best take advantage of the resources and vision it brings. There will be time to ask questions about your congregation's participation in the campaign and to learn from each other.
Please RSVP for the call at: www.StandingontheSideofLove.org/fridaycalls.
To Join the Call: Dial 218-844-8230 entry code 593426#
Log onto the web-cast by opening this link: http://persony100.uua.org/?meeting=3566382.
