Channing Memorial Social Action Committee

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

2010-02-03T19:47:00.000-05:00

East Bay Citizens for Peace presents…..

Retired Career Naval Officer Embraces Non-violence

Guest Speaker-Thomas R Beall

After 25 years in the military, a retired U.S Navy Captain questions if war is ever necessary, inevitable, or just.

Friday, March 5, 2010 at 7 PM

St Michael’s Parish Hall, corner of Hope and Church St., Bristol, RI

Free and Open to the public

East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue. For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.

‘If you were arrested for being a Unitarian Universalist, would there be enough evidence to convict you?’

2010-01-24T18:08:00.001-05:00

“I contend that the Unitarian Universalist movement lives under a prophetic imperative, a religious mandate for the corporate address of the church to the systemic problems of society. I cannot prove that, I do not assert it as a divine imperative; I only feel it deep in my bones.”[i]

With these words, Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, a Unitarian Universalist minister, introduces his book The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice. Gilbert calls us, in the tradition of Channing, Ballou, Parker, Adams, and others to work together as a religious community to foster a truly just and free society by working for fundamental and systemic change of those institutions which today create injustice. Not one to simply “talk the talk”, Gilbert has “walked the walk” since the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. In the words of the Rev. John Buehrens, former UUA President, “Richard Gilbert is no mere theoretician. He is, and has been throughout an exemplary ministry of nearly (fifty) years, a practitioner of the faith he advocates: publicly engaged in religious leadership, seeking to help create what Dr. King called ‘the Beloved Community’ for us all.”

In his many written works, Gilbert explores the roots of the prophetic imperative in Unitarian and Universalist history and then sketches out a model for how a congregation like ours can embrace it. His model moves away from the traditional stove pipe approach to church programs, with constituencies for ministry, religious education, fund raising, social justice, property management, etc. and toward a more integrated approach in which the spiritual and social action do more than coexist. They are integrated into a whole to the extent that one cannot survive without the other because each is an expression of the other. Such an integrated congregation can be a powerful force in the community for meaningful social action and systemic change.

Gilbert’s is a model that will empower our congregation to embrace our core value of the Beloved Community and work more effectively for its realization. It is our religion given expression in action and it is, I believe, a blueprint for the future of our church.

We are honored that Rev. Gilbert will preach in our church on Sunday February 28th, following a program he will offer to ours and other UU Congregations on Saturday February 27th. During this weekend, Rev. Gilbert will help us answer a question I often hear asked by those who want to work for justice, “What can I do?” His experience and insight will help us to decide individually and collectively how to “walk the walk.” I invite you to take part in this important weekend program.

Tom Beall

Social Action Co-Chair

[i] Gilbert, Richard S. The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Boston: Skinner House Press, pp. 4-5.

Opportunities to Give to Haiti Relief

2010-01-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

In the post immediately below this one is information on how to donate to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee / UUA Haiti Relief Fund. The American Friends Service Committee also has established a relief fund which can be accessed here.

Both sites provide for online secure giving with credit card.

Both the UUSC / UUA and the AFSC (the Quakers) have established reputations for getting funds where needed quickly. These organizations reflect our values as evidenced by their rapid response to this humanitarian tragedy. The members of the Channing Social Action Committee urge you to give and give as generously as you can.

For the Social Action Committee,

Tom Beall

Co-Chair

UUSC / UUA Haiti Relief Efforts.

2010-01-19T22:04:00.001-05:00

UUSC is deeply saddened by the tragic earthquake that devastated Haiti earlier this week. For many people in Haiti—the poorest county in the Western Hemisphere with a society rife with inequality—meeting basic needs was already a struggle. In the aftermath of the disaster, it will become even harder for many impoverished Haitians to obtain access to water, food, and medical care.

UUSC and the Unitarian Universalist Association have opened a joint relief fund to aid the survivors. UUSC has already connected with organizations on the ground in Haiti, and we are developing plans for our response, with a focus on reaching those survivors at greatest risk of being overlooked. We are heartened by the outpouring of support that the fund has already received from Unitarian Universalists around the country.

We have heard that many congregations plan to dedicate the collection this Sunday to supporting the people of Haiti. To support those efforts, we have created an order of service insert, which provides information on UUSC’s relief efforts and the situation in Haiti. Even if you are not planning to dedicate your collection to Haiti, we hope that you will still find the information in this insert helpful in increasing your understanding of the disaster. If you need any other resources to plan your worship and donation drive, or have difficulty in downloading the order of service insert file, please contact volunteer services.

If you have any questions about our work in Haiti, please do not hesitate to contact our Rights in Humanitarian Crisis staff. Thank you so much for your support, which has brought hope in the midst of this tragedy.

Lauralyn Smith

Senior Associate, Membership Development UUSC

Step It Up/Cool AI Update # 37, 1/10/10

2010-01-11T06:10:00.000-05:00

Hi, Green Friends,

On Saturday, many of you living in central Newport may have found door hangers at your entries, informing you about free home energy audits and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge. We encourage you to take advantage of these programs. The audits are free because we've already paid for them with the Renewable Energy charge on our electric bills. So get your money's worth! www.powerofaction.com/aquidjames, or 888-633-7947. And of course, there's no charge to take part in the Energy Challenge http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/.)

If you live farther south in the city, don't feel left out. We'll get to you soon. We'll also be covering Jamestown in the next couple of weeks.

Our deepest thanks to Boy Scout Troop 3, Newport, the Rogers High School Green Team, the Neighborhood Energy Challenge Committee and the Channing Green Congregation Committee for helping last Saturday.

Without further ado, we move on to a bounteous calendar of events. (Reminder: all this information and much more can be found 24/7 at http://www.coolaquidneckisland.org/.)

Beth

Monday, January 11, 2010

Alliance for a Livable Newport's All Member Meeting

Time: 6:30 to 8 PM

Location: Newport Library Program room, Spring St., Newport

On the agenda is a discussion of the ALN Strategic Plan and a review of ALN activities that were initiated or completed in 2009. We've included time for discussion and we'd like to hear your ideas for topics for our Public Forums in 2010.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Green Drinks

Time: 5 to 8 PM

Location: Herreshoff Museum, Bristol

SPECIAL GREEN DRINKS EVENT! Join Green Drinkers from around Rhode Island at the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol.

The Herreshoff Marine Museum is poised to become a unique model for "green" preservation and education. In 2007 the Museum embarked upon a program of "greening" its historic campus and will soon break ground on a new "green" Waterfront Education and Exhibition Center.

During the evening you'll meet and hear from the Museum's team participating in this exciting initiative and others on the Museum's campus. You'll also enjoy locally produced food and drink while taking inspiration from the exhibits and stories chronicling more than 150 years of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, the America's Cup, and the people and yachts that gained fame around the world.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Door hangers - Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Time: 9:45 Am to 12 PM (followed by pizza)

Location: Channing House, Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham St., Newport

Help create the "buzz" about the Neighborhood Energy Challenge and Home Energy Audits. Meet at 9:45 AM at Channing House (next door to Channing Memorial Church) to form teams and distribute door hangers in neighborhoods in Newport or Jamestown, until 12 noon, then come back for a pizza party!

National Grid has provided the door hangers publicizing both these energy saving programs, and we need to get the word out to our neighborhoods. (National Grid is providing the pizza, too.)

Come for as long as you can. Any amount of time will be a big help! Questions? info@NeighborhoodEnergyChallenge.org.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Berm Repair at Easton's Pond - Public Meeting

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Newport City Hall, Broadway

Are reinforced concrete and steel walls the best option for repairs around the reservoir? Does the berm need to be fenced for safety? Share your opinions at this meeting. The Aquidneck Island Watershed Council encourages you to come and support your neighbors.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

An Economic Framework for Sustainable Agriculture

Time: 10:00 AM to 12 PM

Location: Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences, URI, Flagg Rd., Kingston

Presented by Michael Hamm, C.S. Mott Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Michigan State University.

If the regional population were to eat the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables, what would be the increased consumption? What share of that consumption pattern could be grown locally? How much more land would have to be in cultivation in order to produce that much food? What would be the economic impact of the agricultural expansion?

No charge. RSVP for parking: Kim Dame, Grants Manager for the Van Beuren Charitable Foundation, 401-619-5910, or kdame@vbcfoundation.org.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Hearing - Wind Turbine Ordinance, Middletown town Council

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Town Hall, E. Main Rd., Middletown

Come be heard on this important topic! This will be the second reading of the ordinance by the Middletown Town council. This comprehensive and well-thought-out document needs and deserves our full support. It's time to stop throwing unnecessary obstructions in the path of this vital technology.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Improving Our Stewardship Of Creation - RI Interfaith Power and Light Annual Conference

Time: 4:30 to 9:20 PM

Location: LaSalle Academy, 612 Academy Ave., Providence

Where are the resources we need?

A conference for clergy, lay leaders, parents, educators, business people, students and other interested persons.

A KEYNOTE PANEL will direct you to RESOURCES and PROGRAMS, including US STIMULUS FUNDS, to become more energy efficient,

Panelists: Ken Payne, Chief, RI Office of Energy Resources; Thomas Coughlin, National Grid Program Manager, Energy Efficiency and Distributed Resources; Karina Lutz, Deputy Director, Peoples Power and Light; Bob Chew, President, Alteris Inc.; Bonnie Sekeres, Executive Director, Shalom Apartments; Fr. John Codega, Pastor, Christ the King Church, West Warwick

Panel Moderator: Rabbi Amy Levin, Temple Torat-Yisrael, Cranston.

Exhibitors offering a wide range of helpful information, and informative workshops, including Interfaith Community Gardens, This Old House of Worship, Climate Change Impacts and Implications for the Ocean State, A Grateful Way of Living, Permaculture for Sustainability, and Environmental Education

To preregister: www.riipl.org/pre_register2010.htm

Suggested donation $10 at the door

Questions? info@riipl.org, or (401)267-0029.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Economical Historic Home: Energy Efficiency Workshop for the Old House Owner

Time: 12:30 to 4 PM

Location: Buliod-Perry House, 29 Touro St., Newport

How to care for your old house, protect Rhode Island's heritage, and help save the planet!

Do you love your historic home but hate the high heating bills and wasted energy? Learn how to make your old home more "green," saving money and energy without losing its historic character.

Experts will present information and demonstrations on:

• insulation

• weatherizing the building envelope (walls, doors, roof, etc.)

• wood window repair and restoration

• retrofitting for efficient heating systems

• tax credits and funding sources

• and more

Bring the kids too: Historic New England and the Newport Restoration Foundation will be providing fun, hands-on educational activities during the workshop (elsewhere on-site). Suitable for children ages 6 to 12, they will learn about colonial life in Rhode Island.

This workshop is a joint project of Newport Restoration Foundation, Preserve Rhode Island, Historic New England, and the Providence Revolving Fund, in association with Heritage Restoration, Inc and Heartwood Building & Restoration.

Advance registration required: www.newportrestoration.org/calendar/details/13042-the_economical.

Admission: $25 ($20 for NRF members)

$10 for children's workshops.

(Discounts for adults and children with Winter Festival buttons.)

Vigil for Peace and Justice

2010-01-05T22:33:00.002-05:00

SATURDAY

January 9, 2010 11 AM – NOON

Hope St., Bristol

(by the Post Office)

HEALTHCARE - NOT WARFARE!

BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!

Sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue.

For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.

A Volunteer Opportunity

2010-01-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hi, friends,

The Energy Challenge comm. is looking for some volunteers to help distribute door hangers publicizing Home energy Audits and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge in Newport and Jamestown. We plan to cover Newport this Saturday morning, Jan. 9, and the following Saturday, Jan. 16. We'll do Jamestown at a slightly later date.

We're meeting at Channing House at 9:45 to form teams and pick up the door hangers and maps of assigned areas, and we'll be distributing the flyers from 10 to noon. Then we're coming back to Channing House for pizza, courtesy of National Grid.

We'd much appreciate any time you can give us to help with this project. We have 5000 door hangers to pass out, so we need all the help we can get. If you can't stay the whole two hours, we'd be grateful for any part of it that you can do.

Please let me know by return email (to Tom Beall at socialjustice@channingchurch.org) if you can help on either or both Saturdays.

Many thanks,

Beth

Step It Up/Cool AI Update #36, 1/4/10

2010-01-05T06:25:00.002-05:00

Hi, Green Friends,

I hope you all had a merry holiday season and are off to a great start on your New Year! I gave you a longer break than I'd planned, but to those who had perhaps hoped I was gone for good, no such luck.

Here's a great way to start the New Year. If you haven't done it yet, check in at www.NeighborhoodEnergyChallenge.org, and sign up. Do it by the end of this month, and be eligible for great grand finale prizes. If you've signed up, check in and fill out the new "Get Started" page (2 minutes, tops,) be sure your "Carbon Snapshot" is done, and collect your points for December.

National Grid reports a huge increase in requests for home energy audits in November and December in our area. Remember, an energy audit is worth 5000 points on our challenge. And it's free! You'll find the link to request an audit on our Challenge web site, or on your gas or electric bill.

We were pleased to see that Newport Clean City offered a special holiday wrapping paper recycling program the week after Christmas. We hope people took advantage of it, so it'll come back next year.

Here are a couple of ideas for your Christmas tree: Cheryl Cadwell, master gardener and columnist for The Newport Daily News, suggests laying it out in your yard (perhaps stacked with a couple of others from neighbors) to provide winter shelter for birds and critters. No space? In towns with municipal trash pickup, you can put it out on designated collection days, so it'll be chipped up for compost.

Yet again, a round of applause to Aquidneck Land Trust for acquiring more easements to important parcels of land--this time on Mitchell's Lane, Middletown, and on Webster Avenue, Newport.

Does it strike anyone else as ironic that Middletown officials are questioning the effect of domestic wind turbines on their landscapes, yet giving up the fight to take down those ugly billboard$ on rural landscapes on East Main Road? And are they really considering another $trip mall on West Main Road, with the possibility of another big box?

Keep up the good green work!

Your friendly neighborhood troublemaker,

Beth

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Apeiron Sustainable Business Network Launch

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: 17 Gordon Ave., Providence

You're cordially invited to the official launching of The Sustainable Business Network of Rhode Island(SBNRI) and Press Conference at 10:00 AM, at 17 Gordon Avenue in Providence.

Please RSVP: Call 401-228-7930 or contact tomas@apeiron.org

The Sustainable Business Network of Rhode Island (SBNRI) stems from the Apeiron Institute’s mission of building a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable Rhode Island. Apeiron believes in the importance of connecting businesses to encourage local buying and producing, and believes in the importance of educating the community of businesses about their role in combatting the world’s environmental challenges.

The SBNRI is a membership-based organization of locally owned businesses, service providers and community organizations committed to building a more sustainable Rhode Island for future generations. The SBNRI provides its members with valuable resources and benefits to help them succeed in strengthening their economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Learn more about the Sustainable Business Network of Rhode Island at http://www.sbnri.org/.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

No Green Drinks this week

Time: n/a Location: n/a

(See January 13.)

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Door hangers - Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Time: 9:45 to 12 PM (Pizza from 1 to 2 PM)

Location: Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham St., Newport

Help create the "buzz" about the Neighborhood Energy Challenge and Home Energy Audits. Meet at 9:45 AM at Channing House (next door to Channing Memorial Church) and form teams to distribute door hangers in neighborhoods in Newport or Jamestown until 12 noon, then come back for a pizza party!

National Grid has provided the door hangers publicizing both these energy saving programs, and we need to get the word out to our neighborhoods. (National Grid is providing the pizza, too.)

Come for as long as you can. Any amount of time will be a big help! Can't come this Saturday? We'll be doing it again on Saturday, January 16--same time, same station.

Clean Ocean Access Cleanup

Time: 12:00 to 2 PM

Location: Taylors Lane, Little Compton

Clean Ocean Access will be performing our first cleanup of the new year. Come on out for 2 hours or 15 minutes, bring your neighbors, family, friends or just yourself. The usual suspects will likely show up with ample amounts of coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and possibly some fresh brewed apple cider! For important information, check out this link: http://members.cox.net/coa_2009/Taylors_Lane_2010.pdf, or email dmclaughlin71@hotmail.com.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Alliance for a Livable Newport Annual All Member Meeting

Time: 6:30 to 8 PM

Location: Newport Public Library Program Room, Spring St.

Please join the ALN Board for our annual membership meeting.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Green Drinks

Time: TBA Location: Herreshoff Museum, Bristol

SPECIAL GREEN DRINKS EVENT! Join Green Drinkers from around the state of Rhode Island at the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol. Details to come.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

SAVE THE DATE:

RI Interfaith Power and Light Annual Conference:

Improving Our Stewardship Of Creation

Time: 4:30 to 9:20 PM

Location: LaSalle Academy, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence

More information in our next issue.

Peacemaking - January 2010 Church Newsletter Article

2009-12-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about war and peace lately. War was my profession for many years, although in keeping with the vision of Air Force General Curtis Lemay, I believed that “peace” was my profession – peace through the deterrence of armed force. This was my calling and I proudly wore “my country’s cloth” as a United States naval officer for twenty-five years. I still believe that the United States Navy is one of our country’s greatest institutions because it is the sum of many good men and women who embrace core values that I cherish – Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Those core values informed how I led the Sailors at Guantanamo. I hope those core values will inform how I teach young children in my new career as a public school educator.

And yet, because of my professional education and experience, I have become a pacifist. I chose this path not out of naiveté or hopeless dreams but because I came to realize that there is no such thing as a truly just war and that there are alternatives to armed conflict that we seldom explore but are no less reasonable and practical. Interestingly, I arrived at this epiphany preparing one of the sermons I gave over the summer as part of the Moon landing – commemoration series. If you are interested and missed it, you can read it at: http://www.channingchurch.org/Archives/Talks/2009/07-19-Beall-We_Came_In_Peace.pdf.

Of course, this is my opinion and I know that it is not widely shared in our society and not even shared by everyone in this church. And yet I believe the issue of war and peace is the fundamental issue of our times. We cannot address the urgency of distributive injustice, climate change, or the other pressing needs of oppressed mankind until we decide how much of our scarce resources we will dedicate to war and how much to peace, to healing our planet, to healing our fellow man. I believe that, as a church, we must confront this question and decide where we stand.

A few years ago, as President of Channing, I talked a lot about vision as we worked together to come up with one for our church – to chart its course into the future. In that painstakingly crafted document, representing a consensus within our community, we pledged to be a catalyst for, “Peace, justice, and respect for all people and our planet.” How will we do that? I invite you to join me in thinking about that through the venue of two programs organized by our minister. The Peacemaking Study Action Issue series that continues following church services this month and the program offered by the Rev. Richard Gilbert in February. The times demand that we think and act now.

Tom Beall

Co-chair of the Social Action Committee

From Investors Against Genocide

2009-12-19T06:28:00.002-05:00

I received this from SAC member Beth Milham.

Peace,

Tom Beall

--------------------------------------------------------

Dear Beth,

As we reach the end of this year and the start of the next, we want to share exciting news and plans. We also invite you to support our all-volunteer organization through a year-end deductible donation.

Successes in introducing genocide-free investing

In 2009 we achieved two major victories by working with receptive companies to improve their support for genocide-free investing. TIAA-CREFagreed to vigorously engage PetroChina and other problem companies partnering with the Government of Sudan and to divest from those companies by the end of this year.

Recently, iShares, formerly part of Barclays Global Investors and now part of Blackrock, announced that it intends to develop a genocide-free, international, exchange-traded fund (ETF). For the many millions of American families who do not want their hard-earned savings to be invested in companies that help support genocide, the introduction of this fund provides a new genocide-free investment alternative and should further encourage development of genocide-free alternatives for all fund types in the future.

Over the course of the year, our shareholder campaign helped raise awareness of the problem of investments in companies tied to genocide, with proxy votes at the world's largest mutual funds companies - Fidelity, Vanguard, and American Funds. We also had a vote at Putnam. As a result of the votes, these mutual fund companies sent our shareholder proposal to huge numbers of their shareholders. Millions of them responded positively and voted in favor of making their savings genocide-free, despite the active opposition by their mutual fund, and even though both Vanguard and American Funds used misleading statements to discourage support for our proposal.

We continue to learn how heavily the proxy voting process is tilted in management's favor. Nevertheless, genocide-free investing has received as much as 31% of the vote, which is outstanding for a shareholder proposal on a social issue that is strongly opposed by management.

Looking ahead

In 2010, we will continue our shareholder proposal campaign. We will also begin new initiatives to make investors aware of the genocide-free alternatives becoming available to them. Since we began the campaign in 2007 we have believed that ultimately market forces would push companies to satisfy the desires of their customers. We hope to see more of such movement in 2010.

We are working with key members of Congress to hold a hearing on genocide-free investing in early 2010. There is a strong effort underway to force financial services companies to better address the needs of their customers rather than themselves. Genocide-free investing fits naturally within this framework. We hope that regulation will assist shareholders seeking genocide-free investments.

Please support us

We hope you will consider supporting our work. We are a completely volunteer project of a 501(c)(3) non-profit and spend almost none of your tax deductible contributions on administration or fundraising. Last year more than 99% of our spending went to furthering genocide-free investing. Click here to donate. We also continue to seek volunteers to submit shareholder proposals to their mutual funds. Click here to learn more.

Thanks in advance for your support. We'll keep you posted as we progress next year.

Eric, Susan, Bill and Mary

on behalf of the Investors Against Genocide Team

To Be a Peacemaker, One Must Be Informed!

2009-12-16T14:06:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,

As a retired naval officer, I was a "national security professional" for twenty-five years. During that time, the Navy provided me with graduate education at both the Naval Postgraduate School and Naval War College that gave me insights that have ultimately informed my decision to embrace pacifism and be a peacemaker.

You need not have this expensive education, however, to inform yourself of national security issues - in order to engage in the public policy debate as an informed peacemaker. There are a number of resources available to you online to include:

1. The National Security Archive, a program of George Washington University, is, "...an independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University, the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The Archive also serves as a repository of government records on a wide range of topics pertaining to the national security, foreign, intelligence, and economic policies of the United States. The Archive won the 1999 George Polk Award, one of U.S. journalism's most prestigious prizes, for--in the words of the citation--'piercing the self-serving veils of government secrecy, guiding journalists in the search for the truth and informing us all.'"

2. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has, since 1945, informed, "...the public about threats to the survival and development of humanity from nuclear weapons, climate change, and emerging technologies in the life sciences. Through an award-winning magazine, our online presence, and the Doomsday Clock, we reach policy leaders and audiences around the world with information and analysis about efforts to address the dangers and prevent catastrophe.

3. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is, "...an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public."

4. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "...is the world´s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies."

5. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), "...is a practical expression of the faith of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice, it seeks in its work and witness to draw on the transforming power of love, human and divine." AFSC publishes a number of works on peacemaking, pacifism, violence in our society, and violence around the world to offer an informed, alternative perspective on issues of violence and justice, war and peace.

6. The UU Peace Ministry Network (UU Peacemakers), whose mission is, "...to institutionalize this energy (for peacemaking) at the national level to encourage a culture of peace within our families, our association, our communities and throughout the world." They offer a variety of resources for interested Congregations.

There are many others which I hope to provide from time to time or you can discover yourself through these web sites.

Tom Beall
Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee

From "Standing on the Side of Love"

2009-12-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

Just moments ago, the Council of the District of Columbia took an historic stand for love. By an 11-2 margin, council members voted to legalize marriage for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. Marriage equality is coming to the nation's capital!

Please take a moment to send a note of gratitude to the 11 council members who took this nation one step closer to full equality.

It was thrilling to be present in the Council chambers as history was being made. When the vote was announced, people shouted and wept for joy. Friends, this is what it feels like to stand on the side of love.

I want to thank so many of you for your messages of support and solidarity in recent months. You understand that what happens in the nation's capital has significance far beyond D.C.'s borders. Further, you recognize that in D.C. we are changing the national debate on marriage equality, showing that this issue need not divide us. People of color and white people, people of faith and secular people, can all stand together on the side of love.

The Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) Campaign made a big impact here in DC, providing our interfaith coalition with a slogan to rally around, supporting our media outreach, and helping us go viral with video. Thanks to everyone across the nation who has helped support the SSL campaign, our efforts are making history.

Of course, the struggle for marriage equality in DC is not over yet. After Mayor Adrian Fenty signs the bill, the United States Congress has 30 legislative days to veto it. We hope that the U.S. Congress will respect the sovereignty of the elected leaders of the District of Columbia and stay out of our affairs. If we need your support on that front, we'll be sure to reach out. But today, it is time to celebrate.

Please send a personal note to the D.C. City Council to express what this victory means to you.

Love,

Rob

Environmental Justice News from UU Justice Action Network

2009-12-16T13:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends of Environmental Justice,

The world has turned its attention to climate change for the moment, with two weeks of discussions and negotiations happening right now in Copenhagen. Let us do what we can to inform ourselves and take action to protect our planet for future generations and to support those most affected by the climate change already occuring. We are blessed to have such an opportunity to shape the future. Happy Holidays!

In This Issue:

Climate Change -- UUSC, UUMFE, UUA

The Human Right to Water -- UUSC

Environmental Justice News is a collaborative effort between:

UU Ministry for the Earth

UU Service Committee

UUA's Green Sanctuary program

UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy

In faith,

Rowan Van Ness

Program Associate for Environmental Justice

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Climate Change -- Updates from UUSC, WOA, and UUMFE

ACTION: Dial Down Climate Change: Obama in Copenhagen [WOA]

The UN COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is nearing a close, and President Obama is expected to go to Copenhagen on Friday, 12/18. He's planning on negotiating for emissions reductions in the range of 17% below 2005 levels (4% below 1990 levels), which is simply not enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change. As he said himself in his Nobel Peace Prize speech, "there is little scientific dispute that if we do nothing, we will face more drought, famine and mass displacement," and the impacts of climate change most adversely affect those with the least power to do something about it. We need to join our partners and tell the Administration how important it is for the US to Dial Down Climate Change!

ACTION: Stand Up for Climate Justice [UUSC]

The disruption caused by climate change affects all of us, but the people who are feeling these impacts most profoundly did little to cause them. They are street vendors in Kenya who are grappling with the instability of crop failures and rising food prices. They are women in Darfur who must walk further and further away to collect firewood. You can help address this injustice by supporting UUSC partners to ensure a safer, healthier tomorrow. See how you can support international efforts of grass roots organizations who are working on climate justice.

RESOURCE: Human Rights and Climate Change [UUSC]

People around the world are looking to Copenhagen for significant change in climate change policy. Grassroots organizations from around the world are mobilizing to impact the talks to tip them more toward climate justice. UUSC partner Asia Pacific Research Network began a "people's movement" for more just climate policy last year - culminating in the "People's Protocol on Climate Change" with far reaching aspirations. Human rights defenders are also mobilizing to engage the UN Human Rights Council in their initiative to address the nexus of climate change and human rights. Become familiar with the human rights issues related to climate change and monitor the UN process - help human rights defenders around the world by including human rights in your efforts to create climate justice.

NEWS: Vigils for Survival & Sounds of 350 [UUMFE]

UUs joined people from around the world in a weekend of climate action during COP-15, the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. UU Ministry for Earth supported candlelight "Vigils for Survival" around the world on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12. On Sunday, Dec. 13, faith communities "sounded out" the 350 call to action through ringing bells, beating drums, and making all kinds of noises 350 times. Visit UU Ministry for Earth for more information.

NEWS: Blogging from Copenhagen [WOA]

Several UUs are in Copenhagen right now for the Climate Change Conference, and are blogging about their experiences. Check out the Inspired Faith, Effective Action blog to read their reflections.

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(2) The Human Right to Water -- Update from UUSC

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes Human Right to Water Bill (AB 1242)

NEWS: Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the historic state wide human right to water bill in California at the last hour on October 11th - but did sign four other water justice bills, due in part to the pressure from UUs on the bill. See the governor's message (PDF). UU Legislative Ministry of California and UUSC members worked to make this historic legislation a reality. See information about AB 1242.

NEWS: UUSC briefs the UN Independent Expert on the Human Right to Water and Sanitation

UUSC, the Religious Working Group on Water, and ally Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, held a briefing about the human right to water in the United States for Ms. Catarina De Albuquerque, the UN Human Rights Council Independent Expert on the Human Right to Water. See the full briefing and the IE's comments.

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(3) Food Justice -- Update from Green Sanctuary

A Thriving Ministry of Local Foods - UU Rockland, ME Fishing has always been a traditional way of life in coastal Maine. For generations, fishing was plentiful and fishermen could count on selling their catch locally. Over time, stocks plummeted due to over-fishing and competition from global markets caused prices to decline. When the price of fuel soared the profit margin for local fishermen narrowed even further. The downturn in fishing took its toll on communities, schools could no longer survive and villages faced extinction.

Several local non-profits worked together to sustain the endangered fisheries. As a result of a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the Green Sanctuary team at UU Rockland started one of the nation's first Community Supported Fisheries (CSF). The creation of the CSF led to the creation of additional CSFs in Maine and fishing communities from around the world have been contacting the MFA to see if they can replicate the model. The CSF partnership has played a seminal role in helping to sustain the local fishing fleet, spreading the word about the importance of buying locally, and the fishermen and CSF members share a bond and common goal of the restoration of a vibrant fishery along coastal Maine. More information about UU Rockland's ministry of local foods is on the Congregational Stewardship blog.

A Good Peacemaking Resource

2009-12-14T06:48:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,

I came across a resource sponsored by Eastern Mennonite University (the Mennonites, as I understand them, are a peace church). You might take a look. This group has published a number of policy papers and put forth a number of ideas on realistic, pragmatic alternatives to the use of military power as well as the implications of the continued use of our military power that are worth taking a look at.

http://www.3dsecurity.org/Mission

http://www.3dsecurity.org/learn

Tom Beall

Co-chair of the Social Action Committee

From Cool Aquidneck Island

2009-12-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Two priority reminders!

Greetings from frizzly Seattle! I'll be attending a 350.org Candlelight Vigil here, tonight.

Back home, Salve Regina's faculty and staff environment committee is hosting a vigil in tonight in Washington Square at 6:30. Please go, and help tell the leaders in Copenhagen that we need real action now!

And Saturday morning, after thinking globally last night, take a couple of hours to act locally to help lower energy consumption. Help us distribute door hangers in Newport and Jamestown, informing residents of both National Grid's home energy audit program, and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge.

Details: Meet at 9:45 AM in the Channing Memorial Church Parish Hall, the gray building behind the sanctuary. (Channing is on Pelham St., Newport, next door to the Elks' Lodge, and across from the Old Mill in Touro Park.)

You'll be given a map for the area to visit, and you'll hang door tags from 10 AM to 12 noon. (Important reminders: Don't put any in mailboxes--that's a violation of federal law! Don't open any doors. Just hang the tags as best you can.

At noon, return to Channing Parish Hall for a pizza fest!

And thank you! Sorry to miss all the fun.

Beth

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

2009-12-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

VIGIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

SATURDAY

December 12, 2009 11 AM – NOON

Hope St., Bristol

(by the Post Office)

HEALTHCARE - NOT WARFARE!

BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!

Sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue. For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.

From the American Friends Service Committee

2009-12-11T13:47:00.000-05:00

Here are holiday treats for you, featuring a solution for last-minute holiday shopping, videos that share personal stories from those encountering a new land, resources for peacebuilding for Afghanistan, and a video slideshow of glimpses from a Friends Meeting’s fair to support AFSC. We hope you enjoy them!

From all of us at the American Friends Service Committee, we wish you a happy, peaceful, and healthy holiday season. We deeply appreciate your support.

Learn more

Simple Gifts – AFSC’s Gifts with Heart and Hope

Have some people on your holiday list who are hard to shop for? Simplify your giving and give a gift that supports AFSC’s programs for peace, justice, and human dignity. For every Gift with Heart and Hope, you receive a holiday card to notify your loved ones that a gift has been made on their behalf.

Give a Gift with Heart and Hope today.

Immigration Stories

One weekend last October, ten people — immigrants and their allies — embarked on a 72 hour marathon of sharing stories, learning production techniques and creating works of media art. The ten short digital stories that they produced are a moving mosaic of immigrant experience in the U.S. This week, the stories will have a gala premiere at a theater in Denver. You can also watch them on AFSC’s web site: http://www.afsc.org/ImmigrantsRights/.

How to End the War in Afghanistan

Last week, AFSC’s Wage Peace: Afghanistan campaign held a strategy call with more than 100 peace supporters across the country. You can listen to the call recording online to learn more about the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and what you can do in your community to end the war. Our web page also has resources about the cost of war in Afghanistan and better ways to build peace.

To listen or find out more visit us online

A Fifty Year Tradition of Support

Every year since 1952, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Kennett Friends Meeting in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, has put on a “Quaker Fair” to benefit AFSC. Selling homemade foods, pony rides and other items, they have raised thousands of dollars for AFSC’s work. Watch a short slide show about this year’s Quaker Fair. We are most grateful to these Friends and to others such as Gwynedd Friends Meeting (Pennsylvania), who hosted a recent volunteer-run “Recycle” holiday sale of donated items that raised more than $6,000 for AFSC.

See you on Facebook?

Become a ‘fan’ of AFSC on Facebook to receive more updates about peace and justice and learn even more about what we’re doing. Follow this link to see AFSC on Facebook.

From the American Friends Service Committee

2009-12-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

The American Friends Service Committee, on behalf of Quakers performing international service, is the 1947 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Send a letter to the editor now.

Today, President Barack Obama has also been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We congratulate him for the award and hope that he works to build a legacy of peace and justice.

Sadly, this moment for celebrating peacemaking is diminished, since last week Mr. Obama announced his decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. This prolongs a failed policy of pursuing military intervention more than diplomacy and reconstruction.

Help us spread the word that the pro-peace majority in this country does not support an escalation in Afghanistan.

With many of us focused on the poor economy and the healthcare debate in Congress, opposition to this decision is not getting the airtime it deserves.

We can use the opportunity of Mr. Obama’s acceptance of the prize today as an opportunity to let our neighbors know that there are better alternatives to war.

Please write a letter to the editor today to let your community members know that instead you support a clear timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, badly needed development aid by civilian-led organizations not the military, and a redirect of the more than $44 billion spent yearly on war funding to human needs in Afghanistan and at home. Letters to the editor are still one of the most important ways that Congressional offices judge public opinion.

We have a good opportunity today to make our call for peace visible. Please take a minute and use our online system to email your local newspaper.

Thank you for continuing to help us wage peace,

Peter Lems and Mary Zerkel

P.S. If you are on Facebook, show your opposition to war by changing your profile photo to the graphic above. See more on our Postcards to Obama Facebook initiative.

From Standing on the Side of Love

2009-12-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

At its best, this is a season of generosity, peace, and most of all, love. It is a time to reconnect with our loved ones and strengthen our communities' bonds. From the Thanksgiving table to the final seconds of 2009, we are expected to treat our neighbors with the utmost respect and love. Thankfully, this time around, the season of love does not have to end on January 1st.

On February 14th, we will reimagine Valentine's Day by celebrating National Standing on the Side of Love Day. Congregations across the nation will participate in a day of worship and practice works of love.

Get more information and register your interest here.

National Standing on the Side of Love Day empowers each congregation to take action on issues that matter locally, and to pursue strategies that are effective and meaningful to each. We also ask for three simple things from you. Take a picture of you standing on the side of love, send us the picture, and take a collection to provide this campaign with essential resources to effect positive social change and justice in your community.

I know this is a busy season, so I thought I'd give you a heads up about Valentine's Day Reimagined before December flies by. In the weeks ahead, I have two office parties, a Hanukkah party, and then I'm off to Minnesota to spend solstice and Christmas with my fiancé's family. As I remember the many blessings in my life during this season, the privilege of managing this remarkable campaign and working with all of you will be at the top of my list (and I'll be checking it twice).

Get more information about National Standing on the Side of Love Day and register your interest here.

Love,

Adam

From Rev. Jim Wallis of Soujourners

2009-12-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

Rediscovering Values: A Book I Didn’t Plan to Write

I am an Evangelical Christian. What does that mean? In part, I believe that Christmas, the celebration of Christ’s birth, is good news. Not just to me or my family or those that think or believe just like me, but for everyone. Last Christmas was tough for many families in our country, and this year will be the same for many more. There are few families that will not be touched in some way by the Great Recession. It might be a relative laid off, a friend’s house nearing foreclosure, or uncertainty at your workplace. In the midst of it all, families across the world -- along with Joy and I and our boys -- light Advent candles each night and wait with great anticipation for Christmas morning -- but we also engage in preparation.

Preparation for the good news. Because there is good news. Two thousand years ago, in a land under the rule of foreign occupiers, a baby was born to a virgin to bring hope and give light to a world in desperate need. That fact is still good news today; it’s the reason why, in the midst of economic uncertainty, we prepare, we anticipate, and we celebrate. It is because of this hope that I do the work I do and that I write you today.

I have written a new book -- one I didn’t expect or plan to write, but one that simply emerged as we were seeking to respond to the economic crisis that has gripped the nation and the world. I wrote it as a tract for the times, and it’s titled Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street -- A Moral Compass for the New Economy. It will be released by Simon & Schuster in January and is available now for pre-orders.

This recession presents us with an enormous opportunity to rediscover our values -- as people, as families, as communities of faith, and as a nation. It is a moment of decision we dare not pass by. We have forgotten some very important things, and it’s time to remember them again. Yes, we do need an economic recovery, but we also need a moral recovery -- on Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street. And we will need a moral compass for the new economy that is emerging.

The Great Recession that has gripped the world, defined the moment, and captured all of our attention has also revealed a profound values crisis. Just beneath the surface of the economics debate, a deep national reflection is begging to take place and, indeed, has already begun in people’s heads, hearts, and conversations. The questions it raises concern our personal, family, and national priorities; our habits of the heart; our measures of success; the values of our families and our children; our spiritual well-being; and the ultimate goals and purposes of life -- including our economic life.

Underneath the public discourse, another conversation is emerging about who and what we want to be -- as individuals, as a nation, and as a human community. By and large, the media has missed the deeper discussion and continues to focus only upon the surface of the crisis. And most of our politicians just want to tell us how soon the crisis can be over. But there are deeper questions here and some fundamental choices to make. That’s why this could be a transformational moment -- one of those times that comes around only very occasionally. We don’t want to miss this opportunity.

The economic tide going out has not only shown us who was “swimming naked,” as Warren Buffett put it, but it has also revealed that no invisible hand behind the curtain is guiding our economy to inevitable success. It is a sobering moment in our lives when we can see our own thoughtlessness, greed, and impatience writ large across the global sky. And it is a good time to start asking better questions.

The book suggests we have been asking the wrong question: “When will this crisis end?” It seeks to replace that with the right question: “How will this crisis change us?” The book is about the moral recovery which must accompany the economic recovery, and suggests that we must not go back to business as usual; rather, we need a new normal. The new book is about the values questions that are at the heart of how we got into this crisis, and are critical to getting us out of it. It describes the maxims that overtook us -- Greed is Good, It’s All About Me, and I Want it Now -- values that wreck economies, cultures, families, and even our souls. Instead it calls for a return to new/old virtues like Enough is Enough, We’re In It Together, and evaluating our decisions by their impact on the Seventh Generation out.

It also calls for a conversion of our habits of the heart to a clean energy economy, a family values culture, and a new meaning for both work and service. It suggests that, spiritually, the market had become god-like, and that restoring proper worship even means recognizing the limits of the market. The book describes how our many religious traditions contain many valuable correctives to this economic crisis that has spun out of control. It describes how the recent narrative of banks, bailouts, and bonuses has all the makings of a bad morality play. And it ends with 20 “moral exercises” that offer a values audit of our personal, family, community, financial, and social life.

Could there be some good news in, through, and even because of this Great Recession? Maybe so, if it becomes the opportunity to rediscover some important things that we somehow lost, but now might find again.

From Unitarian Universalist Justice Action

2009-12-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

As we enter in earnest into the winter holiday season, we wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, which begins tomorrow at sundown.

In faith and for justice

Rob, Susan, Audra, Orelia, Rowan, Kat and Meg

ACTION: Reflecting on Who are our Neighbors?

As we prepare for the holidays and spending time with our families, let us be mindful that many immigrant families are being separated by detentions and deportations. The UUA is working for reform of our broken immigration system and we expect legislation to be introduced in 2010 that we will be asking you to support.

In preparation for all out advocacy it's important to know who the immigrants are in our communities. We are encouraging UU congregations to find out more about your neighbors. What are your relationships? Does your congregation offer "welcome to the stranger?" See Welcoming Our Neighbors: A UU Guide to Immigrant Justice for ideas. (Note: this will be updated in Jan with information on new legislation.)

SUCCESS: Stop Stupak Rally

Last week, Unitarian Universalists joined over 1,000 protesters from across the nation to rally and lobby their Members of Congress against the Stupak and Nelson Amendments, which would effectively eliminate abortion coverage in the proposed insurance exchange. Those who could not come to Washington, D.C. made phone calls, signed online petitions and wrote letters to their elected officials asking them not to take away insurance coverage that most women have today. During yesterday's debate on the Senate floor, Senator Barbara Boxer read the names of 13 religious organizations, including the UUA, when she entered our coalition's letter opposing the amendments into the official record. The Nelson Amendment, which was defeated yesterday in a 54-45 vote, will not appear in the Senate health reform bill. Thank you to everyone who has contacted your members of congress so far. We will continue to speak out against the Stupak Amendment, which could still pose a threat to women's reproductive rights if included in the final health care bill. Learn more at http://www.stopstupak.com./

NEWS: UUs Support Justice in the Tomato Fields

UU congregations in southwest Florida cluster and interfaith allies are working together with Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) in stopping slavery and poverty in the tomato fields. Their current action is focused on getting Publix Supermarkets to come to the table to talk about the tomatoes they buy.

See Rev. Allison Farnum, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church in Ft. Myers, FL, report on the Dec 6th CIW Walk for Farmworker Justice, Dignidad: Standing on the Side of Farmworkers! on the Standing on the Side of Love blog. As Rev. Farnum points out this work is part of our association's commitment to study and act upon ethical eating and to stand on the side of love.

RESOURCE: SSL Grants for Congregations - Apply Now!

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has set aside $25,000 to be made available as matching grants of $500-$1,500 to UU congregations participating in the Standing on the Side of Love campaign. SSL matching grants will support UU congregations mobilizing at critical times, using social networking and coalition building to take action in a broad range of arenas where people are excluded, oppressed, or attacked based on real or perceived identities.

To apply, complete an SSL Application (PDF) (Word) and send to love@uua.org. Applications are an EZ form and are distributed on a rolling basis (about a two week turn around time).

SSL Web-Cast Calls: in 2010 - Organizing for Feb 14th

The Standing on the Side of Love campaign has a new schedule for 2010 that we will post monthly. In January, join SSL staff and congregational leaders to learn about how your congregation can participate in National Standing on the Side of Love Day, Feb 14th, where we reimagine Valentine's Day.

On this day, congregations across the nation will participate in a day of worship and practice acts of love. National Standing on the Side of Love Day empowers each congregation to take action on issues that matter locally, and to pursue strategies that are effective and meaningful to them.

Join us for two planning meetings: Wednesday, Jan. 13th, 1 pm (EST) and Wednesday, Jan. 20th, 8 pm (EST). More details to follow.

These web-cast conference calls are 45 min. in length. For more information, go to http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/ssl-webcast-calls/. (Please note the new url.)

"Unitarian Universalists Walking the Talk": Congregational Action and Social Justice with the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert

2009-12-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

The Rev. Amy Freedman, Parish Minister of Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Newport, RI has arranged with the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, one of the true visionaries today in the UU movement, for a weekend program and service entitled "Unitarian Universalists Walking the Talk". You can find information about this program at http://www.channingchurch.org/walkthetalk/.

I personally have been inspired by Rev. Gilbert's vision for the UU church as articulated in his book, The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice. I hope you will join Linda and me in registering for and participating in this important program.

Tom Beall
Social Action Chair
Channing Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation

From American Friends Service Committee: Wage Peace in Afghanistan

2009-11-19T14:10:00.000-05:00

Action Needed:

Your call can stop the government from sending more troops to Afghanistan.

Now is a critical time to make your voice heard.

Call the White House comment line today and say you are opposed to sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. The comment line number is 202-456-1111.

In the coming week, President Obama will likely be making a decision about the role of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He has rejected the current proposals for additional troops until there is an exit strategy. We believe this is a good sign, and we need more — a decision not to send more troops to the region and to deescalate the war.

The decision will have a dramatic effect on the future of Afghanistan and the stability of the region. This is the moment when we can have an impact.

If you only take one action for peace this year, please make this phone call to the White House today. Tell them you’d like the administration to put these elements into their Afghanistan plan.

White House comment line:
202-456-1111

No additional troops to Afghanistan.
A timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and for diplomacy and dialogue with all parties to the conflict, without preconditions.
Badly needed development aid provided, to be coordinated by civilian-led organizations, not the military.
Redirect the more than $44 billion spent yearly on war to supporting real human needs in Afghanistan and at home.

Help President Obama make the best decision on Afghanistan. Please take a moment and make your call today.

Wage peace,

Peter Lems and Mary Zerkel
American Friends Service Committee

P.S. Thanks to the more than 400 of you, we have gathered many comments and virtual postcards to Obama on Facebook. But we could always use more. See the photos, write a comment, and join the group on our Facebook site today.

Visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photos&gid=204795041210.

From the Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners

2009-11-18T09:45:00.001-05:00

It has been eight years since the United States military began operations in Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I know you join me in lamenting the suffering, violence, and death on both sides of the conflict. Our scriptures and history teach us that war is not the answer to building the peace and security we are striving for in this world.

I’ve joined with other faith leaders in sending an open letter to President Obama, urging him to build a new strategy in Afghanistan that leads with bold humanitarian aid and development instead of more military escalation. Will you join me?

Tell President Obama: We need a whole new approach in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, the options being debated are far too narrow and are unlikely to bring the peace and stability we so desperately need to end this war.

The two strategies contending for prime time - counterinsurgency, requiring a substantial escalation of troops, and counterterrorism, relying on precision targeting technology to apply military pressure on the most dangerous operatives, often at the expense of civilian lives - don't address the deep moral and practical issues we face in Afghanistan.

There are many moral concerns at stake in President Obama’s decision: legitimately protecting Americans from further terrorism, protecting the lives of our men and women in uniform, protecting the Afghan people from the collateral damage of war, defending women from the Taliban, and genuinely supporting democracy - to name a few.

Focused and effective humanitarian assistance and development can no longer be an afterthought. They must be central to any strategy the U.S. government puts forward. The president must choose nonmilitary strategies to lead the way, rather than the other way around, which often just makes aid and development work another weapon of war.

Tell President Obama: More war will not bring peace.

We know what can rebuild a broken nation, inspire confidence, trust, and hope among its people, and most effectively undermine terrorism: massive humanitarian assistance and sustainable economic development.

And it costs less - far less - than continued war. The Congressional Research Service has said it currently costs about $1 million per U.S. soldier, per year in Afghanistan.

We all share in responsibility for a war that has been waged in our names and with our tax dollars. Join me and many faith leaders across our country in praying for the president as he considers a new strategy in Afghanistan.

After you pray, sign our letter to President Obama urging his serious consideration of a humanitarian and diplomatic surge, instead of more military options. We'll make sure it gets to the White House.

Blessings and peace,

Jim Wallis

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #33, 11/15/09

2009-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, Green Friends,

(I always hear the voice of Kermit when I type that greeting. Appropriate, since this is the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street.)

A very important meeting coming up on this Thursday night, November 19. It's of crucial importance to all customers of the Newport Water Department, no matter where we live. Come ask the Newport City Council and the Utilities Department essential questions about the planned U-V installation at Easton's Beach. See the write-up in the calendar, below.

And yet another reminder that http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/ is open for business. Come visit, and sign on to save energy and money and earn prizes!

As we learned in science classes, trees sequester carbon, and Newport is blessed with a fabulous collection of them. The Newport Tree Society has updated its web site, and has initiated its first Newport Tree Walk, a one-mile self-guided tour starting at Washington Square. Learn more about the organization and the walk at http://www.newporttreesociety.org/.

Recently, a friend forwarded an email with advice, credited to Andy Rooney, about ways to stop telephone and mail solicitations. As is my habit, I checked it out on Snopes.com. As usual, not only did the advice not come from Andy Rooney, the recommendations do not work. Instead, Snopes recommends the following strategies:

To stop phone solicitations, sign on to the National Do Not Call Registry: www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

To stop most direct mail solicitations, go to the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html

To stop most unsolicited credit card and insurance offers, go to the Opt Out service offered by the four major credit rating companies: www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi. (You can opt out permanently or for five years, and you can return to opt in, if you choose to.)

Beth

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Energy Efficiency Opportunities for your Business

Time: 12 to 2 PM

Location: Newport County Chamber of Commerce, 35 Valley Rd., Middletown

Increasing Your Bottom Line Through Energy Savings.

Presented by Energy Action: Aquidneck Island & Jamestown, A National Grid Community Initiative. Lunch will be served!

Please RSVP to Kathleen Papp

Free for Newport Chamber members

$25 for non-members

RI Interfaith Power & Light Cool Congregations training

Time: 6:00 to 9 PM

Location: Christ Church, 7 Elm St., Westerly

Help your congregation save Creation by shrinking their carbon footprint at home. Become a Cool Congregations trainer for your congregation! Become better stewards of Creation by understanding your own household's energy usage and learning practical steps to increased energy efficiency. It's fun and informative!

Pizza will be served. Limited enrollment. Call 401-267-0029 by November 14 to enroll. There is a suggested $10 donation but no one will be turned away.

For more information, go to www.riipl.org, and click on "Cool Congregations" on the menu.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Workshop on U-V treatment system-Newport city Council

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Newport City Hall, Broadway

A statement from the Aquidneck Island Watershed Council: "It is important to have a good turnout at this meeting to show the Council and City officials that the citizens of Aquidneck Island have concerns about this project. The UV plant does not solve the problem of beach pollution. Middletown is not participating in the project even though the Esplanade outfall pipes are the primary cause of the beach closings at Atlantic Beach. Newport, Middletown and the DOT need to work together on a comprehensive strategy for storing and treating storm water runoff. The UV plant is an expensive, end of pipe solution to a complex non-point pollution problem.

"What is the real cost of the project? With the specter of climate change and a carbon tax on the horizon, it does not make sense to build a plant that uses enormous amounts of electricity when natural solutions are available. What is the estimated annual electricity cost of the plant? What are the estimated maintenance costs? Personnel costs? Depreciation? Debt service? Opportunity costs? (What other projects will be deferred or rejected because of the cost of this project?)

"Please call your elected representatives and express your thoughts on the project. Come to the meeting next Thursday and bring your friends."

(Note: this may be one of the only opportunities for public input on this proposal, which we rate payers will ultimately be paying for.)

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Electronic Waste Recycling Day

Time: 8 AM to 1 PM

Location: Easton's Beach, Newport

Recycle electronic waste and plastics during the Clean City Program’s Fall Recycling Day. Saturday, November 21, 8am to 1pm. All RI residents welcome.

Examples of electronic waste accepted are: computers/CPUs, monitors, keyboards, mice, scanners, televisions, laptops, fax machines, modems, routers, VCRs, DVD players, miscellaneous computer parts and wires, digital cameras, cell phones & accessories and more.

The following items will not be accepted: Freon bearing items such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators and large metal items such as washers and dryers.

Plastic items that will be accepted for recycling during this one-day event are not accepted in the curbside recycling program. Examples of plastic items accepted are: #3-7 plastics, plastic toys, buckets, milk & soda crates, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, landscape items such as edging, microwave trays, plastic totes, plastic drums (food grade only, no chemical containers), pet carriers, plastic pallets, coolers, shelving, closet organizers, dish drainers, flower pots (no soil), garbage cans, recycling bins, waste baskets, 5 gallon water bottles. All plastic items brought for recycling must be free of any wood, metal, glass, wires or batteries.

Newport residents can exchange their old recycling bin for a new bin for $5, regularly $8. This discounted price will be available at this event only and recycling bins will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Please bring a check for payment and proof of Newport residency.

For more information about the Fall Recycling Day or the City of Newport’s residential solid waste and recycling collection program, contact the Clean City Program at 845-5613 or visit www.cityofnewport.com/cleancity.

Sponsored by the City of Newport’s Clean City Program, Good Point Recycling, Sony Electronics Inc., and Waste Management.

Monday, November 23, 2009

"LEED Core Concepts & Strategies"

Time: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Location: NE Institute of Technology, Warwick

This workshop, offered by the RI Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, is the first of two that have been approved as eligible training programs under the federal Workforce Investment Act. The first is a non-technical course, intended for students, property owners, facilities managers, emerging or experienced green designers, engineers, builders and product manufacturers and service providers, including realtors, appraisers, trades people, attorneys and government officials.

Tuition fees, with reduced rates for signing up before November 15. For information about the workshop, visit http://www.usgbcri.org/.

Unemployed or underemployed applicants may be eligible for free tuition under the Workforce Investment Act. Eligibility must be established before the workshop. For information about eligibility, visit www.networkri.org/centers.htm.

The second, more advanced workshop, "Building, Design and Construction, the LEED Implementation Process," will be held early next year.

From Unitarian Universalist Justice Action

2009-11-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of Justice

In addition to news about the Basta Dobbs campaign victory, an update on 350.org, and an action on health care, we have an exciting opportunity to tell you about! On Wednesday, November 18th at 8 PM EST, our partners at Reform Immigration for America are sponsoring a national conference call with Rep. Luis Guitierrez, the champion of comprehensive immigration reform in the US House of Representatives. Congressman Gutierrez will outline the framework for his bill and give strategic information for community leaders. There will be selected questions from the field, and then a short discussion on what you can do next to help bring us closer to a fair, comprehensive reform.

We are asking you to hold house parties with your family, friends, neighbors, churches, classmates and anyone else who supports comprehensive immigration reform for America. We will supply the tools, the message and the Congressional leaders; all you have to do is get your friends and family involved! To participate, see the website.

In faith and for justice,

Susan, Audra, Orelia, Rowan, Kat, Rob, and Meg

ACTION: Don't Let Health Reform Eliminate Reproductive Choice!

On Saturday, November 7th the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health care reform bill that essentially eliminates a woman's right to choose abortion. The Stupak-Pitts Amendment, included in the final bill, bans private insurance providers in the health insurance exchange from covering abortion services. If this amendment becomes law, women receiving subsidies to buy insurance for themselves and their families could be left without essential care. The language of the amendment even bars women from using their own money to purchase comprehensive health coverage that includes abortion services.

We need your help to ensure that this amendment does NOT make it into the final bill. A health system that doesn't give us access to the care we need is inherently unjust and unacceptable. The President has told us time and time again that his reforms would let us keep the coverage we already have. We must hold him to his promise. Please contact the White House and your Senators to tell them that health care reform MUST protect the rights of women to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion.

Read more in Inspired Faith, Effective Action, the UUA's Advocacy and Witness blog.

SUCCESS: Lou Dobbs Resigns from CNN

On October 21, UUA President Rev. Peter Morales participated in a rally and press conference for the Basta Dobbs (translated as "Enough Dobbs!") campaign, which focused on getting CNN to take Lou Dobbs on account of his repeatedly demonizing and spreading misinformation about Latinos and immigrants.

On his show Wednesday, Lou Dobbs resigned!!! In a press statement released today, the Rev. Morales--the first Latino President of the Unitarian Universalist Association and spokesperson for Standing on the Side of Love--said, in part:

"I am filled with hope and happiness to learn that Lou Dobbs has decided to take on, in his words, a more 'positive' and 'constructive' role in addressing the issues facing this country. I applaud the decision by Dobbs and CNN to stop his show's misinformation and demogoguery that was dividing our country and pitting neighbor against neighbor. I also commend CNN on its enduring commitment to the highest integrity in its journalistic endeavors."

For the full statement see www.standingonthesideoflove.org. Many thanks and congratulations to all of you who helped with Basta Dobbs as part of the UUA's Standing on the Side of Love campaign. We did it!

NEWS: Climate Change Update

The International Day of Climate Action on 10/24 was a grand success, with more than 110 congregations participating. Read more about the actions and see some photos of the events. The Senate is continuing to work on climate legislation, and world leaders are getting ready for the climate convention in Copenhagen, and the faith community is continuing to call attention to the human rights issues and importance of caring for our only planet. More information about the climate change campaign is available on the UUA climate change pages.

RESOURCE: Faith-Based Support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

The UUA has been working with a diverse group of religious and faith-based organizations to create a website where religious leaders can find information and resources supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, (ENDA; HR 3017) which would guarantee bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender workers federal protection from employment discrimination. ENDA could come up for a vote in Congress as early as next week! To learn more, go to http://goldenruleatwork.org/learn-more/, and please share this link with your ministers and colleagues!

From the UUSC

2009-11-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, December 10, 2009, UUSC will be honoring pioneering activist Mel King at our annual Rights Night. A crusader, educator, organizer, and entrepreneur, King has devoted his life to organizing and advocacy for anti-poverty and urban renewal causes.

King will be honored with UUSC’s Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award for his commitment to social justice and human rights. Afterwards, stay for drinks and light refreshments, and join activists from across Boston’s many communities in conversation about carrying the legacy of King’s work forward.

Date and time: Thursday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day), at 7 p.m.

Location: Media Arts Center of Roxbury Community College, conveniently located across the street from the Roxbury Crossing T Stop. Free parking is also available.

All are welcome! The event is free, but RSVPs are recommended. RSVP by e-mailing rsvp@uusc.org or calling 617-301-4381.

Download a flyer for the event to pass along or post in your congregation or community space.

_______________________

Charlie Clements

President and CEO

UUSC

689 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02139-3302

phone: 617-868-6600; fax: 617-868-7102

http://www.uusc.org/ // info@uusc.org

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update # 32, 11/8/09

2009-11-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

Hi, Green Friends,

Some important issues to keep an eye on this week.

The Middletown Planning Board has written a very reasonable wind ordinance, which has been through its first reading, and is running into rough weather. It'll be coming up for discussion again soon, and anyone concerned for sane sources of energy, regardless of residency, should plan to attend.

Personally, I find wind turbines beautiful and graceful. They reap a power source that doesn't rape the environment. We know what's ugly--filthy air, children struggling with asthma, fish kills, blown-off mountain tops and slag-filled waterways, not to mention carbon induced temperature climb, melting polar and Greenland ice, and massive flooding.

The powers that told us two years ago that they opposed off-shore wind, but had not problem with small onshore turbines, now seem to oppose everything wind related.

Even we on the front lines of this battle have no true understanding of the distance we need to go to reverse our carbon dependence. The rest of us aren't even ready for baby steps toward getting started. Let's stop clean energy obstructionism in the name of our precious views. Watch for the next ordinance reading, and stand up for wind.

Meanwhile in Newport, the U-V treatment plant at Easton's Beach will be part of the City Council's annual financial meeting. Informed people have serious misgivings about the planned installation, including already outmoded technology, which is unproven in a storm water situation, huge expense for installation and maintenance, huge electrical usage and the potential for a power outage in a storm, just when it would be needed most, since no on-site generator is planned.

This is a highly technology-dependent plan that treats the the problem at its last possible point, instead of dealing with it upstream, with lower tech Low Impact Design principles. Aquidneck Land Trust has the right idea, piecing together watershed protection with greenways. (Congratulations to them on adding yet another piece to that puzzle with the Easy Street Farm!) The EPA and DEM endorsed these practices at the A. I. Watershed Council Conference last month. Was the city listening?

Also at issue is the reluctance of our neighbors to join in cost sharing, so this is all on Newport's shoulders. If this had come up as a bond issue, it would have been (pardon the pun) dead in the water. Now, it's incumbent on the citizens of Newport to ask serious questions before this project just floats through in the budget. We'll all be paying for it in our water bills.

Watch for that meeting, coming soon. We need to pack the Council Chambers.

And one more reminder that www.NeighborhoodEnergyChallenge.org. is going strong. Check in and sign up! It's free!

With a long climb down from a very tall soapbox,

Beth

Thursday, November 12, 2009

LEED FOR Homes Presentation

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Location: NE Tech, Student Lounge, 2480 Post Rd., Warwick

Learn about designing and building a LEED™ Home through the eyes of a builder and LEED Home provider. The goal of this presentation will be to provide a basic understanding of how to get a project on the path to certification. The Energy Star Homes program is a major component of LEED Homes; strategies for success will also be discussed. 1 CEU Credit anticipated.

Members - free, non-members - $5, CEU credit - $10.

Can you attend this event? Register at: http://leedforhomespresentation.eventbrite.com/

For more information: http://www.usgbcri.org/, then Click on "Events."

Sponsored by the US Green Building Council - RI Chapter

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Coastal Cleanup

Time: 12 to 2 PM

Location: Tuckerman Right of way, Middletown

From "Standing on the Side of Love"

2009-11-04T18:27:00.000-05:00

As I write, people across the nation are gathering to stand in solidarity with the people of Maine, whose right to marriage equality was taken away by a majority vote yesterday.

As I watched the results come in late into the night, something became abundantly clear to me, we should never have to go to bed wondering if discrimination will be more legal in the morning.

If nothing else, today has taught us once again of the importance of achieving full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people. The Standing on the Side of Love campaign continued to work towards that goal this morning by delivering 8,262 of your signatures on the Petition for Full Equality to the members of Congress who will, tomorrow, begin to discuss the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We are still collecting signatures and will deliver them to decision makers each step along the march to full equality.

Thank you! Thank you for standing tall on this day, for standing on the side of love.

Love,

Adam

From Unitarian Universalist Justice Action

2009-11-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

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.

CBCO News: Congregation-Based Community Organizing

2009-11-04T06:18:00.005-05:00

A Newsletter from UUA Congregational Advocacy & Witness and UU Ministers Council on CBCO - Fall 2009

Dear CBCO News Readers:

We hope you have been having a great fall. We are now up to over 130 UU congregations engaged in CBCO. We are becoming more powerful in our work for health care, housing, immigrant justice and more. The items below will help you and us here at HQ (please fill out our quick CBCO survey) to deepen our organizing, build our power, and win our justice issues!

In faith,

Susan Leslie, UUA Director for Congregational Advocacy & Witness and

Staff Liaison for UU Ministers Advisory Council on CBCO

In this Issue:

Highlight Reports from two UU Congregations
CBCO & Standing on the Side of Love Campaign
Interreligious Organizing Initiative on Immigration Reform
UUA CBCO Survey
CBCO at GA 09
UUFP $ for CBCO Training

1) CBCO Highlights from two UU Congregations

Report from Boulder Valley UU Fellowship in Lafayette, CO: 'Faith-based groups show reform support.'

Member Kathy Partridge writes:

Our minister Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry talked about the need to stand on the side of love of those who need health care in her remarks in Ft. Collins Colorado at a rally of PICO Colorado, part of the Health Care Day of Action in August. We had about two dozen UUs from 2-3 congregations there. We're using the SSL slogan for future local work with PICO around immigration reform, and would love signs and a banners.

The photo is of our CBCO team at Metro Organization for People action for health care reform last March, which included the issues of in-state tuition, health care and payday lending, with Rev. Lydia and our Minister Emerita, Rev. Catherine Harris, and one of our teens as well as other members of the congregation. We had about twenty people go by bus to the action.

Report from Rev. Mark Stringer, a member of CBCO Ministers Advisory Council and minister of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, Iowa, with IAF affiliate AMOS - See 'Group holds summit on job options, health care'.

2) Connecting CBCO & Standing on the Side of Love of Love Campaign

A great way to strengthen your congregation's commitment to your CBCO work and expand your core team is to link up with the new UUA Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. This new UUA initiative brings the idea of grassroots organizing and standing with marginalized communities to a wider audience of UUs. Bringing the slogan into your interfaith work will be welcomed by your colleagues and bring more UUs to the work as well. The SSL Campaign will help ministers prepare their remarks for press conferences and Letters to the Editor and get OpEds placed as well.

Note Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry's remarks above in our CBCO Highlight and read Rev. Nancy Palmer Jones, minister of First Unitarian Church of San Jose, and the PICO Affiliate People Acting in Community Together (PACT) account below:

Standing on the Side of Love with Immigrant Families at PICO Action

The 45-minute press conference at La Trinidad United Methodist Church in San Jose at 11:30 this morning went very well! When I arrived, there was already a bank of still and video cameras pointed at a colorful crowd of Comprehensive Immigration Reform supporters, who were chanting "Si' se puede" and "Family Unity Cannot Wait" and "Janet, escucha, estamos en la lucha" (Listen, Janet, we are here together in the struggle). A press conference and vigil was called because Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano was in town. Some of these supporters had arrived by the busload from Southern California, from Oregon, Idaho, and one of the other Western states. A couple of busloads of visitors spent the night on the floor at First Unitarian following the rally in Santa Clara this evening, and we had congregants who spent the night right alongside them to serve as their hosts. What dedication!

The press conference included statements from Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors member and from San Jose City Councilmember Sam Liccardo (council member from First Unitarian's district--a friend of the church!). We heard moving testimonials from families and community leaders directly affected by our unjust immigration policies; Korean, Latino/a, and Indian (Southeast Asian) speakers brought home the universality of the devastating effect that these policies have. I was called on to present the overarching faith perspective on this action, as well as to put out the invitation to join the rally in the evening. Here are my remarks:

In the face of unjust laws that have denied the basic dignity of every human being and that have torn families apart, my religious ancestors-our religious ancestors-have stood on the side of love by harboring runaway slaves, protesting the internment of Japanese Americans, and fighting to overturn those unjust laws.

Well, now this country's current immigration policies are unjust, denying the dignity-the very personhood-of our brother and sister human beings and tearing families apart, right here in Santa Clara County and all across the nation. We people of faith are standing on the side of love tonight to say that Comprehensive Immigration Reform cannot wait. Our local and national leaders have a responsibility to unify and advance our communities, not to divide us from our neighbors simply because our backgrounds differ. Please join us today at 4:30 at the corner of Lewis and El Camino Real in Lafayette Park in Santa Clara , to let Secretary Janet Napolitano know that we want immigration laws that reflect the deepest values of fairness, diversity, and compassion-these core values that each of our faith traditions upholds; the core values that make this country truly great.

3) IOI Report on Coordinated Action for Immigration Reform with Organizing Networks

On Oct. 7th, the Interreligious Organizing Initiative (IOI) hosted a major national meeting to plan a coordinated strategy for immigration reform between denominational advocacy staff, organizing networks and immigration reform organizers. In attendance were national representatives from the organizing networks PICO, Gamaliel, DART, and IVP (and local folks from IAF), the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (representing 25 faith denominations), Interfaith Worker Justice and the New Sanctuary Movement, Reform Immigration for America Now (the largest immigration reform coalition in the US), and staff from several religious denomination including UUA, ELCA (Lutherans), UMC (Methodists), and URJ (Reform Jews) along with funders.

Deepok Bhargava, Exec. Dir. of Center for Community Change, gave a cogent briefing that boiled down to the fact that we actually have a chance of passing immigration reform this year as opposed to 2007 because we will have a better bill, unions are agreed on strategy, and new umbrella organization Reform Immigration for America has been launched. Schumer & Lindsay Graham introducing in Senate early in Jan.; Guitierrez just introduced in House on Oct. 13th January to Mid-March is the window for passing legislation. Much after this is too close to elections. We don't have all the details yet but there was consensus that we Need Large Sense of Scale - Proposed Actions: National Day of Action in January; Major Mobilization In Spring.

There was also a portion of the meeting dedicated to strengthening CBCO among all the denominations. Stay tuned!

4) UUA CBCO Quick Survey

As part of tracking and mapping here at HQ we would like you (if you haven't already) to fill out our survey on CBCO. We can use the information in a variety of ways to grow support for CBCO by reporting to major stakeholders and funders on the 'state of the field' of UU congregations and faith-based organizing. It also allows us to connect UUs in CBCO affiliates working on issues (such as immigration reform) with other UUs who are in or not in CBCOs but working on the same issues. It's part of our effort to bring as much UU strength to bear on our priorities issues as possible.

To fill out this short survey go to: CBCO Survey

5) CBCO at GA 09

If you missed GA there was a terrific report on CBCO in plenary from the UUA CBCO Ministers Council, UU Church of Arlington VA who recently helped formed VOICE in No. VA, and the Office for Congregational Advocacy & Witness. You can view it online.

6) UUFP $ for Training

Over 30 UU congregations have received matching grants for CBCO first year dues and for training for clergy and congregational leaders.

Grants for training--for clergy and congregational leaders--are available on a rolling basis (approximately a two week turn around) and for congregations in CBCO or considering CBCO. The grants will cover costs of the training, travel and other expenses, including childcare. Congregations already in CBCO can strengthen their core team and congregational leadership by sending folks to training. Social Justice Councils and Committee folks will benefit as well. In addition to traveling to training, congregations might want to arrange for weekend training in their congregations as well.

To apply for funds, please see the CBCO Application Information and the CBCO EZ Application.

Trainings are posted on all the major network sites. See the UUA's CBCO pages for a listing.

Contact Us:

Office for Congregational Advocacy & Witness

Susan Leslie

Director

sleslie@uua.org, 617.948.4607

Audra Friend

Program Coordinator

afriend@uua.org, 617.948.4656

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #31, Nov. 1, 2009

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

Hi, green friends,

The Neighborhood Energy Challenge had been official for a week now, and people are signing up! If you signed one of our lists in the past couple of months, you've received an email invitation to join. But don't wait for an invitation. Go to http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/, and come on board!

Do you have some friends that you'd like to team up with? Maybe colleagues at your workplace, or a club, or a mom's group? Or a congregation? Or even several of your neighbors? The teams are informal and there's no minimum or maximum size. We'll register your team on our web site, and you can challenge other teams.

How about joining our volunteer crew? We passed out leaflets at several stores last Saturday, and got a very friendly reception. We'd love to have more helpers, so we can leaflet at more locations for the next couple of weeks. The more ways we can create "buzz" about the challenge, the more people will sign up. Our goal is 1000 families by the end of the year. Will you help us get there?

Beth

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Coastal Cleanup

Time: 12 to 2 PM

Location: Tuckerman Right of way, Middletown

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

2009-11-04T06:04:00.000-05:00

Journalist - Jonathan S. Landay

Senior National Security Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers

“The Stakes in Afghanistan: The Debate We Ought to Have”

Mr. Landay has just returned from a two-month-long investigative tour of Afghanistan. He is a veteran foreign affairs reporter with long experience in South Asia, Iraq, the Balkans and Washington.

Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 8 PM

The Bristol State House

240 High St., Bristol, RI

Open to the public - suggested donation - $5

Martha Lucia Giraldo Villano To Speak Westminster Unitarian Church - East Greenwich, RI

2009-11-04T05:56:00.001-05:00

Our next event is coming up quickly on Friday, November 6 at 7pm in Fellowship Hall. We will be hosting guest speaker Martha Lucia Giraldo Villano from Columbia, sponsored by Witness for Peace (WFP). WFP is a politically independent, nationwide grassroots organization of people committed to nonviolence and led by faith and conscience. WFP’s mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to sending delegations to observe first hand the consequences of U.S. foreign policy decisions, WFP also sponsors people from Latin America on speaking tours in the U.S. to inform citizens of ongoing projects and struggles.

Nick Schmader has taken the lead on this event, and Westminster’s Social Responsibility Committee is proud to be hosting a WFP speaker. Martha’s father, a small-scale farmer, was murdered by the Columbian military in an “extrajudicial” killing. She will speak to these state-sanctioned murders, the billions of dollars of military and police funding provided by the U.S., Plan Columbia, official impunity, the importance of memory, and the National Movement of Victims. There will also be ample time for Q&A. Coffee and light refreshments will be available. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Columbia and the work of Witness For Peace. Naturally, expenses are incurred on a speaking tour so donations in any amount will be gratefully accepted. To learn more about this courageous woman and WFP check out witnessforpeace.org and go to the NE region page.

Westminster Unitarian Church is located at 119 Kenyon Ave., East Greenwich, RI. Directions at westminsteruu.org.

From UUA Advocacy and Witness

2009-11-04T05:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

Ordinarily we try to bring you a success story each week. This week we simply could not choose. After ten years, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law. And over the weekend, UU congregations were well-represented in the largest ever call-to-action on global climate change. See below for details on both. Due to a couple of glitches, our new, revamped action alerts will debut next week instead of this week. In the meantime, Happy Halloween everybody!

In faith and for justice,

Orelia, Rowan, Rob, Kat, Audra, Susan, and Meg

Stand on the Side of Love for Employee Non-Discrimination!

Next week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) will hold the first hearings on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) since 2002. If passed, ENDA would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Standing on the Side of Love campaign has called on people to gather a total of 7,500 petition signatures, which will be delivered to the members of the Senate HELP committee on the eve of the hearings.

Please sign the petition for full equality now and help us pass ENDA!

And when you have signed, forward this request widely; we need your help to get 7,500 signatures by next Tuesday! You can sign online or download a PDF copy to gather signatures in your congregation or community, and fax it to the campaign office.

SUCCESS: Matthew Shepard Act Signed Into Law

It was over ten years in the making, but the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed by President Obama yesterday. Bias-motivated violence based on perceived race, color, religion, or national origin was already considered to be a hate crime. The new Hate Crimes Prevention Act extends that protection to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. For more on the UUA's reaction, see here.

SUCCESS: International Day of Climate Action

More than 115 congregations participated in the International Day of Climate Action, advocating for climate change legislation to work toward reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million (ppm). This is so energizing to hear, knowing that the future of our world depends on our ability to effectively curb climate change, and the future of our brothers and sisters all over the world depends on our ability to do this justly. Congregations all over the country catalyzed and supported interfaith and community-wide events. They rang their bells 350 times, facilitated conversations in their congregations and communities, wrote letters to governmental officials, watched movies, sang out, and rallied! This is not only a UU issue, but something that reminds us of the interdependent web of which we are all a part. Read more on our blog, Inspired Faith, Effective Action.

Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls

Join our Friday 45 min. Standing on the Side of Love Organizing Webcast Calls - 1pm EDT (12pm Central; 11 am Mountain; 10 am Pacific)

Oct. 30th Call on Protect Marriage Equality/Domestic Partnerships in Maine & WA; ENDA Hearings & Full Equality Petition

This week features presentations from:

Rev. Becky Gunn, Minister, UU Society of Bangor, about hers and other congregation's SSL work to defend Marriage Equality in Maine with the Religious Coalition for Freedom to Marry

Carol McKinley, Director, Washington State UU Voices for Justice, about bringing the SSL message to the Washington Families Standing Together campaign to preserve Washington State's domestic partnership law.

Susan Leslie, Director, UUA Office for Congregational Advocacy & Witness, on SSL Full Equality Petition & ENDA Hearings

Get call-in information and RSVP by clicking on http://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=6336114.

From Standing on the Side of Love

2009-10-27T19:29:00.000-04:00

Next week, your signatures will be presented to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

Can you help us reach 7,500 signatures by next Tuesday by forwarding this email to your friends or downloading a PDF petition to get signed in your congregation or community?

Next week, the Senate HELP Committee will hold the first hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) since 2002. If passed, ENDA would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Each day many LGBT people go to work and leave a part of themselves behind. Fear of losing a job, being overlooked for promotions, or facing harassment all keep LGBT people scared and in the closet. No one should face workplace discrimination because of whom they love.

We will deliver the Petition for Full Equality to the Senate HELP committee on the eve of the ENDA hearings. So far 5,000 people have signed the petition. We need your continued help now to reach 7,500 signatures by next Tuesday.

Please forward this email or download a PDF of the Petition for Full Equality right now.

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #30, Oct. 25, 2009

2009-10-25T22:25:00.000-04:00

We're off!

You can all sign up now for our Energy Challenge.

http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/

Start saving energy, money and life on the planet! We launched the Challenge officially last Saturday, at the International Day of Climate Action. We debuted the Web site there, and it's beautiful and very accessible, with lots of guidance and encouragement at every step. Congratulations to the dedicated, hard-working team of volunteers who created the site.

If you want to hear about it in person, come to the Alliance for a Livable Newport Public Forum Monday evening at 5:30 at the Newport Public Library. You'll be able to sign up there, too. (Take note! That's tonight, if you went to bed early, and didn't get the late email delivery on Sunday.)

Go to our site, give the program a try, and give us some feedback. If you know people who aren't on computer and want to join up, you can tell them that we have paper options for them. Reply to this email, and we'll tell you how. This is a twelve-month project, with lots of rewards, incentives and parties along the way. Come join the fun!

Gloomy weather couldn't dampen our spirits on Saturday. Almost 100 of us gathered in the garage at Easton's Beach, and made our own sunshine, along with the strains of native music by the Recovery All-Stars. Our International Day of Climate Action was one of more than 5200 grassroots actions in 182 countries, telling our world leaders we need a strong international commitment to action in Copenhagen in December. Eight speakers and twelve exhibitors told us why, and what we can do about it here and now. If you're still wondering what you can do, go back to the the top of this page. And if you have the patience to watch more than 5000 photos, go to www.350.org, and you just might catch us posing on the beach...in the rain.

One more note about this Update. Some folks have wanted to print out our events, but feared using up a whole cartridge of green ink doing so. Although we recommend keeping printing to a minimum, for conservation reasons, sometimes it's necessary. Be assured that the green background does not print out. (Tip: if quality isn't an issue, I print in "fastdraft" mode to save ink, and if I'm not printing double-sided, I use blank sides of old copies.)

Beth

Monday, October 26, 2009

"Double Feature" - Alliance for a Livable Newport Forum

Time: 6:30 to 8 PM

Location: Newport Public Library, Spring Street

ALN's Public Forum will cover two important City programs: A progress report on the Force Main sewer repairs; plus, a new initiative, the Neighborhood Energy Challenge.

Julia Forgue, Director of Utilities for Newport, will present some background on, and lead a discussion of the failure of the force main system and an update on the repairs correcting the problems.

Beth Milham, Co-chair of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission and Chair of NeighborhoodEnergyChallenge.org, will describe the recently launched four-town energy challenge, which will encourage all residents and businesses on Aquidneck Island and in Jamestown to lower their energy use (and costs) in a twelve-month friendly competition. Those attending will also have an opportunity to sign up for the challenge.

Free! The public is welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability

Time: 4 to 7 PM

Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080

The starting point for managing our state’s shared water resources is a look at how much water we have and where it is. Get a glimpse of the big picture of regional water supplies. Learn about DEM’s study of water availability in RI. Hear how the RI Water Resources Board and one local community are using this information.

The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring:

Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, RI DEM

Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program

Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board

Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown

To register or for more information contact:

Jane Austin at jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Apeiron Institute Home Weatherization Forum

Time: 5:30 to 8 PM

Location: 17 Gordon Ave., Providence

With winter approaching, it's time to make your home more energy efficient, and save money at the same time. This forum will help you get started.

Architect and LEED AP Tom Weber, EcoBroker and certified home energy auditor Will Litvin, and LEED AP Dave Kessler will present the results of a recent energy audit on a local home. Using that home as an example, the trio will describe what you can do to weatherize your own home and make it more energy efficient, give you cost estimates on improvements, and provide resources for assistance. They'll also discuss design ideas if you're planning to renovate or build.

5:30 to 6:30 - Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks served

6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation

7:30 to 8:00 - Question and Answer session and mingling

Free for Apeiron members, $10 for non-members.

From Channing Social Action Legislative Ministry

2009-10-23T18:19:00.002-04:00

To all who attended a Rhode Island U.U. Legislative meeting on Aquidneck Island last June:

The Home Energy Rate Affordability Act (H6079) is scheduled to be considered by the House Finance Committee this WEDS. OCT. 28th. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to ensure his/her SUPPORT of the bill.

This Percentage of Income Payment Plan (H6079) enables residents earning at 150% or below the Federal poverty level to PAY no more than 6%, 7% or 8% of their income for electricity and gas.

PLEASE CALL NOW! Thanks!

ALSO, those who CAN, go to the RALLY in SUPPORT of H6079 this MON. OCT. 26th at 1 P.M. at the STATE HOUSE, Providence.

Rhode Island House Committee on Finance

Representative Joseph S. Almeida

Member

rep-almeida@rilin.state.ri.us ,467-7033

Representative David A. Caprio

Member

rep-caprio@rilin.state.ri.us , 783-7575

Representative Kenneth Carter

Vice Chairperson

rep-carter@rilin.state.ri.us , 294-9183

Representative Steven M. Costantino

Chairperson

rep-costantino@rilin.state.ri.us, 521-1313

Representative Elizabeth M. Dennigan

Member

rep-dennigan@rilin.state.ri.us , 434-8526

Representative Laurence W. Ehrhardt

Member

rep-ehrhardt@rilin.state.ri.us , 295-4352

Representative Joanne M. Giannini

Member

rep-giannini@rilin.state.ri.us, 861-4500

Representative J. Russell Jackson

Member

rep-jackson@rilin.state.ri.us, 847-7076

Representative Robert B. Jacquard

Member

rep-jacquard@rilin.state.ri.us, 943-7799

Representative Nicholas A. Mattiello

Member

rep-mattiello@rilin.state.ri.us , 943-6143

Representative Helio Melo

Member

rep-melo@rilin.state.ri.us, 435-0546

Representative Eileen S. Naughton

Member

rep-naughton@rilin.state.ri.us, 7387928

Representative John A. Savage

Member

rep-savage@rilin.state.ri.us, 437-0466

Representative Agostinho F. Silva

Member

rep-silva@rilin.state.ri.us, 728-5473

Isn't it time to hear an Afghan voice about the war?

2009-10-22T21:42:00.000-04:00

Malalai Joya, an Afghan defender of women's rights, dared to criticize America's war in Afghanistan and the corrupt American-backed government. She faced multiple assassination attempts and was even barred from her Parliament seat. She has received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Parliament, and will be speaking at Brown this Sunday. Copies of her new book, "A Woman among Warlords", will be available.

Where: Salomon Hall 101, on the Main Green at Brown University.

When: Sunday October 25, 4pm.

Sponsored by Anti-War Action at Brown and the RI Mobilization Committee.

As the Afghanistan war attracts a great deal of debate, we have a rare opportunity to hear from a renowned Afghan who lives in Afghanistan and can provide a first-hand perspective.

Please come, and forward this message to others!

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #29, Oct. 18, 2009

2009-10-22T18:01:00.000-04:00

Hi, green friends,

Big things happening this week! The International Day of Climate Action, Saturday, October 24, has grown to more than 3500 actions in 161 countries, and ours, one of four in RI, will be at Easton's Beach at noon. All the RI events are listed in today's calendar.

We'll be launching the neighborhood Energy Challenge that day, too. Our web site is coming together, and we intend to have it up and running by Saturday. So far, you can visit the home page and the FAQ page at http://www.neighborhoodenergychallenge.org/.

Our thanks to Susan Adie for great letters in Newport This Week and The Newport Daily News. Thanks also to the Daily News for giving us "cheers" in Saturday's edition, and to Peter Lord for featuring us, the challenge and the other RI events for Saturday in his Sunday ProJo column.

See you Saturday!

Beth

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Bioneers the the Bay Conference

Time: 8 AM

Location: New Bedford, MA

Join us for the fifth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change Conference, presented by the Marion Institute in the historic Downtown of New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009.

This is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.

Over 2,000 students, teachers, green business innovators, scientists, grassroots leaders and everyday folks from across the East Coast will gather to embrace, share, brainstorm, network, heal, learn, teach, celebrate, recharge and connect for change. We will roll up our sleeves and harvest tangible, practical solutions to the specific challenges we face here in the Northeast and the world at-large.

Learn more, and register at this site: http://www.marioninstitute.org/bioneers_by_the_bay

Public Education Seminar on New Energy Savings Standards - RIGBC

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Location: NE Tech Student Lounge, 2480 Post Rd., Warwick

Jack Leyden, RI Green Building Council Board Member and State Building Code Commissioner, will talk about some of the changes to the energy code that the state will be adopting in 2010 as a result of legislation passed this year. The provisions affect the construction of buildings, the use of renewable energy resources in buildings, the efficient use of energy within buildings, and the orientation of buildings on their sites.

Free for members, $5.00 for non members and $10.00 for those seeking Continuing Education Credit (1 CEU).

For information and reservations:

http://rigbcoctober22event.eventbrite.com/?ref=eivte&invite=MjIxNjI4L2JwbWlsaGFtQGNveC5uZXQvMQ%3D%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=invite

Saturday, October 24, 2009

International Day of Climate Action - Aquidneck Island

Time: 12 PM

Location: Easton's Beach, Newport

Bring pictures of your children and grandchildren - people who will be here to suffer the consequences of global warming. Learn how sea level rise and storm water run-off impact every aspect of our island life style and livelihood. Learn what you can do, including joining the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, which we'll launch that day.

We'll have talks from Senator Theresa Paiva-Weed, Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano, Ellen Pfeiffer, of National Grid's Energy Action: Aquidneck and Jamestown, environmental educator Susan Adie, Bishop C. Dale White of RI Interfaith Power and Light, a representative of the Aquidneck Island Watershed Council, and others.

We'll have music from the Recovery All Stars, an opportunity to sign up for the Challenge, and informational exhibits on ways to save energy and cut carbon.

Rain or shine! Free parking in the east lot (the one closer to Atlantic Beach Club.) We'll be on the bathhouse end of the "boardwalk."

International Day of Climate Action-Providence

Time: 9 AM

Location: 1st UU Church, Benevolent St., Providence

Workshops on varied topics, including: How to Write an OpEd Piece and Get It Published, Individual Food Choices and Climate Change, Home Energy Conservation Strategies, Must Have Standards in Energy Legislation, and Using the New Media to Build Public Opinion.

There will also be letter writing all morning to President Obama encouraging a strong US position for the Copenhagen global climate talks that will take place in December.

International day of Climate Action-Providence

Time: 12 PM

Location: Waterplace Park, Providence

A rally at Waterplace Park will open with The Beneficent Congregational Church Choir chanting, drumming and singing. Speakers on the program include Greg Gerritt of Prosperity For Rhode Island, Paul Beaudette, President of the Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Reverend Barbara Fast of the Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich. A Brown University Watson Environmental Scholar from Africa studying Climate Change is expected to present a global picture of the situation. The rally will also include children’s activities and a phoptgraph of the participants in a 350 configuration in solidarity with 350 pictures taken at rallies across the globe on that day.

International Day of Climate Action-Wakefield

Time: 2 PM

Location: Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia St., Wakefield

Christine Muller will speak about “Climate Change and Justice” in the Fellowship Hall. also during the afternoon, church bells will ring throughout southern Rhode Island.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability

Time: 4 to 7 PM

Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080

The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring:

Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, Rhode Island DEM

Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program

Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board

Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown

To register or for more information contact:

Jane Austin at jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123

UUA BGLT Network News

2009-10-22T17:51:00.001-04:00

Action Alert from the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy

Moving Equality Forward!

Did you Come Out on the Side of Love on October 11th? Over 1,000 Unitarian Universalists marched on Washington D.C. and many, many more held solidarity events across the nation in support of full equality.

Thank you to everyone who marched and sang and lent your energy to that historic weekend. Marching under the Standing on the Side of Love banner, I felt transformed and held by the love that came from all over the country.

This Friday, October 23 at 1:00 PM Eastern, (12 PM Central; 11 AM Mountain; 10 AM Pacific) the Standing on the Side of Love weekly organizing call and webcast will feature inspiring photos and success stories from the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Join us to learn how you can transform the energy from these events into action by taking our demand for full equality to Congress.

I'm excited to be leading this call and looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Please Register Now!

Peace,

Orelia

From UUA Advocacy and Witness

2009-10-22T17:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

Next week's alert will have a new name! Over the last few months we've been changing the format of our weekly action newsletter to make it more effective and user-friendly. With that process complete, it's time to roll out a new, more relevant name. So next week keep an eye out for the "UU Justice Action Alert," with [UU Justice] appearing first in the subject line! Please note that the UU Justice Action Alert represents a consolidation of A-News and SAC-News.

In faith and for justice,

Rowan, Kat, Rob, Orelia, Audra, Susan, and Meg

Stand for a Strong & Just Climate Bill!

The 350.org International Day of Climate Action is centered around reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. Part of accomplishing this means passing effective national legislation. The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act has been introduced in the Senate, and you have the power to shape it if you let your voice be heard. The future of the environment, economy, public healthy, and national security all depend on strong and just climate action.

As Unitarian Universalists, our faith informs us to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion for everyone, and we need to demonstrate our concern for earth and each other by advocating for strong reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, for transitioning from a fossil fuel to a clean energy economy, and for funding for international adaptation. Contact your senator to make a stand!

Success: UUs Steppin' Up For 350/International Day of Climate Action

This past Sunday was the 350 Climate Convocation at the Harvard University Memorial Church, kicking off a series of actions being done around this world for the International Day of Climate Action on October 24th. Rev. Fred Small led his song, "Three Five O" and UUA President Rev. Peter Morales led participants in a prayer. President Morales is requesting UU participation!

More than 95 UU congregations are joining in the more than 4400 events all over the world, building momentum at this crucial time before world leaders join together in early December in Copenhagen to make a global climate change agreement.

New Process Announced for Selecting General Assembly Programs

See the October 19th UU World story, "New System Announced for Choosing GA Workshops," for more information. Please note that the deadline for submissions is November 16!

Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls

The SSL call on Friday, October 23, will bring you inspiring photos and success stories from the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Join us to learn how you can transform the energy from these events into action by taking our demand for full equality to Congress.

The call will be led by Orelia Busch, UUA Washington Office Legislative Assistant for Women's Issues/UUWF Clara Barton Intern and Rev. Mike Morran, Senior Minister of First Unitarian Denver.

Rev. Morran will share the experience of 1st Unitarian Society of Denver over the past four years and their annual Standing on the Side of Love worship service at the Colorado State Capitol Building.

Please RSVP for the call here: 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=6336114.

Poverty and the Prophetic Imperative

2009-10-22T13:50:00.000-04:00

At our most recent meeting, one of our committee members offered a summary of the many facets of poverty in Rhode Island. She did this as part of an investigation into how we might use the funds the late Margit Baum gave our church to help the poor in Newport. While many committee members were well-acquainted with what our friend presented, the overall picture she painted was still sobering. It reminded us that poverty is injustice made manifest. It reminded us that poverty destroys human freedom and dignity. Finally it reminded us, as the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert has said, that we, as UU’s, live under an imperative to confront this injustice, promote freedom and human dignity, and work for the elimination of poverty as a fundamental component of building the Beloved Community on Earth.
-
The Rev. James Luther Adams in his 1946 treatise “A Faith for Free Men,” wrote that human freedom was not so much about individual rights and privileges but about communities of people working, “...in free, cooperative effort for the common good. In other words, this reality fulfills man’s life only when men stand in right relation to each other. Man, the historical being, comes most fully to terms with this reality in the exercise of freedom that works for justice in the human community. Only what creates freedom in a community of justice is dependable...Only the society that gives every man the opportunity to share in the process whereby human potentiality is realizable, only the society that creates social forms of freedom in a community of justice (where every man is given his due), only the freedom that respects the divine image and dignity in every man are dependable.” Rev. Gilbert, in his book The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice, expands Adams’ theme by articulating an obligation on the part of UU’s to promote freedom in these terms through social action, “I contend that the Unitarian Universalist movement lives under a prophetic imperative, a religious mandate for the corporate address of the church to the systemic problems of society... The imperative to be stressed is that which emerges from the disciplines of freedom. Freedom is not merely the absence of restraint, but the will and capacity to act on one’s environment. It is a freedom that implies responsibility to enrich and expand freedom in the social order. Freedom, a central value of Unitarian Universalism, is a social concept, and, if it is to be preserved, an obligation is placed on the free person. I believe we are not free to desist from struggling for freedom for self and others. Freedom, by its very nature, places an imperative claim on the free person to expand that freedom to all.”
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Over the weekend of March 27th – 28th, Channing Memorial Church and the Ballou Channing District of the Unitarian Universalist Association will co-sponsor a program and worship at Channing led by the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, one of the leading voices in the UU movement calling for social action on our part to promote social justice. His books, The Prophetic Imperative and How Much Do We Deserve? provide a meaningful framework for the collective action for which he, Adams, and others have advocated since our church was founded. Mark your calendars and watch for more information on this important program. In the meantime, please join us at our next meeting, Wednesday, November 11th, 7PM, Channing Library.
-
Tom Beall, Social Action Co-Chair

From East Bay Citizens for Peace

2009-10-11T07:17:00.002-04:00

Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7 PM
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East Bay Citizens for Peace presents …
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Brave New Foundation's newly released documentary:
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"Rethink Afghanistan"
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St. Michael's Parish Hall
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Hope & Church Streets, Bristol, RI
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Free and open to the public
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and
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Journalist - Jonathan S. Landay
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Senior National Security Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers
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“The Stakes in Afghanistan: The Debate We Ought to Have”
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Mr. Landay has just returned from a two-month-long investigative tour of Afghanistan. He is a veteran foreign affairs reporter with long experience in South Asia, Iraq, the Balkans and Washington.
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Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 8 PM
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The Bristol State House
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240 High St., Bristol, RI
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Open to the public - suggested donation - $5
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East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue. For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or http://www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org/.

From UUA Advocacy and Witness

2009-10-09T15:19:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

-
This week marked the 8th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. We pray for peace and justice for the Afghani people and the safe return of our troops. Meanwhile here in the U.S. capitol, we welcome participants to the National Equality March this weekend.
-

In faith and for justice, Rob, Susan, Rowan, Orelia, Kat, Audra, and Meg
-

Just Say NO to abstinence-only funding in the Health Care Bill!
-

Sadly, the Senate Finance Committee voted (by a razor-thin margin of 12-11) to authorize $50 million in funding for abstinence-only programs as part of Health Care Reform- despite over 10 years of evidence that these programs do not work.

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We need to let Senators know that we will not stand for this! Conservative ideology has trumped science and effective health policy for far too long. We shouldn't spend even a single more taxpayer dollar on programs that spread fear, give misinformation, and stigmatize young women and BGLT people.

-
President Obama has called for an end to abstinence-only funding. Democrats in the House and Senate have held firm through budget negotiations. We are SO close to finally victory!
-

Please take action now to eliminate these dangerous programs!

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Update on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act of 2009

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Senators Kerry and Boxer introduced the long-anticipated bill on climate change last Wednesday. The bill includes some of the requests we'd been pushing for with our allies, including strong 2020 emissions targets than the house bill; maintaining EPA's authority to regulate emissions; and the creation of green construction jobs, especially for women and people of color in low-income communities. On the other hand, there is still much work to be done to strengthen this bill enough to make the changes necessary to manage climate change and keep the US competitive in the market for new, clean technology. Stay tuned on how to take action.

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Standing on the Side of Love Friday Calls
-

Every week the Standing on the Side of Love is hosting 45 min web-cast conference calls on Friday at 1 PM EDT/EST (12PM Central; 11 AM Mountain; 10 AM Pacific) to help congregational leaders bring the campaign into their congregations and communities.
-

This week will feature: Adam Gerhardstein, Campaign Manager of the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. He will share campaign updates, including Oct. 11th GLBT Equality Mobilization, and successful congregational strategies Followed by Q & A and discussion. To register and get information for the call go to: www.StandingontheSideofLove.org/fridaycalls.

From Our Friends at the American Friends Service Committee

2009-10-09T15:15:00.003-04:00

This morning, we were greeted to the news that President Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As you probably know, the American Friends Service Committee, too, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 on behalf of Quakers worldwide for their work to help the refugees of WWI and WWII.

Help us congratulate President Obama and urge him to be a strong advocate for world peace.

He has many opportunities to be a peace advocate today, as his administration considers

The course of the expanding war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq,
How diplomacy can resolve tensions with Iran and North Korea through dialogue better than military threats,
A federal budget that devotes too much money to weapons and war and less to families struggling to get by in this economic crisis, and
How to go beyond a limited arms control measure to create the nuclear-free future that Obama has strongly articulated.

Today is a golden opportunity to show that a pro-peace majority supports the President’s first steps toward peace and will help him take the next steps as well.

Join AFSC in congratulating Barack Obama and share with him your vision of how we can all help wage peace.

Peace,

Laurie Creasy,

American Friends Service Committee

Rhode Island Chapter of ACLU Celebrates 50th Anniversary

2009-10-07T08:09:00.001-04:00

The R.I. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a variety of programs open to the public. Three of these, each including a half-hour film, are scheduled on forthcoming Wednesdays at the new facility of UUCSC (the UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of South County). The dates and topics are:

Oct. 7, "Religious Freedom,"

Oct. 14, "The Death Penalty"

Oct. 28, "Freedom to Marry."

Each program starts at 7 pm at 27 North Road, Peace Dale, R.I.

Algebra as a Tool to Advance Social Justice

2009-10-05T09:15:00.004-04:00

American philosopher John Dewey (1859 - 1952) was one of the first to articulate that the goal of public education in the United States should be to educate all Americans to be informed and responsible participants in our democracy. Conservative advocates, such as those who wrote the 1983 government report A Nation at Risk, would argue that the purpose of public education is to prepare children to be productive workers in society - followers but not necessarily equals.

While educational researchers have debated these positions for years, others have sought practical approaches to achieve both ends. One such person is Robert Moses, whose Algebra Project:
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...is a 501 (c) (3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes.

The Algebra Project furthers this mission by advancing the cause of teaching algebra to all American middle school children; recognizing that an understanding of algebra is the foundation of learning higher mathematics and applied mathematical fields such as engineering and computer science. Children who have a solid grounding in algebra are much better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities society has to offer. In this way, the learning of algebra promotes informed and equal participation in our democratic society.

Don't take my word for it. Check out the following links to learn more:

The Algebra Project: http://www.algebra.org/

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PBS: http://www.pbs.org/now/society/moses.html
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Mother Jones: http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2002/05/moses.html
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Learn to Question:
http://www.learntoquestion.com/seevak/groups/2001/sites/moses/ap/crossover-page1.htm
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Choosing Democracy:

http://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2006/12/bob-moses-andalgebra-project.html

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Civic Practices Network: http://www.cpn.org/topics/youth/k12/algebra.html

Step It Up/Cool Aquidneck Island Update #27

2009-10-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

Hi, Green Friends,
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Following up on last week's item on house plants and indoor air pollution, one of our members reminds us that while buttoning up our houses and eliminating drafts, we still have to allow for adequate fresh air exchange.
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Having a free Rise Energy Audit would provide for both buttoning up and air exchange. And speaking of that, a gentle reminder that our Neighborhood Energy Challenge will be kicking off at the International Day of Climate Action, October 24, 12 PM at Easton's Beach. You'll be able to sign up for the challenge there. Rise audits earn you big points! Wtch this space for more information.
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Cool Aquidneck Island's David Stookey, who recently hosted a Sierra Club house party on the A.I. Transportation Study, brings us this message:
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The public workshop on Aquidneck Island's Transportation Study last Tuesday was as responsive to our requests as we could have hoped. Half a dozen people spoke on topics related directly or indirectly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Not only did the consultants tell us that CO2 can and will be estimated, but Tina Dolen of the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, the study's client, called this the defining issue of the workshop. Here is what she said on NPR the next morning.
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"The most compelling message was that people were not interested in automobile trafic; they want to use alternative modes of transportation including buses, bikes, walking, etc.; and the vast majority, by far. are concerned about greenhouse gases and want to limit carbon emissions."

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So? Now we need to nail those perceptions and assurances into place. Until the study team announces in writing that their goals include significant greenhouse gas reduction, we need to keep pushing for that decision. The next few months are critical, as the study's goals will be set then. If you'd like to help make sure that this is not just another plan to accommodate the automobile, check out the ideas on the Cool Aquidneck Island Wiki or contact David with your thoughts.
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Monday, October 5, 2009
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Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Waterfront
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Time: 6 to 8 PM
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Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport
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Share your goals and priorities for promoting "the health and vigor of the city." Join a lively discussion about updating our Land Use Plan. The committee wants to hear your viewpoint. This second of three topical discussions addresses the waterfront.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
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*NEW* A.I. Land Trust Conservation Speaker Series - Tom Wessels
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Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Location: ALT Office, 790 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown
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Tom Wessels isthe third and final speaker in this series.
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Wessels is an ecologist and founding director of the master's degree program in Conservation Biology at Antioch University New England. He is former chair of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation that fosters environmental leadership through graduate fellowships and organizational grants. Tom has been conducting landscape level workshops throughout the United States for over 30 years.
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Tom's presentation, based on his book Reading the Forested Landscape, will start at the ALT Office and end with a walk through the forest at Miantonomi Memorial Park. It will introduce people to approaches used to interpret a forest's history while wandering through it. Using evidence such as the shapes of trees, scars on their trunks, the pattern of decay in stumps, the construction of stone walls, and the lay of the land, it is possible to unravel complex stories etched into our forested landscape.
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The ALT Conservation Speaker Series is FREE and open to the public. RSVP to Jessica Pohl at mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:jpohl@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 x 18 if you are interested in attending.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
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AI Watershed Council forum on healthy water supply
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Time: 10 AM
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Location: O'Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina U., Newport
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Salve Regina U. and AIWC are sponsoring a 1/2-day interactive forum which will launch our new Citizen Scientist Program. Public officials from the Island and other leaders on the environment will make the presentations concerning the health of our water supply and discuss ways to improve the quality and protection of our drinking water. It's shaping up to be a very exciting event!
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During the conference, residents, especially children, will be encouraged to bring water samples from neighboring bodies of water to be tested by Salve students. Some results will be shared with participants that day and other, more technical studies (bacteria), are to be shared a couple days later.
The entire program is FREE and open to all who have interest. Supporters include Salve, Kiwanis International, the EPA, Save the Bay, Alliance for a Livable Newport, Aquidneck Land Trust, Clean Ocean Access, Aquidneck Island Planning Council and many others.
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To make a tax-deductable contribution to the forum, send a check to Salve made out to "Salve Regina University-Water Study Project," Ochre Court, Newport, 02840.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
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Cool Congregations Train the Trainer Workshop
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Time: 1 to 5 PM
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Location: Newman Congregational Church, 100 Newman Ave, Rumfor
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Help your congregation save Creation by shrinking their carbon footprint at home. Become a Cool Congregations trainer for your congregation! Come to our workshop, and help your faith community understand and reduce their households' carbon footprint. Become better stewards of Creation by understanding your own household's energy usage and learning practical steps to increased energy efficiency. It's fun and informative!
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Read about the Cool Congregations program at http://riipl.org/lists/lt.php?id=LkVWDwBcAwJNVFVURVgH, or at http://riipl.org/linked_files/Cool_Congregations_Brochure.pdf.
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Suggested $10 donation, but no one will be turned away.
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Enroll by October 15, mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:info@riipl.org, 401-267-0029.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
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Bioneers the the Bay Conference
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Time: 8 AM
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Location: New Bedford, MA
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Join us for the fifth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change Conference, presented by the Marion Institute in the historic Downtown of New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009.
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This is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.
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Over 2,000 students, teachers, green business innovators, scientists, grassroots leaders and everyday folks from across the East Coast will gather to embrace, share, brainstorm, network, heal, learn, teach, celebrate, recharge and connect for change. We will roll up our sleeves and harvest tangible, practical solutions to the specific challenges we face here in the Northeast and the world at-large.
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Learn more, and register at: http://www.marioninstitute.org/bioneers_by_the_bay
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
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International Day of Climate Action - Aquidneck Island
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Time: 12 to 2 PM
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Location: Easton's Beach, Newport
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Bring pictures of your children and grandchildren to Easton's Beach! Learn how sea level rise and storm water run-off impact every aspect of our island life style and livelihood. Learn what you can do. One thing is to join the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, which we'll launch that day. We'll meet near the Rotunda for talks, music, informational booths and challenge sign-ups. Rain or shine! This event is still in development. More details to come!
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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Follow the Water! Streamflow and Water Availability
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Time: 4 to 7 PM
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Location: CCRI – Warwick Campus, Rm. 4080
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The starting point for managing our state’s shared water resources is a look at how much water we have and where it is. Get a glimpse of the big picture of regional water supplies. Learn about DEM’s study of water availability in RI. Hear how the RI Water Resources Board and one local community are using this information.
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The Coalition for Water Security, a partnership of many of the state's leading environmental and quality of life groups, invites you to this event, featuring: Alisa Richardson, PE, Principal Engineer, Office of Water Resources, Rhode Island DEM Mark Smith, The Nature Conservancy, Director, Eastern Freshwater Program Kenneth Burke, General Manager , RI Water Resources Board Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown
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To register or for more information contact: Jane Austin at mhtml:%7BF8FA2727-F8AC-4D7C-BE59-1B99A878B9F8%7Dmid://00000074/!x-usc:mailto:jaustin@savebay.org or 272-3540 x123

March for Marriage Equality, Saturday October 17th, Providence, RI

2009-10-03T09:13:00.002-04:00

Come out and MARCH to the State House for Marriage Equality. March with your neighbors, friends, family or local organization. Every community in Rhode Island will be represented. Carry the sign for your town! The time is NOW to send a clear message to our state legislators that MARRIAGE EQUALITY must be the law in Rhode Island.
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Don’t miss this great day of solidarity and action….and fun!
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MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOW RI MARCH & RALLY
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Saturday, OCTOBER 17, 2009
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10a.m. Gather at Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)
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11a.m. March to the RI State House
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1 p.m. Rally for Marriage Equality on the steps of the State House
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4 p.m. Reception at Downcity Diner*
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5 p.m. The Dark Lady* and Alley Cat* open for Marriage Equality
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7 p.m. Snow Street Block Party for Marriage Equality RI
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9 p.m. Marriage Equality Celebration at Mirabar*
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For more information, to get involved, call: 941-2727.
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*Event LocationsDowncity Diner located at 50 Weybosset in ProvidenceDark Lady located at 17 Snow St in ProvidenceAlley Cat located at 124 Snow St in ProvidenceMirabar located at 35 Richmon St. in Providence

UUA Advocacy and Witness

2009-10-01T20:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

What historic times we are potentially in. While the Senate has already been wrestling with health care reform and whether or not we will have a public option, today Senators Boxer and Kerry release their version of the climate change bill. In the meantime a House committee has set a hearing on legislation that would protect the Red Rock Wilderness, one of our Actions of Immediate Witness this past General Assembly. A huge March for BGLT Equality is coming to DC in early October. And we continue our weekly Standing on the Side of Love webcast calls (Fridays at 1 pm EDT) to help UUs more effectively witness on the side of love during times that sorely need it. This week's call is with Revs. Meg Riley & Abhi Janamanchi. Please see below for more details.

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In faith and for justice, Rowan, Orelia, Kat, Audra, Susan, Rob, and Meg
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ACT NOW on America's Red Rock Wilderness Act
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At the 2009 UUA General Assembly, delegates voted to Support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act as an Action of Immediate Witness. Well, now it's time for action!
For the first time in the 20-year history of this bill, a hearing has been scheduled for America's Red Rock Wilderness Act in the House Natural Resources Committee, Public Lands Subcommittee, for Oct. 1, 2009. Right now a simple act of witness could do wonders to support this bill. Please contact your local congressional representative and tell them you support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act and to let him/her know that you are pleased to know that it is getting a hearing. Encourage members of your congregation to do the same! For more ideas and assistance in taking action, or to see if your congressional representative has signed on, visit the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

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Update on the Oct 11th March for Equality

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The National Equality March will take place in Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 11th. Join Rev. Peter Morales and thousands of other UUs to march for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender equality. The march route has been released. If you're coming to the march, we need you to register. If you are not coming, there is still plenty you can do for equality. For more information, including a full schedule of UU events Oct 10th-11th, click here.
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Standing on the Side of Love Friday Conference Call Webcasts

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The Standing on the Side of Love campaign now offers weekly 45 min. webcast conference calls on Fridays at 1pm. EDT. We will share best practices, highlight resources, and discuss major initiatives. Calls will feature different presenters. You do not have to have web access to join the calls. To get more information and to register for the calls simply follow the link below for the day(s) you wish to attend, go to: http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/fridaycalls
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This Friday's Oct. 2nd 1-1:45 pm (EDT) call features Rev. Meg Riley, Campaign Director and UUA Director of Advocacy and Witness and Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Minister of UU Congregation of Clearwater Florida and Member of SSL Congregational Advisory Board on Interfaith Coalition Building through Standing on the Side of Love. Followed by Q & A and discussion.

From UUA: Urgent Action Needed on Climate Change

2009-10-01T20:07:00.002-04:00

October 1, 2009

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Dear Friends of Environmental Justice,

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Welcome to our second issue of Environmental Justice News. It is officially autumn now, and if you can't feel it in the air outside, maybe you can feel it with the start of the church year, the school year, and with congress back in session.

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I am the new Program Associate for Environmental Justice, through a partnership between the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth and the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. I recently finished an AmeriCorps*VISTA year in Lawrence, MA, working on food justice and environmental education. I am thrilled to be here in the Washington Office for Advocacy, supporting UU involvement in environmental justice issues, locally and nationally. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for these monthly newsletters.
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In This Issue:

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Resources and Activities
The Human Right to Water-UUSC
Climate Change: What's Going on in Government?
Action Items Summary

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Environmental Justice News is a collaborative effort between: UU Ministry for the Earth UU Service Committee UUA's Green Sanctuary program UUA's Washington Office for Advocacy
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In faith,

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Rowan Van NessProgram Associate for Environmental Justice

(1) Resources and Activities

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UUMFE: International Day of Climate Action-October 24, 2009Social justice, creation-care, stewardship, Earth community, beloved community - there are many ways we can name and express our moral and spiritual perspectives on climate change. UU Ministry for Earth invites UUs to join with us in prayer, meditation, action, and celebration on October 24, 2009, in our collaboration with 350.org in a day of action for climate justice. This date is an important milestone in the path to an effective international treaty on climate change to be negotiated in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December. Groups around the globe will call on the world's leaders to commit to decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in Earth's atmosphere to below 350 parts per million, the stable and safe upper limit for the world's people, creatures, and future generations. Bill McKibben, co-founder and director of 350.org, has specifically called for UU involvement; watch the 45-second YouTube video here.

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For more information about the International Day of Climate Action, visit the UUMFE website. We have included ideas for events your congregation can organize, links to our partner organizations, and a registry for our collaboration with 350.org. Let us know what your congregation is planning! Also, please register at 350.org and sign the "Interfaith Call for 350."
RenewalDuring the month of September congregations should check their mailboxes for a copy of the interfaith film Renewal and "Renewal: A Guide for Screening and Using the Documentary" these are being provided to all UUA congregations. This resource has been provided in hopes that it will be used to inspire congregations to participate in environmental and environmental justice work. In the coming months, the UUA will be collecting stories to see how congregations used the DVD.

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If you have not received your copy, first check with your congregational administrator and then contact greensanctuary@uua.org for a replacement copy. For more information visit the Green Sanctuary website or the Renewal website.

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New Report on Responsible Investing in the Water SectorThe Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility has released a new report for church investors about responsible reporting for the water sector, called "Liquid Assets". UUSC contributed the chapter on the human right to water. Forward this report to your finance committee and other colleagues and contacts and encourage them to use this to evaluate their investments.

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Human Right to Water Bottles - on sale now!Bring the water justice wave to your holiday celebrations and show your colors - buy a human right to water bottle and support the efforts of organizations like El Moviminto Mi Cometa - one of UUSC's partners, who has brought a ground breaking case against InterAgua (former Bechtel Subsidiary, now VEOLIA owns the shares) before the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman responsible for overseeing investment disputes with communities and MIGA guarantees. Mi Cometa also worked to put the human right to water clause in the new Ecuadorian constitution (which also protects the rights of the environment, native peoples, and much more). Mi Cometa is now working to implement the constitution in the new water law.
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(2) The Human Right to Water-UUSC

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AB 1242 - Human Right to Water Act of California - 2009

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The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), the UU Legislative Ministry Action Network of California, and many grass roots environmental, social justice, and human rights organizations have worked together to bring forward a historic bill in the California legislature over the past year - AB 1242, the Human Right to Water Act of 2009. Read about the great co-sponsors of the bill like the Environmental Justice Coalition on Water and the Community Water Center. When UUs jump into water justice together, we make a bigger splash! Unitarian Universalists with human rights and water policy expertise helped to shape the bill, and the organizing reach of UUSC and UULM Action Network brought it to the attention of thousands. If the bill is signed by the Governor, the impact will not only help move water justice forward in California, it will ripple out to other states and around the globe.

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This month UUs lifted up water justice in worship, and collected over 2500 postcards and letters which were delivered in buckets to the Governor's office by "La Gotita" (the water drop - mascot of UUSC partner FENTAP - the Water and Sanitation Workers of Peru) to ask the Governor to sign AB1242. Watch La Gotita dance in a video by the UULMCA about AB 1242 - send it along to your CA contacts, ask them to call or write to the Governor to encourage him to sign the bill.

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Thanks to the UU Veatch Program at Shelter Rock whose support provided the foundation for this success.
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(3) What's Going on in Government?

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With the UN Climate Summit this past week in New York, things are heating up around the issue of climate change. President Obama's address Tuesday morning at the UN Climate Change Summit spoke generally about the need for climate change and the need for industrial nations to take a lead in reducing carbon emissions and supporting developing countries whose survival depend on both a growing economy and a clean planet.

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With the high levels of greenhouse gases industrialized countries have already contributed to the atmosphere, there is debate around whether they owe the rest of the world a "climate debt," especially when developing countries will be the bigger emitters in the future. While there seems to be agreement that something should be done, the questions of how and how much remain divisive. Cooperation between the advanced and the emerging economies will be essential to making the climate change treaty in Copenhagen in December meaningful. Read the New York Times article here.

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Senators Boxer and Kerry have been putting together a climate change bill which is expected to be introduced this week and address the nation's energy foundation; U.S. economic competitiveness; the health of the environment; and national security. This is the biggest piece of environmental legislation to be going through Congress in a generation and has the potential to make major shifts in our energy sources and the redevelopment of our economy. As the US economy is rebuilt, it needs to create opportunities and funding for people to learn and perform jobs that help us transition to using cleaner energy and environmentally-friendly construction.
As people of faith, and guided by the 2006 Unitarian Universalist Statement of Conscience on the threat of Global Warming/Climate Change, we need to put our faith into action. President Obama has made the call for each person to do what they can to grow our economies without endangering the planet. To make sure this bill includes provisions for the Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project and Funding for the Green Jobs Act, we need to make our voices heard NOW. Our partners at the 1Sky Campaign have made it easy for you to call your Senator -- just visit 1Sky to get some talking points and to get connected to your Senator toll-free.

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(4) Action Items Summary

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Get the Governor to Sign AB 1242 - The Human Right to Water Act of 2009! This month UUs lifted up water justice in worship, and collected over 2500 postcards and letters which were delivered in buckets to the Governor's office by "La Gotita" (the water drop - mascot of UUSC partner Watch La Gotita dance in a video by the UULMCA about AB 1242 - send it along to your CA contacts, ask them to call or write to the Governor to encourage him to sign the bill.

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Ensure Your Church is Investing Responsibly The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility has released a new report for church investors about responsible reporting for the water sector, called "Liquid Assets". UUSC contributed the chapter on the human right to water. Forward this report to your finance committee and other colleagues and contacts and encourage them to use this to evaluate their investments.

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Demand Strong Climate Change in Upcoming Bill! With a new climate change bill expected to appear in the Senate soon, we need to make sure it is strong. President Obama has made the call for each person to do what they can to grow our economies without endangering the planet. To make sure this bill includes provisions for the Green Construction Careers Demonstration Project and Funding for the Green Jobs Act, we need to make our voices heard NOW. Our partners at the 1Sky Campaign have made it easy for you to call your Senator -- just visit 1Sky to get some talking points and to get connected to your Senator toll-free.

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ACTION Needed NOW on America's Red Rock Wilderness Act At the 2009 UUA General Assembly, delegates voted to Support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act as an Action of Immediate Witness. Well, now it's time for action!For the first time in the 20-year history of this bill, a hearing has been scheduled for America's Red Rock Wilderness Act in the House Natural Resources Committee, Public Lands Subcommittee, for Oct. 1, 2009. Right now a simple act of witness could do wonders to support this bill. Please contact your local congressional representative and tell them you support America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. Encourage members of your congregation to do the same! For more ideas and assistance in taking action, visit the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

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Make sure you congregation participates in the International Day of Climate Action Visit the UUMFE website for ideas, then register your action with UUMFE and the Interfaith Call for 350 at 350.org.

Appeal from East Bay Citizens for Peace

2009-10-01T20:04:00.001-04:00

Fellow activists, In an attempt to make Rhode Island residents more aware of issues of war and peace (and to simply provide them with consistent, quality journalism), East Bay Citizens for Peace has been trying to convince local TV and radio stations to carry the news program Democracy Now! Please help us by contacting WRNI and RI PBS to request that they add Democracy Now! to their lineups.

Here is the contact info: WRNI - Lisa Gustafson, Program Director, lgustafson@wrni.org , 519-0235, or One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 RI PBS - Kathryn Larsen, Program Director, klarsen@ripbs.org , 222-3636, ext. 0, or 50 Park Lane, Providence, RI 02907.

We need an informed public to exert pressure on our elected leaders and bring an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan… and we need shows like Democracy Now! to keep the public informed. Thanks in advance for your support in this endeavor. If you need some talking points, or if you haven’t yet listened to Democracy Now!, check out their website: www.democracynow.org . East Bay Citizens for Peace www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org .

Rally for Health Care Reform

2009-10-01T20:00:00.001-04:00

A Healthier Nation is a Stronger Nation

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Sunday Oct 11th at NoonWashington Square, Newport RI(RIPTA Bus #60)

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Informative Speakers

Musical entertainment with Jim McGrath and Friends

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CORPORATE GREED vs. HUMAN NEED

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For more info: Gracious Audette (401) 841 9198

Step It Up/Cool Aquidneck Island Update #26

2009-09-28T11:40:00.005-04:00

Hi, Green Friends,

I've been continuing my totally unscientific survey of coffee shops that give discounts for bringing your own mug. (All my research has been done on the Island.) If a shop isn't listed, it's because I haven't been there yet. Here's the latest:

The best discounts I've found are at Empire Tea and Coffee, Broadway, Newport (more than .25 per cup) and Custom House Coffee, Aquidneck Ave., Middletown and West Main Rd., Portsmouth (they'll fill your mug--usually the equivalent of a medium or large coffee) for the price of the small size. Starbuck's gives a .10 discount. So far, Dunkin Donuts, Ocean Coffee Roasters and Bliss Cafe haven't caught on to the wisdom of this discount, but why not bring your mugs wherever you go, and thank those who have, while encouraging those who haven't to give it a try? While you're at it, ask them if they serve fair trade coffee. Feel free to contribute your experience to this important research venture.

Thanks to Arthur Erhardt who shared an article on the power of houseplants to fight indoor ozone pollution. (SOURCE: American Society for Horticultural Science.) Briefly:

Ozone can infiltrate from outdoors, and can also be released by ordinary copy machines, laser printers, ultraviolet lights, and some electrostatic air purification systems.
Because people in industrialized countries spend as much of 80% to 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution has been ranked as one of the world's greatest public health risks.
A research team from the Pennsylvania State University tested three common house plants--snake plant, spider plant, and golden pothos-- and found that ozone depletion rates were higher in the chambers that contained the plants than in the control chambers without plants, but there were no differences in effectiveness among the three plants. They chose the plants because of their popularity, primarily due to their low cost, low maintenance, and rich foliage, and their reported ability to reduce other indoor air pollutants.

And your rain barrels can provide the water for them! And your worm farm and compost bin can fertilize them!

All our events (and lots more great stuff) are listed at http://www.coolaquidneckisland.org/ soon after we get the information.

Events:

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

AI Transportation Study's first public workshop

Time: 6 to 9 PM
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Location: Middletown Town Hall, E. Main Rd.

Please be sure to join us on September 29 for the first public workshop, 6 to 9 pm, of AIPC's newest project, the Transportation Study. This study marks the first time the entire island traffic system will be studied as an integrated unit. This ground-breaking $500,000 study (funding provided by FHWA, SPP, RIDOT) will take a macro and micro look at all of the major and feeder roads for traffic flow, safety and multi-modal access. It will impact the entire Island economy.

The study is results-oriented and will produce a state project listing for short, medium and long-range transportation construction and redesign projects on Aquidneck Island. It will help direct additional federal and state monies into Island projects that will improve the entire transportation system.

A key to success for the project is public participation, which includes an interactive web site (Transportation Study Website), opportunities for stakeholder interviews and input and at least four public workshops. Everyone is invited to become a part of the solution to what we all agree is a significant quality of life challenge (traffic) for Aquidneck Island.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Climate Change and Justice

Time: 10 to 10:50 AM

Location: URI Kingston, Memorial Union, Atrium II

This workshop provides a scientific overview of the causes and impacts of climate change and makes the point that climate change raises challenging ethical questions, especially related to social justice: The first people to suffer from climate change are those who have contributed the least greenhouse gases, for example people in Africa as well as the indigenous people in small island states and in the Arctic regions. The talk concludes with ideas how we as individuals can express fairness and justice in our lives by reducing our own carbon footprint.

For more information contact Christine Muller at chmuller@etal.uri.edu. This event is part of URI’s Diversity Week

www.uri.edu/mcc/diversityweek/2009/index.php

Thursday, October 1, 2009

*NEW* ELECTOBERFEST (Clean Water Action)

Time: 6 PM

Location: Hot Club, 575 S. Water St., Providence

Your support for our political programs is a long-term investment in preventing pollution, building an economy based on environmentally safe jobs and businesses, and empowering all Americans to take charge of our environmental future. Say YES to help educate and mobilize voters to elect pro-environment candidates!

Donation: $25 and up. They're tax-deductible, and donations up to $2500 will be matched by another donor. Call to make your donation ahead of time and RSVP to: (401) 331-6972. web site: www.cleanwateraction.org/ri.

Green Drinks Newport
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Time: 5:30 PM
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Location: Max's Market, 469 Thames Street, Newport
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Join us for this networking opportunity for professionals and volunteers in the environmental field. Special guest speaker, Sarah Kite, Recycling Manager for Rhode Island Resource Recovery (RIRRC).
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

*NEW* Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Time: 8 AM to 1 PM

Location: City Yard, 80 Halsey St., Newport

This free program, sponsored by Newport's Clean City Porgram and RI Resource Recovery Corp., is open to all RI residents. Appointments will be accepted until Oct. 2, at 942-1430, x241. Information on substances accepted is at www.rirrc.org. Computers and electronics, but not TVs, can also be dropped off that day without an appointment. (Newport residents can recycle electronics at the City Yard any day during regular business hours.)

Seminar: Introduction to Wind Power

Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Location: Knight Campus, CCRI, Warwick

To address a special interest from the public, CCRI is offering special non-credit informational seminars about wind and solar energy. If yu're looking to learn more about alternative energy, this course will teach you the basics. 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, $45 to enroll, plus $5 course fee. More information: www.ccri.edu/cwce, or call 825-2293.

35th Annual Harvest Fair

Time: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Location: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 3rd Beach Rd., Middletown

A classic! October 3 and 4. Activities, games, crafts, home and garden contests (flowers, produce, food,) scarecrow contest, "General Store," vendor booths, and lots more! Admission charges. Please leave dogs at home!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Waterfront

Time: 6 to 8 PM

Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport

Share your goals and priorities for promoting "the health and vigor of the city." Join a lively discussion about updating our Land Use Plan. The committee wants to hear your viewpoint. This second of three topical discussions addresses the waterfront.

Letter from Senator Jack Reed on Health Care Reform

2009-09-24T17:37:00.000-04:00

Received this response from Senator Reed to a letter I wrote expressing my concerns (http://mypropheticimperative.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-letter-to-president-and-democratic.html).

Tom Beall

Dear Captain Beall:

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing from you.

I share your concerns about the current state of health care in this country. Today, the costs of care and access to care are urgent issues in our state and our nation.

In the face of the current economic crisis, states are struggling to pay for rising health care costs and cope with increasing enrollment in programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For this reason, I was pleased to support H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which temporarily increased the federal funding match for state Medicaid plans. Additionally, I supported H.R. 2, the CHIP Improvements Act, which preserved health coverage for 6.7 million children and will expand coverage to an additional 4.1 million children, including approximately 12,000 in Rhode Island.

I believe that comprehensive health reform is necessary to ensure long term economic stability. Reforming our health care system is also a crucial element of starting to clear the mountain of debt run up by the Bush Administration. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, I have been actively engaged in drafting common-sense legislation that will provide affordable health coverage options, a cost-effective counter to ever increasing health insurance costs. Most Rhode Islanders are insured through their employers. Health insurance reform will not change that. But people who are uninsured or underinsured will be able to purchase coverage from a menu of options that fit their needs and budget. Every American deserves access to stable coverage that cannot be taken away if they become ill or unemployed.

The bill also includes a nonprofit public health insurance option that would be available to all Americans who want and choose that option. This new choice combined with other necessary improvements to our health care system aims to reduce the cost of health insurance for families, businesses, and taxpayers, enhance the quality and coordination of care provided, and invest in preventing illness from occurring in the first place. As one of the earliest proponents of a public health insurance option, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Chairmen of the HELP and Finance Committees in support of such an option for insuring all Americans. I have enclosed a copy of this letter for your review. I am also an original cosponsor of S. Res. 156, which expresses the sense of the Senate that reform of our nation's health care system should include the establishment of a public health insurance option. The inclusion of such an option would keep the insurance companies honest and guarantee a competitive choice for consumers.

You may also be interested to know several of my bills and proposals were included in the health reform bills moving through the HELP and Finance Committees including: comprehensive coverage of and access to immunization for children, adolescents, and adults; a standardized, quantitative format for relaying information to consumers on drug and device labels and advertisements; grants to encourage the co-location of mental and behavioral health services with physical health care services; and programs to enhance the existing health care work force.

On July 14, 2009, the HELP Committee approved its version of health reform legislation. I voted for this bill because it is time for the status quo to change. I spoke on the Senate floor in favor of this legislation on July 24, 2009. I have included a copy of my remarks for your review. In addition, you may watch my speech online:

http://reed.senate.gov/newsroom/Videos/HealthCareFloor072409.wmv.

I also authored an op-ed on concerning health reform that was published in the Providence Journal, which you can read at:

http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/CT_nureed25_08-25-09_4UFF838_v13.3f8c58f.html

You may be interested to know that throughout this debate I have met with concerned Rhode Islanders across the state and in my offices. I have spoken with constituents at senior centers, business leaders at chambers of commerce, and patients and doctors at community health centers and other health settings. In addition, on August 18th and August 26th, I co-hosted Community Dinners with Senator Whitehouse in Rhode Island to discuss health reform. I also participated in a live web chat on this issue hosted by the Providence Journal on August 25th, which you can view at:

http://www.projo.com/health/content/REED_HEALTHCARE_CHAT_08-26-09_RFFGUER_v9.38ae0b7.html

You can learn more about the Affordable Health Choices Act and track the progress of this legislation on a new Health Care Reform webpage accessible via my website, http://www.reed.senate.gov/.

No one in this country should be forced to go without health care coverage. You can be assured that I will continue to keep your thoughtful comments in mind as work on health reform legislation progresses.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me if you have further comments or concerns about this or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Jack Reed

United States Senator

http://reed.senate.gov/

New Name, Renewed Passion

2009-09-23T16:10:00.002-04:00

At our September meeting, we changed our name to Channing Memorial Church Social Action Committee and adopted the following mission statement:

The Mission of the Channing Memorial Church Social Action Committee is to coordinate and support the social action activities of individual members of the committee, and to lead Channing’s social justice advocacy and action in the larger community, as well as to be a voice for social action education and advocacy within the Congregation.

We have also set up a new web site on which you can keep up to date on the committee’s activities as well as events and activities of social action interest. Please visit the site at: http://channingsocialaction.blogspot.com/. If you would like to post information on the site, please contact me at socialjustice@channingchurch.org. Finally, our September meeting, we focused primarily on setting goals for the new year. You can read these on the website at: http://channingsocialaction.blogspot.com/2009/09/social-action-committee-adopts-goals.html. If you would like to be involved in any of these activities, please let me know.

One of the key activities in which we participate is the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Rhode Island (UULMRI). Betsy Dees, George Warch, and Al Benson have been very involved and act as our connection with this group. Because of Betsy’s and George’s work in identifying which state legislators served Channing members and in organizing evening roundtable discussions with those legislators, we had a definite and positive impact on last summer’s legislative session including enactment of a Fair Tax capital gains bill which will provide needed revenues for important social justice programs in the state. UULMRI is busy developing its agenda for this year. If you are interested in working with this group to promote social justice in Rhode Island, please contact us at socialjustice@channingchurch.org.

The next meeting of Channing’s Social Action Committee is Wednesday, October 14th, 7PM in the Channing House Library, Channing Memorial Church, 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI. Please join us and share your ideas, your passion, and your commitment to the cause of peace, justice, and respect for all people and our planet, and positive change within our community and the world.

Tom Beall, Social Action Co-Chair

Prominent Christian Leaders Support Comprehensive Middle East Peace

2009-09-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

Link to this page to read a press release on a "Letter in Support of a Comprehensive Middle East Peace: An American National Interest Imperative."

UUA President Rev. Peter Morales is one of the signers.

News from UUA Advocacy and Witness

2009-09-23T14:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends of Justice,

We wish everyone L'shana Tovah, Eid Mubarak and hope you had a blessed autumnal equinox. In this week's Advocacy News, a call to action to end workplace discrimination and new resources for Standing on the Side of Love.

In faith and for justice,

Orelia, Rowan, Kat, Audra, Susan, Rob, and Meg

Act Now to Pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act!

Contact Congress today to tell your Representatives that you support the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2009, which guarantees basic employment protections for bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender workers.

On Wednesday, September 23rd, the House Committee on Education and Labor held hearings on ENDA (H.R. 3017/S. 1584). Coming out as people of faith who support ENDA is crucial - it shows our elected officials that as Unitarian Universalists, we stand on the side of love for equality AND religious freedom. In over half of U.S. states, it is still legal to fire or refuse to hire or promote someone simply because of who they are or who they love. This is outrageous and unacceptable, especially during the current economic and employment crisis.

ENDA's opponents say that it interferes with their religious freedom, but we know that this is not true. ENDA respects the protections for religious institutions afforded by the First Amendment and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act while ensuring that bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people are protected from baseless discrimination in the workplace.

Tell your members of Congress that protecting all workers equally is a matter of justice. Ask them to co-sponosor and support the Employment Non Discrimination Act of 2009.

Contact Congress today!

New Congregational Resources for Standing on the Side of Love

The Standing on the Side of Love Congregational Toolkit is here!

It includes suggestions for how to: Organize Your Congregation; Build Community Partnerships; Take a Public Stand; along with key messages, media tips and more! A downloadable PDF is posted on the site.

Join the Weekly SSL Calls!: Friday, 1 PM EDT

Standing on the Side of Love Campaign and UUA Staff will be holding weekly 45 min. web-cast conference calls to share resources and best practices with people coordinating Standing on the Side of Love activism in their congregations. Calls will include how to get your congregation involved, how to develop a local campaign, how to use new media, how to bring SSL to interfaith colleagues and allies, and more.

The first call will be Friday, Sept. 25th.

To join the call(s): register here.

Channing Interweave Event: Telling Our Stories, this Friday

2009-09-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that our first Interweave event will be taking place this Friday, September 25th.

It will be held at the Empire Coffee House, 22 Broadway, Newport at 7pm.

We hope to see you there. It should be fun!

Step It Up/Cool A.I. Update #25

2009-09-21T06:23:00.000-04:00

Hi, Green Friends,

Your Step It Up crew will be on Art Berluti's show Monday morning at 11 AM, on WADK, 1540 AM. Our guest will be Ellen Pfeiffer, National Grid's Project Manager for "Energy Action: Aquidneck and Jamestown." We'll be talking about National Grid's residential efficiency programs, and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge, kicking off at the International Day of Climate Change on October 24.

We've just learned that our own Tony Wallace Ciany will be presenting at the Bioneers by the Bay conference in New Bedford in October. Her topic is "Graceful Exit: How to Leave Your Campus Lean and Green When the School Year Ends." As soon as we can start wedging October events into this update, we'll give you more information about this wonderful conference. Meanwhile, you can read about it at: http://www.connectingforchange.org/program-workshops.html.

I'll be quiet now, to make space for more events.

Channing's Green Congregation Chair

Monday, September 21, 2009

*NEW* The Age of Stupid, Docudrama, one-time-only showing

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Warwick Showcase Cinemas, 1200 Quaker Ln, E. Greenwich

This powerful "docudrama" is set in the year 2055, after global warming has done massive damage to humanity. Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite stars as a historian who "looks back" on real footage from 2008 to try to answer the question, "why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?"

There will also be a simulcast of a Hollywood-style premiere event live from a solar-powered tent in New York City to over 700 theaters in the U.S. and 50 other countries. Featured celebrities include Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, and Moby. MTV's Gideon Yago will interview Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan, environmental scientist James Hansen, and The Age of Stupid director Franny Armstrong. Ending the night will be a special, acoustic performance by Radiohead's Thom Yorke.

Purchase advance tickets by clicking on: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=59626

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Apeiron Inst. 2nd Annual RI Sustainable Schools Summit

Time: 8 AM to 4 PM

Location: URI Providence Campus, 80 Washington St.

Rhode Island Schools: Taking Strides to Sustainability Attention Superintendents, Administrators, Teachers, Students, School Board Officials, Facilities Managers, Principals, Parents, and Community Members:

Join the Apeiron Institute for this FREE program as we take an in-depth look at some green initiatives in local schools and discuss ways to integrate environmental sustainability in school environments, school food systems, and curricula.

*NEW* Obama Administration Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting

Time: 4 to 7 PM

Location: RI Convention Ctr., Ballrooms D&E, Providence

The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.

Presenters: Chair Nancy Sutley, White House Council on Environmental Quality Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Vice Admiral David P. Pekoske, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Dora Hughes, Counselor for Science & Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services Associate Deputy Secretary Laura Davis, Department of Interior

Note: Public comment can also be submitted online at: www.whitehouse.gov/oceans

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Land Use

Time: 6 to 8 PM

Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport

*NEW* Will the AI Transportation Study be planet-friendly?

Time: 7 to 9 PM

Location: Stookeys', 179 Coggeshall Ave., Newport

Aquidneck Island long-term transporation options: Here's a once-in-a-decade chance to help design a 21st century transportation system that dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The Aquidneck Island Planning Commission is just beginning a 2-year $500,000 Transportation Study for the island. This gives us a great opportunity to lead the region and the nation toward low-impact ways of moving about in our daily lives.

The goals of the study, although encouraging, do not specifically mention CO2 pollution. We will be looking at the study plan and considering how we can urge the planners to adopt 21st century ideas that protect the planet, not just 20th century recommendations to accommodate more vehicles.

We'll also be considering what we might say at the study's first Public Hearing on September 29th. You can read the study description at http://www.aquidneckplanning.org/AIP%20Transport%20study.html and linked pages.

Please join us for coffee, tea, dessert and an important discussion.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Economical Historic Home: Energy Efficiency Basics for the Old House Owner

Time: 9 AM to 12:45 PM

Location: Philip Walker House, 432 Massasoit Ave., E. Providence

Do you love your historic home, but hate the high heating bills and wasted energy? Learn how to make your old house more energy efficient without losing its historic character. This hands-on workshop, a joint project with Preserve RI, Historic New England & Providence Revolving Fund, will discuss insulation, weatherizing doors, window repair, retrofitting for renewable energy, tax credits, and more. Reserve your space today! www.newportrestoration.org/calendar/details/12973-the_economical

Space is limited—reserve early! $15 for members of Preserve RI and Historic N.E. $25 for non-members.

Providence Sustainability Festival (Apeiron Institute)

Time: 10 AM to 6 PM

Location: Burnside Park, across from Kennedy Plaza, Providence

The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living will hold its first Providence festival, http://apeiron.org/slf2009/index2.html, a free event. It will include many of the features of the Coventry festival, providing numerous resources through its participating vendors, workshops and exhibits.

Working with the City of Providence, the festival will also highlight “green job” opportunities. We are seeking significant community input and welcome businesses and organizations with a green presence in Providence to participate in the festival, either as exhibitors, presenters, or organizers.

For more information, contact Apeiron at info@apeiron.org or call 401-228-7930.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

*NEW* AI Transportation Study's first public workshop

Time: 6 to 9 PM

Location: Middletown Town Hall, E. Main Rd.

Please be sure to join us on September 29 for the first public workshop of AIPC's newest project, the Transportation Study. This study marks the first time the entire island traffic system will be studied as an integrated unit. This ground-breaking $500,000 study (funding provided by FHWA, SPP, RIDOT) will take a macro and micro look at all of the major and feeder roads for traffic flow, safety and multi-modal access. It will impact the entire Island economy.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

*NEW* Climate Change and Justice

Time: 10 to 10:50 AM

Location: URI Kingston, Memorial Union, Atrium II

For more information contact Christine Muller at chmuller@etal.uri.edu. This event is part of URI’s Diversity Week: http://www.uri.edu/mcc/DiversityWeek/2009/index.php

From UUA Advocacy and Witness: Call for Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAI) Proposals!

2009-09-17T20:41:00.000-04:00

Congregations and Districts are encouraged to submit proposals for Association-wide study/action for 2010-2014. Proposers within a congregation or district should select a topic that reflects Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Principles and will warrant four years of study and action (only one proposal may be submitted by a congregation or district). Proposers should draft the proposal following the format requirements of the Proposer's Guide. Then the proposers should request their board of trustees, congregation or district to approve the proposal.

The proposal must be received by the Commission on Social Witness by October 1, 2009, either online, via fax or U.S. mail.

The present two approved CSAIs are 2006-2010 Peacemaking and 2008-2010 Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice. Up to 10 CSAI Proposals may be submitted to the Congregational Poll (which opens on November 15, 2009). Make one yours. The final selection will be made by the delegates of the 2010 General Assembly in Minneapolis. Contact socialwitness@uua.org with any questions.

From UUA Advocacy and Witness: Support A Strong Climate and Energy Bill

2009-09-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

Now is the time to stand behind a strong clean energy jobs bill that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, creates jobs and job-training in local communities, and provides a much-needed transition to a clean, green economy.

Inclusion of two key provisions from the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) would provide employment and training opportunities in green construction in communities who have traditionally been left behind and would allocate 0.75% of allowance value, about $860 million, to the Green Jobs Act. Workers affected the worst by the recession and by environmental degradation would get the training and support they need for green-collar jobs.

The Senate is grappling with the most important environmental legislation in a generation right now. Please take this opportunity this week to tell your senators to support this important legislation.

For those of you who might not have seen it, Van Jones spoke for the first time since resigning from his White House position. As you might expect, he urged us to work to pass a strong climate change/clean energy bill with good, green jobs. Contact your senators. Do it for Van!

"Visible Vigils" for Health Care Reform

2009-09-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

The next two months will be critical in the shaping of health care bills in the U.S. Congress.If you want to let our Congressmen know that Rhode Islanders support meaningful health care reform there are actions you can take. Contact your Senators and Congresmen, Also "Visible Vigils" will be held across the state every Tuesday evening between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. between September 15 and November 17th. During the vigils, supporters of "Medicare-For-All" (also known as "single payer" or at least a very strong public option) will gather in small groups hold signs and banners to ensure Congressmen and the media know that Rhode Islanders want real health care reform. If you have questions, contact Sally Hanchett at socialjustice@channingchurch.org. The locations include Bristol, Barrington, East Providence, Providence, Warwick and Westerly.

Step It Up/Cool AI Update #24

2009-09-14T07:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, Green Friends,

Lots of new events added this week, so please check them out. Help celebrate, on Monday at 11:30 AM, of the newly completed restoration of the Gooseneck Cove wetland.

Then have your say about Newport's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and environmental aspects of Newport's proposed elementary school.

And watch this space for information about International Day of Climate Action-Aquidneck Island at Easton's Beach (right in the middle of our signature photo, above) on October 24. Check us out at http://www.350.org/node/6260. Ours will be one of more than 1400 events in 111 countries (so far.) The theme statewide is sea level rise, a crucial topic for our island. The Newport Energy & Environment Commission is the lead sponsor, but we'd love to make this a true island-wide event. Plans are just starting, so hop on board and help plan this important event. We'll be kicking off our Energy Challenge that day--something positive we can all do to fight climate change.

Kudos to Aquidneck Island Land Trust for protecting yet another strategic piece of the Bailey's Brook watershed--6.6 acres off Valley Road.
-

Monday, September 14, 2009

*NEW* Celebration of Gooseneck Cove salt marsh restoration project completion

Time: 11:30 AM

Location: Gooseneck Cove, Hazard Rd., Newport

This project replaced culverts on Ocean Avenue and Hazard Road, and removed a defunct dam in the center of the wetland system. These barriers had altered the natural flow of tides into and out of the marsh, causing marsh plants to die off, and the surface of the marsh to erode. By removing these barriers, this restoration has improved water quality and growing conditions for native marsh plants and enhanced habitat of the marsh and tidal creeks for fish such as striped bass and bluefish, shellfish, waterfowl and shorebirds. It will also reduce flooding and make the marsh more resilient to storm damage.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

*NEW* Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Community Services

Time: 6 to 8 PM

Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport

Share your goals and priorities for promoting "the health and vigor of the city." Join a lively discussion about updating our Land Use Plan. The committee wants to hear your viewpoint. This is the first of three topical discussions, and addresses community services.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

*NEW* Environmental Issues-New Elementary School

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Career & Tech Center, Old Fort Rd., Newport

Laura Wernick the architect from HMFH will be available at the administration offices at the Career and tech center this Wednesday at 5:30 to discuss the environmental issues of our new school construction. If you have any questions please call at 847-2100 x 212

Saturday, September 19, 2009

International Coastal Cleanup

Time: 9:00 to 11 AM

Location: Easton's Beach, Newport

This event is run by the Ocean Conservancy Group and hosted in RI by the Audubon Society and Clean Ocean Access. We're proud to lead the efforts at Easton’s Beach for the 4th straight year, as Clean Ocean Access marks the start of its 4th year!

Park in the west-lot. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own gloves, we’ll provide the rest. This is a rain or shine event, unless we have a hurricane!

Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup:

http://www.o-ceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=icc_home

Clean Ocean Access: http://members.cox.net/cleanoceanaccess/

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Friends of Tiverton Library Annual Meeting

Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Amicable Church, 3804 Main Rd., Tiverton

Ken Filarski, master planner, architect, LEED AP, board member and chair of the Sustainable Cities Committee, RI Green Building Council, will address the impact of a green municipal buiilding - the library - on the town, as a model, as an economic piece in revitalizing an older neighborhood, and as a funding magnet.

"Savory Samples" at 5, Elections and Annual Meeting at 5:50, "Spectacular Soups, Salads and Slices" at 6, "Sweets and a Speaker" at 7. http://www.tivertonlibrary.org/.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Apeiron Inst. 2nd Annual RI Sustainable Schools Summit

Time: 8:00 AM to 4 PM

Location: URI Providence Campus, 80 Washington St.

Rhode Island Schools: Taking Strides to Sustainability. Attention Superintendents, Administrators, Teachers, Students, School Board Officials, Facilities Managers, Principals, Parents, and Community Members:

Join the Apeiron Institute for this FREE program, as we take an in-depth look at some green initiatives in local schools and discuss ways to integrate environmental sustainability in school environments, school food systems, and curricula.

*NEW* Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Land Us

Time: 6:00 to 8 PM

Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Economical Historic Home: Energy Efficiency Basics for the Old House Owner

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM

Location: Philip Walker House, 432 Massasoit Ave., E. Providence

Space is limited—reserve early! $15 for members of Preserve RI and Historic N.E. $25 for non-members.

Providence Sustainability Festival (Apeiron Institute)

Time: 10:00 AM to 6 PM

Location: Burnside Park, across from Kennedy Plaza, Providence

The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living will hold its first Providence festival, http://apeiron.org/slf2009/index2.html, a free event that includes many of the features of the Coventry festival, providing numerous resources through its participating vendors, workshops and exhibits.

Physicians for a National Health Program

2009-09-12T20:25:00.000-04:00

A Channing member offers this link to provide a perspective on the national health care reform debate: http://www.pnhp.org/.

Great Day of Service - Columbus Day 2009

2009-09-10T15:50:00.001-04:00

The interfaith organization Beyond Our Walls is gearing up for its 5th annual Great Day of Service which will take place on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, 2009. The day will provide an opportunity for people to come together to work side-by-side, assisting agencies and organizations in need of community service through a work project.

Last year over 700 volunteers participated at more than 40 different work sites throughout Rhode Island. Projects ranged from apartment renovations at Crossroads RI in North Kingstown to park beautification in East Providence; from sandwich making for the homeless to cleaning up trash at beaches and parks; to creating care packages for service men and women stationed overseas and spending quality time with Veterans in Bristol; and MUCH, MUCH MORE: that’s what a Great Day of Service is all about.

Online registration will begin September 1, 2009.

Please visit http://www.greatdayofservice.com/ to learn more and get involved.

Worksite information will be available online when registration opens on September 1st.

Everyone can participate – there’s an activity for all ages and abilities.

Email greatday@greatdayofservice.com with questions.

Public Hearing on National Grid Rate Increase

2009-09-10T15:31:00.002-04:00

The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission will be holding a public hearing on a proposed National Grid rate increase on Tuesday, September 15th, at 6PM at the Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Rd., Middletown, RI. This proposed rate increase would result in an average customer bill increase of 11.2% per month. This increase, which would impact virtually all Rhode Islanders, follows a 5.2% rate increase in 2007 and a 21.7% increase in 2008.

Social Action Committee Adopts Goals and Objectives for 2009 - 2010 Church Year

2009-09-10T15:15:00.001-04:00

At its September meeting, the Social Action Committee adopted the following goals and objectives for the upcoming church year. These goals and objectives are aligned with the Channing Memorial Church Strategic Plan:

GOAL I: Design and support programs that address local community needs and that encourage involvement by diverse members of the local community.

Objective A: Conduct research into potential targets for allocation of Margit Baum Funds to support the intent of the bequest. Report results at November 2009 meeting.

Objective B: Develop recommendations for allocations of Margit Baum Funds for consideration and approval by fund committee.

Objective C: Support Universal Breakfast Program in Newport with goal of 2009 institution of program.

Objective D: Support extending Food Stamp availability in Rhode Island.

Objective E: Support Channing Soup Kitchen.

GOAL II: Increase the Congregation’s social action influence beyond the local level to include in Rhode Island and among the district and national Unitarian Universalist Community.

Objective A: Continue and increase Channing’s involvement in state and national legislative ministry.

GOAL III: Develop opportunities to increase Congregational awareness and activity in social action.

Objective A: Invite Rev. Richard S. Gilbert to conduct a service and workshop for the Channing Congregation and interested persons from the Ballou-Channing District.

Objective B: Support Green Congregation Committee in its pursuit of certification by end of church year.

Objective C: Support Channing Interweave Chapter in its pursuit of its goals.

Objective D: Coordinate with the Director of Religious Education the closest possible integration of social justice and social action awareness and activity in the religious education program.

Objective E: Educate and engage with the Congregation on the issue of socially responsible investing.

Objective F: Coordinate with the Minister to develop and present services and / or adult enrichment programs that address war and peace, violence in our society, and hate speech.

Want to get involved? Contact Social Action Co-Chairs Tom Beall or Sally Hanchett at socialjustice@channingchurch.org.

"Speech in Debate" Panel Discussion

2009-09-10T15:05:00.001-04:00

Common Cause Rhode Island will be sponsoring a "Speech in Debate" Panel Discussion September 16th, 7 PM, at Smith-Buonanno Hall, Room 106 at 95 Cushing Street on the Brown University Campus. This will be a panel discussion about the decision of the Rhode Island Supreme Court in the case of Irons vs. The RI Ethics Commission. In its 3 to 1 decision, the court ruled that the speech in debate clause in the state constitution shields state legislators from Ethics Commission prosecution in cases where the legislator’s core legislative activities (like their votes) are used to prove that the legislator violated one of the state’s ethics laws. This will be an important and informative discussion on the issue of ethics enforcement in the state legislature.

*For more information, visit http://www.commoncauseri.org/.

We Stand on the Side of Love

2009-09-10T14:40:00.001-04:00

Article featured in The Catalyst, September 2009

It is easy to get angry these days. Those who dream of the Beloved Community on Earth see its realization a long way off. We live in a society increasingly characterized by violent conflict and distributive injustice at home and abroad. We are appalled at violence such as the fatal shootings at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church last year just as we are at scenes of angry, gun-toting people hanging around political town hall meetings called to promote rational discourse not irrational conflict. We question government action to rescue wealthy and powerful financial institutions even as millions lose their jobs and homes, live without a social safety net, and struggle just to survive every day. As people of liberal religious convictions with a passion for social justice and zeal for social action, we want to engage with the world and help bring about systemic change.

To meet this need, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations has begun a nation-wide campaign to organize our witness and our action to change public perceptions about the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Called Standing on the Side of Love (http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/), it is a campaign “that is ultimately about changing the world. Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign...promoting respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person...it is about lifting strong religious voices proclaiming love in the face of fear and hate.”

Far from being an inner-directed, silent acceptance of the “world as it is”, Standing on the Side of Love, seeks to inspire all of us to act in the tradition of King and Gandhi, who marshaled the power of love and the strength of their convictions into strong witness and action for systemic social change. Historically, such witness and action has been an effective agent for change and our church believes it can be again. By changing public perceptions, we can begin to change public policy – aligning it more with those principles of human freedom, human worth, and human dignity that are not only our religious heritage but our national heritage as well.

At Channing, we stand on the side of love and look forward to a new church year of witness and action to continue to live our convictions. The next meeting of Channing’s Social Justice Committee is Wednesday, September 9th, 7PM in the Channing Library. Please join us and share your ideas, your passion, and your commitment to the cause of peace, justice, and respect for all people and our planet, and positive change within our community and the world.

Tom Beall, Social Action Co-Chair