UU Fellowship of Sheridan Social Justice Committee

Our Belief:
Justice is at the core of our faith. We are called to make a positive difference in our community through social action.  The work we do together to build a world in which all of us are free and thriving is interrelated.

Purpose:
Provide opportunities for our members and community friends to learn, support, and take action on justice issues that embody Unitarian Universalist values while addressing the needs of our community.

Our History and Roots in Social Justice:
Social justice has long been integral to Unitarian Universalism. Prior to the 1961 merger, both Unitarians and Universalists played active roles in movements for abolition, women’s suffrage, temperance, prison reform, and more. Post-merger, our activism evolved to include civil rights, peace, feminism, LGBTQ rights, and environmental advocacy. Historical efforts have included:

• Offering sanctuary to draft resisters
• Serving as staging areas for civil rights marches
• Organizing transportation for national demonstrations
• Advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment
• Supporting immigrant communities

Key Themes for Social Action:
Each year, the Social Justice Committee will identify justice theme(s) that resonate within our community, highlighting organizations and initiatives working on these issues so that we can join in support. The themes include:

• Economic Justice
• Climate & Environmental Justice
• Immigrant Justice
• Democracy and Voting Rights Justice
• LGBTQ Justice
• Racial Justice
• Reproductive Justice

Objectives:

• Community Projects: Organize projects that directly address community concerns.
• Inclusive Engagement: Attract participants of all ages to social action initiatives.
• Network Building: Foster strong connections between members, community partners, and those we serve.
• Active Advocacy: Take decisive action to address social injustices and support organizations dedicated to solving these challenges.