The Social Action Ministry (SAM) at First Parish comes from our Unitarian Universalist faith based on the values of love, justice, community and responsibility. We do this within the supportive environment of our broader church community and the mission of First Parish “…to act on our values to serve the larger community and create a more just and loving world.”
Economic Justice Advocacy
Last week First Parish’s Economic Justice Team met with Laura Wagner, UUMass Action Director, to explore areas of common interest. UUMass Action has been organizing and mobilizing congregations in the state since 2006. It gives effective public voice to our moral values. This, Laura explained, is different from “issue” organizing in that it lifts a moral umbrella under which a diversity of issues are acted upon. She noted that with this framework individuals might have a primary concern that they work on, but they also “show up” for other actions and events that support our values. This faith based approach, and the priority issues it works on (Immigration, Economic Justice, Climate Change, and End Mass Incarceration Together), mirror those worked on by many FP folks. The FP team looks forward to working closely with UUMassAction. To learn more about them visit their website here and hold the date of April 11 for UUMass Action Advocacy Day. Attending: Rev. Anne, Pete, Stephen Shick, Jane Beswick, Karolyn Eisenstein, Dave Pollack, and Bob Kvaal.
Criminal Justice Advocacy
The UU group, End Mass Incarceration Together (EMIT) has been working very hard on criminal justice advocacy over the past few years. EMIT sent out the following good news indicating the possibility of some good changes this year coming from the State House.
Other Social Action News:
Special Plate Collection Thank You
Donations received during last Sunday’s special plate collection for WATCH, a Community Development Corporation located in Waltham, totaled $1,251. The money will go for the important work that WATCH does in their community “by promoting affordable housing, providing adult education and leadership development, and empowering underrepresented residents through civic engagement.” Thank you for your generosity!
Black Lives Matter Boston: In Their Own Words
The First Parish in Brookline, UU, invite all to hear Black Lives Matter Boston activists who have been on the front lines talk about the context of black history and what the struggle looks like today! Discover how individuals and faith communities can make a difference. Sunday, February 26th, 3-4:30 pm, First Parish in Brookline, 382 Walnut Street, Brookline.