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.”

BRIEF SELECTED UPDATES FROM THE SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Special Plate Collection – Thanks to your generous donations during last Sunday’s special plate collection, $3,046 will be donated to the Special Needs Arts Program, Inc. (SNAP) of Lexington.

WATCH Coat Drive – We will continue to collect new or nearly new winter coats for all ages through Sunday, December 3rd. Please see more detailed announcement.

Amnesty International – Sunday, December 10th is HUMAN RIGHTS DAY to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Idil Eser, the Director of Amnesty International Turkey, has been jailed along with nine others. They have been charged with terrorism-related crimes. Letters of support are direly needed for their release. Please send a letter to the following:

Ambassador Serdar Kilic

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey

2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20008

Environmental Justice – Several First Parish members have been very active in the “Stand Up Charlie Campaign” including the sit-in in Governor Baker’s office. A monthly meeting is also convened among several UU congregations to discuss these issues and concerted action, including the fee on carbon. To join the effort, please contact Bob Kvaal, Stephen Shick, or Dave Pollack.

Good Samaritan Fund – The first round of applications will soon be announced. Anticipated deadline for receipt of applications will be January 30. Stay tuned.

UU Urban Ministry – Please join us for the next Fair Foods drive on Saturday, December 9. Please email Elaine Hylek if you are able to help. We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:50am and expect to wrap up around 1:30pm. Here are some great pictures from the last Fair Foods event with Elaine Hylek, Tom Wanderer, John Schmitz, and Rita Bourne.