“Love is the spirit of this church and service its law.”
Key tenets or principles of the Unitarian Universalist faith as well a simple shared desire to uplift those in need impel us individually and as a congregation to take action toward social justice. We endeavor to affirm and promote “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” and “justice, equity and compassion in human relations” (two UU Principles) in our everyday lives and in our congregation’s choices for community social action.
Often a personal calling to help right injustice or the desire to increase one’s children’s awareness of a “world outside their door” is what inspires people to first visit our church. We have many opportunities to build community and friendships while working side-by-side with others in social action and justice. Take the time to look at the many humanitarian projects with which our congregation is involved to find your inspiration!
Service and Justice Ministries Committee (SJMC)
The Service and Justice Ministry groups are responsible for leading their membership and the larger Church congregation in consideration of and action on social justice issues. The Service and Justice Ministries Committee (SJMC) is a lay committee whose responsibility is promote, support, and grow UUAC’s service, advocacy, and witness groups, activities, and opportunities. The activities of the SJMC and the Service and Justice Ministry groups reflect UUAC’s strategic vision and are aligned with the Unitarian Universalist principles.
If you have questions about the SJMC and UUAC’s service and justice activities. Contact Cathie Healy, Chair, at ServiceAndJustice@uuac.org.
Immigration Justice Team: Subscribe to the IJT Newsletter for periodic updates from the Immigration Justice Team. SUBSCRIBE HERE. Contact: Lucia Frenkel and Christina Player at ImmigrationJustice@uuac.org
Walk Away Homelessness
UUAC organizes a team for the Family Promise Walk Away Homelessness fundraiser each spring. The walkathon is a critical source of funding for Family Promise, contributing about one third of the annual budget.
Contact: Barbara Bunger and Donna Allen at WalkAway@uuac.org
Advocacy and Political Action
Advocacy and political action can lead to social justice change. In order to make contacting your local legislators easier, a current listing of Massachusetts Senators and Representatives by town is available at UUMassAction.org. UU Mass Action’s vision is to mobilize the 140 Unitarian Universalist congregations around social justice issues in Massachusetts.
On the international level, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is committed to our shared Unitarian Universalist principles and advances human rights and social justice around the world.
Initiating a New Service and Justice Project
If you are interested in initiating a Service and Justice Ministries program or event, please fill out and submit THIS FORM for a “Good Works Proposal.” Projects approved by the Service and Justice Ministries Committee (SJMC) receive official recognition, guidance, and funding as needed. You will be contacted by a representative of the SJMC acknowledging receipt of the proposal, informing you of any clarifications needed, and suggesting that you attend a SJMC meeting to discuss the proposal in person.
If you have questions about how to complete the proposal, please contact Cathie Healy, Chair of the Service and Justice Ministries Committee at ServiceAndJustice@uuac.org.