SOCIAL JUSTICE MINUTES
Notes from the UUCE Social Justice Committee Meeting
of June 24, 2008
Participants: Mark Lustica, Barb Prentice, Mary Otten, Rev. Steve Landale, Julia Heffernan, Joyce Thomas, d. maria, Marti Berger, Sandy Moses, Rob Castleberry, Ruth Duemler, Jeff Jackson, Bee Vrzak
1. Opening Song – Rev. Steve Landale led the group in a song.
2. May Minutes – Approved.
3. Church & UUA/UUSC Business
a. Social Justice Cluster – Tentative September 18 meeting will look at church SJ activities for fall, especially SJ Empowerment workshop and the focus on the 7th principle, including how to integrate it into church life and the role of various committees in promoting it.
b. UUSC – no new information. This church’s contributions continue to steadily decline due in part to lack of involvement in Guest at Your Table last year. However, it was mentioned that a Community Collection was dedicated to it later on.
c. UUA – GA starts tomorrow with no one from UUCE attending.
4. Old Business
a. SJ Empowerment Workshop – reviewed plan. Conference call in mid August with UUA & facilitators.
b. SJUUCE UUpdate – Barb P. reported that the UUpdate will go out the end of this week. A survey will go out in November to determine who is using the update. Coordinate with Green Sanctuary and other task groups, which might want to contribute.
c. That’s My Farmer – Marina will sell farmer bucks this summer.
d. Book Sale – Issue regarding where proceeds go is being addressed by Sarah with the board. Another issue is how are tables assigned in the social hall and this will be taken to coordinating council.
e. Tents of Hope Program – UUSC will have tents at Washburn Park on June 28 & 29. UUCE could own a tent if desired.
f. Social Issues Book/Film Group – Joyce showed a copy of Privilege, Power & Diversity, which needs to be the 2nd ed. Guidelines need to be developed for group; including that books need to have been read by at least one person. And the group needs to pick books that have been out for several years or are in paperback so they are easy to find inexpensively. Will start with “Last Chance for Eden” film on August 19th. Steve also said he would consider doing sermons based on a film or book or vice versa. Email Joyce with suggestions for books or films with a brief summary.
g. August Picnic – August 26 will be a potluck at Gretchen and Sarah’s at 6pm. Bring a food item and own plates, silver, glasses and drinks. No disposables.
h. Ballot Measure Forum – Discussed having a soup lunch followed by a forum on ballot measures either the last Sunday in September or first Sunday in October, possibly co-sponsored with other organizations. Jeff will talk with Steve. Event tentatively called Social Justice Sunday and there would be info tables for the various social justice task groups as well as the SJ Empowerment Workshop.
i. Labor Sunday Proposal – Rob suggested that UUCE pay more attention to labor issues/work/joblessness and he wrote a letter to Steve which Jeff will email to members. Steve may do a related sermon or service this coming year but schedule not tabbed down yet.
j. Interim Approval for Donation Requests – postponed.
5. New Business
a. RRN (Religious Response Network) Donation Request – Ruth moved to donate $50. Approved.
b. Interfaith Peace Effort – Ten churches working with 6 study guides. The study guides are available for us if we are interested.
c. Single Payer Health Care Film – Film shown to 15 people after book sale with positive response.
Submitted by Jeff Jackson??
Notes from the UUCE Social Justice Committee Meeting
May 27, 2008
Present: Barbara Newton Davis, Ruth Duemler, d.maria, Julia Heffernan, Gretchen Miller, Rob Castleberry, Mark Lustica, Joyce Thomas, Barb Prentice, Mary Otten, Jeff Jackson
1. Opening words & check-in: Gretchen did the opening words.
2. Minutes & Agenda: Minutes from the April meeting were approved after Barb Prentice’s name was deleted from those listed as present. Agenda for this meeting was approved with the addition of an interfaith peace item by Ruth. Note: Jean Coberly needs to step down as scribe given her new role as church treasurer and Bee has agreed to take her place, which was unanimously supported by other SJUUCE members in attendance. As Bee wasn’t able to attend today, Barbara agreed to take notes for the meeting.
3. Church & UUA/UUSC Business:
a. Coordinating Council (CC): The church budget for 2008-09 will be approved at the congregational meeting on 6/8 and $1,200 is allocated for SJUUCE; there was a question about the size of our increase but it was explained that most of it will go towards the fees to be paid to the UUA for the SJ Empowerment Workshop. The Workshop sign-up sheet was passed and many CC members signed up.
b. Social Action Cluster: The first meeting was held on 6/1 and 10 of the 11 task group chairs were present. The purpose was discussed and how we could support each other and each group reported on their current priorities. Green Sanctuary highlighted their meeting with Rev. Steve and his plan to focus on the 7th principle next year. The SJ Empowerment Workshop was discussed and the chairs agreed to share info about it with their groups and 10 of 11 chairs have now signed up to attend; in addition, Nisco J. and Amy R. volunteered to assist with publicity in the fall.
c. UUSC: Joyce discussed the Cyclone Relief Fund for Burma and the Cost of War program, asked if anyone will be attending General Assembly (which will feature many UUSC and UUA social justice workshops), and gave any overview of the Tents of Hope Program--which was added to the list of possible SJUUCE activities that was reviewed later in the meeting.
d. UUA-Social Justice: The GA was again highlighted.
4. Old Business:
a. SJ Empowerment Workshop: The sign-up sheet was passed and about 45 folks have now signed up. Some of the initial publicity and outreach activities were discussed, including a flyer for the 6/8 service and meeting.
b. SJUUCE UUpdate: With Jean and Sandy both stepping down from compiling the UUpdate due to other church commitments, Barb P. agreed to take it on if she’s able to find someone else to work with her.
c. That’s My Farmer: Barb reported that the 6/15 offering will go to them and that will be the last day for the “Farmer’s Box” for the summer.
d. White Privilege Workshop: The evaluation was discussed, which was very positive overall. There was interest in doing some kind of follow-up but given all the activities in the fall, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to do so until next spring. Mary suggested that we might want to broaden our focus to include other kinds of power and privilege and mentioned a possible book to read, Privilege, Power and Difference. maria made the point that we still need to have a separate focus on racism.
e. Process for approving interim donation requests--tabled
f. Review list of possible activities: We added UUSC & WAND’s efforts around the Cost of War as well as labor issues to our list and selected the following activities to take on over the next 6 months as we build towards the SJ Empowerment Workshop in November.
1) Social issues book group—The focus was changed from study/discussion to a book group and 6 members signed up with Joyce agreeing to initiate a group probably in August.
2) Ballot measures: partnering with other organizations--We discussed doing a forum with Interweave, Basic Rights Oregon and possibly other organizations in late Sept. or early Oct. at UUCE. Almost everyone was interested in helping out and Rob and Julie agreed to facilitate the planning with Gretchen sending out an initial notice.
3) Picnic—We agreed to have a picnic at our August meeting, which will also include some business items, possibly at Monroe Park or Gretchen’s place.
In terms of other items: a) folks were encouraged to contact Kate S. or Dick L. if they are interested in volunteering at the NVC Conference in September; b) Joyce will contact Marti Berger regarding how we can publicize LCDC efforts around Darfur in the congregation; c) Ruth and Joyce will communicate with Barb about UUSC & WAND Cost of War materials; and d) Rob volunteered to write Rev. Steve about possibly doing a Labor Sunday service next year.
5. New Business:
a. Book Sale: Folks signed up to help and Mary raised the issue of whether the proceeds were being properly allocated in terms of church bylaw requirements. Jeff will ask Sarah to clarify the matter with the Board, if not for this book sale at least for future ones.
b. Other new items were addressed under the list of possible activities above.
6. Announcements: On 9/11, the focus of the service at First Christian will be on the Cost of War.
7. Check-out & closing: A piece by Martin Luther King, Jr. was read and the meeting concluded at about 8:50 pm.
Submitted by Jeff Jackson
Notes from the meeting of the UU Eugene Social Justice Committee
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Present: Kate Savannah, Julia Heffernan, Ruth Duemler, d.maria, Mark Lustica, Gretchen Miller, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castleberry, Laura Stine, Bee Vrzak, Mary Otten, Jeff Jackson, Barbara Newton Davis, Sandy Moses, Shelley Zavat, Jean Coberly
1. Opening words and check-in: Opening words related to the Passover celebration
2. Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the March meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
3. Church and UUA/UUSC business:
a. Coordinating Council (CC): The 08/09 budget will likely be $100,000 less than that which committees asked for. We can assume social justice may get a budget that’s 50% of the amount requested. The CC decided that two clusters will be piloted: social justice and Sunday services. The social justice cluster will include SJUUCE, Green Sanctuary, Interweave, Accessibility, and other social justice task groups. The chairs of these task groups will meet periodically regarding opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
b. UUSC: Joyce Thomas brought information on the Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice legislative advocacy network to share with the committee. Oregon churches are interested in starting a similar network, with the Salem UU church perhaps taking the lead but no activity on this has stated at this point. Joyce also mentioned the opportunities for youth and adults to do work projects around the country, including the New Orleans area.
c. UUA-Social Justice- Jeff encouraged committee members to look at the weblog of the Advocacy & Witness staff group of the Unitarian Universals Association of Congregations at http://uuasocialjustice.blogspot.com/ --both to get a sense of how an active blog works as well as see the level of interchange and debate going on in UU social justice circles.
4. Old Business:
a. Social justice empowerment workshop: The workshop will be held on November 7 and 8. A work group has been involved in completing the assessment form that must be submitted to the UUA at least 3 months before the workshop date. Additional SJUUCE members were invited to join as we enter phase two of planning the initial publicity and outreach: Rob, Julia, Ruth and Joyce signed on. In addition, Pam and maria have already said they will help with phase 3 of the planning & prep in the fall.
b. SJUUCE UUpdate: Sandy Moses reported that the UUpdate is now sent to the committee members bi-weekly. Members agreed that receiving it bi-weekly rather than weekly was working well for them.
c. SJUUCE listserv/blog: Committee members felt the blog will eventually be very useful for them, although it may take some members a longer time to start using it due to their unfamiliarity with posting to blogs. They agreed the blog would be useful for posting legislative information and updates, as well as text documents.
d. That’s My Farmer: The annual That’s My Farmer event on April 8 was well attended. Farmer bucks will be for sale in the social hall after services this month and next.
e. White privilege workshop: Julia Heffernan has been very helpful in organizing registration, which will continue through April 27. At this point there are 21 registrants, with a goal of 30 sign ups. maria will also publicize the workshop to some relevant listservs and organizations in the community. The committee agreed that young people should be encouraged to attend the workshop, with committee member assistance for their registration fees.
f. Friends of Human Rights: Rob contacted this group regarding possibly showing their film, “USA vs. Al-Arian” at a church sponsored event. They had completed their west coast tour but will let us know if they have another tour later this year.
g. Process for approving interim donation requests: This will be discussed at the May meeting.
5. New Business:
a. Brainstorm other possible activities: the group listed a number of topics and activities which might be pursued during the period leading up to the SJ Empowerment Workshop, such as providing information for decision-making on upcoming elections, and possibly having study groups during the summer to discuss topics such as the process for decision making, and the meaning of social justice.
At the May meeting the committee will use the list to set priorities and to organize into subcommittees focusing on particular activities. The list of ideas is attached as an addendum to the minutes.
b. Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation: Jeff received information from this Sequim, WA group which has as its goals: (1) Helping the young women of the Mujeres de Maíz en Resistencia Cooperative pursue their educational goals, (2) Raising social awareness about the desire of indigenous women for self-determination, (3) Generating a network of financial and moral support for educational purposes among women in the cooperative, and (4) Promoting understanding between the United States and Chiapas, Mexico. Jeff will give information about the group to the third Sunday offering committee.
6. Announcements:
April 30th- Join the Fair Housing Council of Oregon on April 30th for a rare opportunity to explore Portland’s hidden history of housing discrimination and find out the latest on fair housing challenges in Oregon today. The event, entitled Fasten Your Seat Belts-It’s Been a Bumpy Ride, will feature a lively bus tour of locations of discriminatory history, a panel of experts addressing housing discrimination today, and a performance by a dynamic gospel choir. Cost: $40 includes lunch and other refreshments. 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Ambridge Event Center in Portland. Joyce Thomas can provide additional info.
May 8, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, Thinking Outside the Cardboard Box: an evening of art, film and performance on housing and community for those who have neither. The Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland--all proceeds go to Dignity Village and the Tent Cities Toolkit project.
FEATURING: THEATRE: "Road to Dignity" playlet: A 15-minute playlet, written and performed by Dignity Villagers, directed by Deborah Rodney. FILM: "Tent Cities Toolkit" interactive movie: A demonstration of the videos and interactive resources in the Tent Cities Toolkit, including the videos "Home is Where Dignity Is: Why tent cities are needed to solve homelessness" and "Direct Action: the Birth of Dignity Village". EXHIBITS: Photos and artwork. OPEN MIC: Music, poetry, and spoken performance by local artists; sign-up sheet available at the event
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is Tuesday, May27, 2008.
Closing: There was a closing reading by Jeff Jackson and the meeting concluded at 8:30 PM
4.22.08 SJUUCE brainstorming ideas are listed below, in no particular order:
1. Process: finding our style, how do we make decisions
2. Non-violence (non-violent communication conference in September)
3. Further discussion of UU principles and social justice
4. Right relations workshop in October
5. Elections-faith-based work in coalitions
6. Voter registration
7. United Nations: learn about UU connection and how it works
8. Ballot measures: partner with other organizations, making a faith presence including UU
9. Give more focus to UUSC projects, and encourage young people to participate in national and international outreach
10. Study groups/discussion groups
11. Prepare for the legislative sessions (who/what worthy of support)
12. Process of “othering”
13. Picnic
14. Work with Basic Rights Oregon
15. Social justice empowerment workshop-how relates to what we’re doing
Addendum to 4.22.08 SJUUCE minutes: 6:30 PM pre-meeting
The 30-minute pre-meeting provided the opportunity for additional discussion about the theological and philosophical foundations of transformative social justice, including thoughts on (1) what is the process for decision-making, (2) what is social justice as compared to social service, and (3) is social justice tied to a central location?
Some notes from the latter part of the session were captured on a flip chart. Those notes are listed below:
• Not feeling identity with group, want more time for sharing of why we’re here
• How do we do this in the context of a two hour monthly meeting?
• We don’t have an explicit decision-making process or other protocols
• There are benefits of dialogue. What we do can be more powerful through process
• Study group or retreat option
• Could add more process to work groups
Next Meeting May 22, 2008
Submitted by Jean Coberly
Notes from the meeting of the UU Eugene Social Justice Committee
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Present: Barb Prentice, Kate Savannah, Julia Heffernan, Ruth Duemler, d.maria, Mark Lustica, Gretchen Miller, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castleberry, Laura Stine, Bee Vrzak, Laura Lawver, Sarah Hendrickson, Jean Coberly
1. Opening words and check-in: Each attendee checked in by talking about some social justice work he or she had been involved in during the previous four weeks.
2. Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the February meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
3. Social Justice Empowerment concept: Bee Vrzak presented the first of four discussion pages from the UUA’s Social Justice Empowerment Program Handbook. Discussion focused on two of the elements, UU congregations as religious communities, not secular activist organizations, and on the role of building strong relationships. Gretchen will invite Rev. Steve to join us at the April meeting for a pre-meeting continuation of this discussion.
4. Church and UUA/UUSC business:
~~~~a. Coordinating Council: Sub-groups of relevant committees are meeting together as part of the Coordinating Council monthly meeting. Coordinating Council will focus on the budget at their April meeting.
~~~~b. PNWD annual general meeting: Laura Lawver, Joyce Thomas, and Rob Castlebury reported on workshops and sessions they found particularly interesting, including ones on relationships, the “great turning,” and engaged spirituality.
~~~~c. UUSC: Joyce Thomas attended a PNWD session, “ UU Values in Public Policy” which reported on the Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice legislative advocacy network. Oregon churches are interested in starting a similar network, with the Salem UU church perhaps taking the lead. Joyce also mentioned the opportunities for youth and adults to do work projects around the country, including the New Orleans area.
~~~~d. Peace and Privilege program: The group received information about the August 1-6 workshop at the Mountain Retreat in NC on “peace and privilege.”
~~~~e. Congregational Study/Action process: Bee presented information on both the congregational study/action issue process, and the two upcoming potential issues for study, ethical eating and nuclear disarmament. The group discussed how delegates to this summer’s GA and the congregation in general could be more informed of the study/action issues. Information will go in the church newsletter (Bee will draft the article) and there might be an informational meeting on it early this summer.
5. Old Business:
~~~~a. SJUUCE listserv: Laura Stine led a discussion on using the SJUUCE listserv for further discussion on topics of interest. Attendees felt a blog might work better for discussion as it’s more private, and doesn’t fill the email boxes of persons who don’t wish to participate in longer discussions. Julia Heffernan volunteered to set up a pilot SJUUCE blog to be used for three months and then evaluated.
~~~~b. Social justice empowerment workshop: the subcommittee’s next meeting is April 8.
~~~~c. That’s My Farmer: The annual That’s My Farmer event will be on April 8
~~~~d. Community fundraising lunch: the event raised $390 for Darfur.
~~~~e. Interfaith social justice panel: the workshop was very successful. The workshop did bring out attention to the disconnect between white middle class people and the people we want to serve/organizations we want to work with, in our social justice activities.
~~~~f. White privilege workshop: registration will be in the social hall April 13,20, and 27. A maximum of 35 people can attend. The basic cost is $20. Committee members can sign up to assist at the workshop at the time they register.
~~~~g. Sow Seeds of Peach March and Rally and banner issue: Jean volunteered to check the UUA’s “March to Peace” web page and to indicate on it UUCE’s involvement with peace related actions during the month of March. Attendees discussed the process for who decides, and how, when the church banner will be displayed at social justice events, such as the March 19 rally for the 5th anniversary of the Iraq war.
h. Process for approving interim donation requests: This will be discussed at the April meeting.
6. New Business:
~~~~a. Friends of Human Rights: Rob volunteered to contact this group regarding possibly showing their film, “USA vs. Al-Arian” at a church sponsored event.
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
Closing: There was a closing reading by Gretchen Miller and the meeting concluded at 9:10 PM
Notes from the meeting of the UU Eugene Social Justice Committee
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Present: Hilary Schloss, Barb Prentice, Kate Savannah, Julia Heffernan, Ruth Duemler, Jeff Jackson, d.maria, Barb Prentice, Sandy Moses, Pam Love, Mark Lustica, Susannah Lustica, Gretchen Miller, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castleberry, Laura Stine, Stephen Lansdale, Bee Vrzak, Stein, Kevin Russell, Jean Coberly
1. Opening words and check-in: To open the meeting, Gretchen mentioned that Nisco Junkins had said to her that “It’s easier to be butch in our congregation than black”, a comment that had given Gretchen great pause. She asked that each of think about folks in the congregation who we might not be comfortable sitting by for whatever reason and any steps we can take to address our biases. Each of us checked in by talking about some social justice work we’d been involved in during the previous two weeks.
2. Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the January meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
3. Church and UUA/UUSC business:
......... a. Coordinating Council: Beth Hoyt is the new part time office assistant. On March 2 there will be a community service fair for kids by First Place and others. Committees that have similar areas of interest might begin meeting periodically as cluster groups. Dissolving the coordinating council once clusters are established was discussed. However, it will probably be retained and alternate meetings with the clusters in some fashion. There is an effort to get more young adults involved with committees. Hilary will make a presentation on SJUUCE to the 18 & up young adult group after the lunch on March 1.
......... b. PNWD annual general meeting: The meeting is in Tacoma on February 29-March 2. Jeff Jackson, Elliot McIntire, Sarah Hendrickson, Laura Lawver, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castlebury, Cindy Pitcairn, and David Gilmartin will be attending.
......... c. UUSC representatives: Joyce Thomas volunteered to become our new UUSC representative! Rev. Steve will be meeting with her to discuss her role and the regional UUSC representative will be coming to the March 9th service on Darfur.
......... d. Congregational Study/Action Issues: Congregations across the country are now in the midst of working on the Peacemaking Study/Action Issue and the Commission on Social Witness is finalizing the draft Statement of Conscience. There recently was a national congregational vote on the two proposed Study/Action Issues for the 2008 General Assembly agenda this summer. One of them is Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice, which would likely be a good fit for us and possibly also coincide with our focus on the 7th principle as a congregation next year. Bee agreed to do some research on the Study/Action process, possibly as the basis for SJUUCE getting involved at some point.
4. Old Business:
......... a. SJUUCE charge: The Board approved the SJUUCE charge earlier this month.
......... b. NVC workshop: The workshop was quite successful and two practice groups are now meeting regularly
......... c. NAACP: A check has been cut and a letter to the NAACP will be sent out shortly
......... d. Listserv, weekly update and website: There are now about 60 members of the SJUUCE listserv. The web page has been updated. The UUpdate will now come out bi-weekly rather than weekly. Members were reminded to send event announcements directly to Sandy or Jean for inclusion in the UUpdate.
......... e. Social justice empowerment workshop: the application for the workshop has been submitted and the assessment will be sent in the next month or two. Possible dates for the workshop in the order of priority are November 7 and 8, October 3 and 4, or December 7 and 8. Jeff will send the committee the list of the three main goals we wish to achieve at the workshop.
......... f. That’s My Farmer: The annual event is April 8. There are now 8 UUCE members involved.
......... g. Homeless Connect: 20 UU’s were among the 800 volunteers at this annual event.
......... h. St. Jude’s Shelter Night: 14 UU’s helped at St. Jude’s event. There are fewer homeless families participating this year, as the screening is stricter than in the past.
......... i. Interfaith social justice panel: Rob will work with Marti Berger on the logistics of filling school backpacks for Darfur at the same time as the soup lunch on March 9th.
......... j. Community fundraising lunch: The lunch committee will assume 100-150 attendees. Committee members signed up to bring soup or bread.
......... k. White privilege workshop: The workshop will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 12:30-5:30. It will be limited to 30 people and the cost is $20. It will be a sliding scale of $10-35.
5. SJ Empowerment concept: Due to lack of time Bee will be presenting this discussion as the first item on the agenda at the March meeting.
6. New Business:
......... a. Committee bookkeeper: Barb Prentice will take on this role for the committee
......... b. Process for approving interim donation requests: After discussion the group decided that we first need to decide what we really want to donate to. The motion regarding the process was tabled and will be discussed at the March meeting. Bee will frame that discussion based on some ideas she has.
......... c. Sow Seeds of Peace March & Rally: The committee unanimously voted to endorse this event and bring the UU banner (moved by Ruth Duemler and seconded by Rob Castleberry). Hilary will encourage the young adult group to participate in the event.
......... d. Other projects: maria will ask the accessibility committee to assist with car pooling arrangements for Celebration Sunday
7. Announcements:
......... a. Tax reform: Contact Ruth Duemler if interested in work on a carbon (pollution) tax.
......... b. Other: Joyce Thomas will put a note in the April newsletter that anyone wishing to receive the tax credit refund will need to file a tax return by April 15.
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is Tuesday, March 25, 2008.
Closing: There was a closing reading by Sandy Moses and the meeting concluded at 9 PM
Jean Coberly, scribe
jcoberly@comcast.net
Notes from the meeting of the UU Eugene Social Justice committee
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Present: Hilary Schloss, Amy Raven, Kate Savannah, Julia Heffernan, Ruth Duemler, Jeff Jackson, d.maria, Barb Prentice, Sandy Moses, Pam Love, Barbara Newton Davis, Mark Lustica, Susannah Lustica, Gretchen Miller, Mary Otten, Julia Heffernan, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castleberry, Laura Stine, Sarah Hendrickson, Jean Coberly
1. Opening words and check-in: Sarah Hendrickson provided the reading for the evening.
2. Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the November meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
3. Church and UUA/UUSC business:
a. Coordinating Council: Church committees and groups have folks as connections to/from SJUUCE. Pam Love is our connection to the Centennial Committee, Amy Raven is our connection to the Green Sanctuary Committee, and Sarah Hendrickson is our connection to the Cluster Task Force.
b. PNWD annual general meeting: The meeting is in Tacoma on February 29-March 2. Jeff and Sarah may attend. See them if interested in attending.
c. UUA Racial Equity Conference: the conference is in San Jose February 22-23. The subject is “”Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future.” Norma Landy and Nisco Junkins may attend. See them if interested in going.
d. UUSC representatives: Let Jeff or Gretchen know if you’re interested in filling this role. The church needs two representatives. Pam Love will take on the Guest at Your Table coordination for this year as part of our UUSC work.
4. Old Business:
a. Book sale: The one-day sale netted $750. We may have another sale in the summer, when we will be able to have the sale on Sunday as well by utilizing the deck.
b. NVC workshop: Several members of the committee are assisting with the NVC workshop on February 2. We have also assisted at the sign up table between services.
c. NAACP: Unfortunately the NAACP annual dinner is March 8th, the same evening as our church auction. On a motion by Sandy Moses, seconded by d.maria, the group voted to give a $200 donation to the NAACP, as we’re unable to attend their dinner this year.
d. Listserv, weekly update and website: See Jeff if you need directions on how to subscribe to the listserv. We’ll query next month to see if the weekly update is used enough to continue it. Jean Coberly and Sandy Moses volunteered to work with Martha Osgood on updating the social justice web page at the church’s web site.
e. Social justice empowerment workshop: Attendees circulated the list of five possible autumn dates (late September through early December) for the Friday evening/Saturday all day workshop. Conflicts with other events, and committee member unavailability for specific dates were indicated.
f. SJUUCE draft charge: The draft charge was approved on a motion by Mary Otten, seconded by Amy Raven. The group understands the charge may be revised within the year, bases on the results of the autumn social justice empowerment workshop.
5. SJ Empowerment concept: Attendees provided a variety of reasons for why they find working on social justice within the church spiritually empowering.
6. New Business:
~~a. Budget: the draft program budget was reviewed and discussed. The budget shows the use of UUCE resources (at a cost of $2656), and tentatively will ask for a budget of $1850. This budget includes funding requests for the social justice empowerment workshop, program supports, hospitality, scholarships for leadership development. Two additional items were added: contributions to local social justice groups, and membership in social justice groups (such as UUA-SJ, UUSC). The group hopes that having the book sale 2-3 times a year will raise $1500 for the committee. The funds raised may be used for donations to local social justice groups and/or for leadership development scholarships.
~~b. The 9 work group reports were presented. Of the nine, 6 were determined to be projects which the committee can undertake this year. The potential projects, and the leads for them are listed below:
~~~~1. Assisting foster/homeless children- other options are available for carrying on this work so a project group was not established at this time.
~~~~2. Project Homeless Connect for Lane County- Lead is Ruth Duemler who will contact Evelyn Anderton for volunteer assignments for the event, to be held on February 7.
~~~~3. Homeless Connections-assisting St. Jude’s in hosting a spaghetti dinner for homeless families on February 19. Lead is Susannah Lustica.
~~~~4. Interfaith SEJ discussion- panel discussion by representatives of other faith communities to talk about local social justice activities. The tentative date for this is the afternoon of Sunday, March 9th. Rob Castleberry is the lead for this project.
~~~~5. White Privilege workshop- Sandy Moses and Kate Savannah will lead in developing it
~~~~6. That’s My Farmer- Mary Otten and Barb Prentice will take the lead in determining how best to assist Elliot McIntire and others with this program.
~~~~7. Darfur-no project group was established at this time
~~~~8. City funded homeless shelter-no project group was established at this time.
~~~~9. Community fundraising, starting with a lunch before the Interfaith Social Justice panel on March 9th. Mark Lustica will be the lead.
7. Announcements:
~~Thursday, January 24: Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson is the main author of the Oregon Voter Owned Elections Act (campaign finance reform). He is hosting a public talk on the subject at 7 pm Thursday, Jan. 24, at Harris Hall in the Lane County Courthouse downtown. Speakers lined up include Arizona State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill. Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten may appear either in person or on video.
~~Saturday, January 26: Clearcutting the Climate Uniting the Climate and Forest Protection Movements a conference of science and action University of Oregon, 10-5, at Columbia 150, located at 13th and University Streets.
~~Sunday, February 17: Green Sanctuary’s film is “End of Suburbia” 6:30 at the church
~~Friday, February 29 - March 1: Peace and Democracy conference at the LCC Center for Meeting and Learning
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 26, 2008.
Closing: There was a brief checkout and the meeting concluded at 9:20 PM
Jean Coberly, scribe
jcoberly@comcast.net
SJUUCE Report to the Board of Trustees, 12/13/07
The Social Justice committee is reorganized and reinvigorated. At the last two meetings, seventeen and nineteen people, respectively, attended. Enthusiasm is high, and a lot is going on, at least potentially. There is a lot of new energy in the group, to go with the new projects. Several new church members and friends are participating, as are numerous “longer term” members who have not been active in the recent past. We believe that our actions and proposals are in line with Board policy of the present and recent past.
1. The group present elected Jeff Jackson and me, Gretchen Miller, as co-chairs, subject to Board approval. Jeff and I have talked about how we can divide tasks and believe this is a winning combination.
2. Long term, SJUUCE will propose a Social Justice Empowerment Project for the next church year. This will be a large project, involving a significant portion of the church membership, designed to create enthusiasm and buy-in for an integrated Social Justice program for UUCE. Because it is larger than anything else on our agenda, a task force that is working on this project has asked for time on your agenda in January to present it to you. I ask that you not ask me questions about it, but wait until then.
3. We have agreed to buy a table at the NAACP annual dinner, approximately February 9, with SJUUCE and other UUCE members purchasing individual tickets, and SJ funds (from book sales) used to subsidize tickets so that no one is turned down for lack of funds. We propose to make it known (maybe a table sign?) that this is the UUCE table. It is a small start toward visibility in the social justice world, and a statement of our intent to become allies.
4. CALC is planning an event or series of events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, for the weekend of April 4-6. We have agreed to participate in those events as a group and to assist CALC however we can. This will be a little different from the January MLK day events. The emphasis that weekend will be on Dr. King’s work at the end of his life. He had just come out against the war, he was organizing a poor people’s march, and he was working with union organizers. Dr. King was working on issues of poverty, militarism, and consumerism,—issues that resonate strongly with us now.
5. The committee did some brainstorming and came up with numerous opportunities and options for other actions. Various people agreed to find out more about different suggestions, and we will be discussing the matter further at our next meeting, January 22. We plan to keep a balance of activities of all sorts (direct action, service, advocacy, organizing, education) while not letting ourselves get overextended or our attention scattered.
Jean Coberly, scribe
jcoberly@comcast.net
Notes from the meeting of the UUCE Social Justice committee
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Present: Ruth Duemler, Jeff Jackson, d.maria, Barb Prentice, Sandy Moses, Pam Love, Barbara Newton Davis, Mark Lustica, Susannah Lustica, Eve McConnaughey, Gretchen Miller, Laura Lawver, Bee Vrzak, Mary Otten, Florence Douglas, Julia Heffernan, Joyce Thomas, Rob Castleberry, Jean Coberly, and Rev. Steve Landale
Lighting the chalice and check-in: Each attendee stated why participation in social justice work is a spiritual act for him/her.
Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the October meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
Public Service Announcement from the Membership Committee: Marilyn and Nisco Junkins were unable to attend tonight’s meeting so will do their presentation at the January meeting.
Committee on Congregational Ministry and Safety (CCMS): Sandy Moses, of CCMS, asked that attendees provide CCMS with feedback on how they think Rev. Landale is doing (his participation, leadership, and support) in relationship to them as individuals or as committee members. Sandy welcomed comments in writing or in person at the meeting, or by email to her.
Coordinating Council Report: Items of interest from the Coordinating Council meeting include
- • The new bulletin board in the hall will be used for church related items only. It will include notices of non-church events sponsored by a church committee
• There will be budget training for committee chairs in December. 2008 committee budgets will be established in January.
• An updated committee chair manual has been finalized and approved
• There are a number of committees so cluster meetings of related committees may be useful.
• Having a social justice council for related committees is also a possibility.
Old Business:
Ruth Duemler reported on the November 17 event to support four local activists who attended the 18th annual demonstration to close the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, GA. The School of the Americas trains Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, which they routinely use against their own people. The Committee in Solidarity with the Central American People (CISCAP), which sponsored the event, meets monthly. Their next meeting, Monday, December 3, will be at 7PM in the back office of the World Cafe at 461 Blair Blvd. There will be an informal report from the four activists who attended the rally, complete with a presentation including pictures and stories about the Fort Benning events and workshops. CISCAP can be contacted at 485-8633.
Gretchen Miller will get the date of the 2008 NAACP annual benefit dinner. Tickets for the dinner are $50 each. The UU church may commit to sponsoring a table (8 people) at the benefit. Ruth Duemler suggested that funds for the committee, gotten from the annual UU book sale, be used to subsidize the cost of tickets. In response, meeting attendees signed up to assist with the next book sale, January 4-5, 2008.
New Business:
UUSC and UUSJ memberships: On a motion by Ruth Duemler, seconded by d.maria, the committee agreed to fund (at $25 each) continued membership in the national UU Service Committee and the UU Social Justice Committee.
Work groups: Attendees brainstormed social justice topics of interest, with the aim of establishing work groups that will research the topics during December. The work groups will bring recommendations to the committee in January regarding the viability of UUEugene involvement in local activities relating to the topics. The work groups and initial participants are:
- • St. Vincent de Paul’s Interfaith Emergency Shelter System (a consortium of more
than 45 faith communities offering night shelter, food, recreational activities, and comfort to 10 - 15 families per night, throughout the school year): Joyce Thomas
• St. Vincent de Paul’s Overnight Parking Program (Provides emergency legal and safe overnight car camping locations around the city for homeless adults and/or families. Locations may be owned by faith communities, government offices, or private businesses): Joyce Thomas
• Programs for foster/homeless children (determining what’s needed and what niche we might fill): Laura Lawver, Sandy Moses
• Lane County Darfur Coalition (assist Marti Berger with coordinating a service project following Rev. Steve’s service on Darfur, tentatively scheduled for March 16): Julia Heffernan
• Learning what other Eugene churches are doing related to local social justice activities: Jeff Jackson, Rob Castleberry, Jean Coberly
• Non-Violent Communications (assisting with logistics of the February 2 training): Barbara Prentice, d.maria, Ruth Duemler, Mary Otten, and Jean Coberly. NOTE: d maria and Mary Otten are also interested in establishing NVC practice sessions at the church.
• Homeless Shelter (learning the status of City efforts for a shelter): Mary Otten, Ruth Duemler
• Social justice empowerment training: Jeff Jackson is the lead, and 7 people have volunteered to assist with this project.
The Empowerment Training work group will meet on Tuesday, December 4. Jeff will send out a time and location to those who signed up. Other group leads will contact their team to set up meetings in December.
Work groups will email their reports to the UU social justice listserv 2 weeks before the January 22 meeting (around January 8)
UUSC contact: Pam Love will be the church’s contact with the national UU Service Committee, and our membership renewal will list her as the contact. She’ll receive their updates, packets, participate in their monthly conference call, and assist with programs such as Guest at the Table.
Social Justice event contact: Jean Coberly will receive information from church members and friends who know of social justice events committee members may wish to attend or be informed about. She’ll send a weekly email to the social justice listserv. Sandy Moses will be her backup as this contact.
Mission Statement: Mariah and Gretchen will draft a mission statement and send it to the committee members to review by Monday, December 3. Please provide
any comments back as quickly as possible. Mariah will submit a draft mission statement to the Executive Committee by Wednesday, December 5 deadline. The committee wants the statement to be a draft so that it can continue to develop throughout 2008, especially following the Empowerment Training in the fall of 2008.
Announcements:
• The Accessibility Committee invites everyone, with or without disabilities, to participate in their committee. The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. They also have a listserv that can be accessed at www.uueugene.org/mailman/listinfo/access.
• On December 2 and 9 mail carriers will be collecting canned food for Food for
Lane County.
• First Place is collecting blankets for the homeless.
• United Way hosted a meeting at EWEB on November 27th to discuss their 100%
Access Healthcare Initiative
• On November 29 the Citizens for Public Accountability group is meeting with the
City of Eugene regarding downtown planning
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 22, 2008.
Closing: There was a brief checkout and the meeting concluded at 9:15 PM
Jean Coberly, scribe
jcoberly@comcast.net
SOCIAL JUSTICE UU COMMITTEE
November 13, 2007
ATTENDEES:
d. Maria, Rev. Steve Landale, Sandy Moses, Pam Love, Carol Armstrong, Barbara Newton Davis, Mark Lustica, Susannah Lustica, Lynn Jackson, Eve McConaughy, Norma Landy, Jeff Jackson, Ruth Duemler, Gretchen Miller, Sarah Hendrickson, Laura Lawver, Bee Vrzak
* Elections: Chair - Co-chairs were nominated and unanimously approved -
Co-Chairs - Jeff Jackson and Gretchen Miller.
Scribe - Jean Coberly (subject to her acceptance)
Communication - Laura Lawver will consider in the future.
* Role of Co-Chairs - Agenda collectors
Network between meetings
Liaison with other groups
Budget responsibilities
Facilitator
Communicator
1. On November 17 at noon there will be a SOA (School of America's) Action on the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza. The UU banner will be taken to the event. Each person in attendance tell three (3) other people.
2. NAACP Conference - it was approved to buy a table for UU for between $50-75. Gretchen Miller will follow-up.
3. CALC is beginning community wide planning to honor Martin Luther King on the anniversary of his death on April 4. The next brain-storming meeting is on November 15 at 7pm. There will also likely be an event at Saturday Market on April 5 and Steve indicated he would be probably be leading a service on the topic on Sunday, April 6.
It was approved to participate in this community event as a UUCE Social Justice project for the coming year. This also fits in with the first principle and with RE’s focus this year. A question for the committee is what and how do we educate and involve the congregation in this project.
4. Social Justice Empowerment Training
Jeff Jackson indicated that UUA has an Empowerment Training which focuses social justice and assists in bringing it into the heart of the congregation. UUCE will need to do an assessment of the current situation and develop methods to integrate.
It was approved to submit to the Board for an early fall 2008 Empowerment Training in Eugene.
It was approved to develop a work group of 5-7 people to provide a plan for the Empowerment Training. Volunteers are Jeff, Bee, Sarah, Barbara, Laura, Pam and possibly Norma.
5. Future Meetings will be on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
The SJUUC will meet on Tuesday, November 27 at 7pm. No meeting in December. The small work group/s will meet.
Agenda Item for next meeting - Discuss possible anti-racist discussions or trainings for the congregation.
submitted Jeff Jackson
Notes from the meeting of the Social Justice committee
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Present: Ruth Duemler, Jeff Jackson, d.maria, Barb Prentice, Kate Savannah, George Beres, Jean Coberly, Steve Landale
Lighting the chalice and check-in: Included a moment of silence for Sarah Hendrickson who is on a personal quest in the Sisters area.
Minutes and agenda: Minutes from the August meeting were approved. Agenda for this meeting was approved.
Discussion of process for decision-making: Barb Prentice and Kate Savannah shared their report on how other UU congregations decide on which social justice issues to focus on each year. The methods range from the entire congregation deciding to the social justice committee making the determination. The committee then brain stormed the topic, with these comments/ideas being presented, but no decision at this time:
~~~• In the past there was little support for social justice from the pulpit so all activities were ad hoc. With ministerial support, there will be more congregational buy-in and involvement
~~~• Have deliberation be a congregation-wide process as was done with the strategic plan and the selection of the minister. After the committee is well established, the congregation might ask it to decide
~~~• Identify areas where social justice is lacking and decide which we need to address and are capable of addressing. Create an awareness of it among the congregation through programs, speakers, and discussions.
~~~• Educate ourselves first, then present to the congregation. Consider our vision to be that we will build the future we want to live in
~~~• Accessibility group and Green Sanctuary wish to be separate committees from social justice. Perhaps there should be a social justice council with the various committees related to it meeting together at least annually
~~~• If the committees are too splintered it will be difficult to have a focus
~~~• Have a social justice empowerment workshop from UUA/NW as an educational workshop
Charge or mission statement: Barb Prentice and Jean Coberly presented their research on sample social justice mission statements from other churches. Discussion on this topic included the following comments/ideas, but no decision at this time:
~~~• Our aim might be to bring awareness to the community of how UU’s address social justice issues, with the minister as spokesperson for this. Our goal would be to become a main force for social justice in Eugene
~~~• Issue of classism within our own congregation. Address issues such as this, racism, and accessibility issues so that we as a congregation can walk our talk
~~~• Social justice and social service relate and are two parts of the same concern. It might be helpful to have a project in each of these areas in order to stay connected with those we serve.
~~~• Have sub-groups under an umbrella committee
~~~• Possibly divide social justice from social service, with social justice focusing on advocacy.
~~~• Question as to whether environmental concerns are social justice
~~~• Anticipate finding inspiration for the committee charge through attendance at the UUA workshop
Selection of chair: Will be done at a later meeting when there is a larger number of people attending.
Darfur: Marti Berger works with the Lane County Darfur Coalition and suggested that we might sponsor a speaker at church sometime. Reverend Steve is interested in a sermon on the topic and will contact Marti.
Other: There was concern regarding the small attendance at this meeting. Jeff volunteered to contact people who attended the first two meetings to encourage them to attend the October 23 meeting. Minutes will be sent out to the entire SJ list as soon as those present at the meeting approve them. The agenda of the upcoming meeting will be sent out by the facilitator a week prior to the meeting date.
Announcements:
~~~• There is an Interfaith Conference on Poverty at the First United Methodist church in Portland on October 18. It is a full day conference (from 9-5), costing $30, which includes breakfast and lunch.
http://www.emoregon.org/pdfs/2007CollinsLectureBrochure-letter.pdf
~~~• There will be a non-violent communication workshop in late January or early February with Gary Baran
~~~• The Coalition for Nonviolent Living is sponsoring 4 day conference entitled "Nonviolence as a Way of Life” It will be at the University of Oregon, September 11-14, 2008, with Marshall Rosenberg as keynote speaker.
Meeting schedule: All regular committee meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 PM in the UUCE sanctuary. The next meeting is October 23. Barb Prentice will facilitate.
Action items:
~~~• Jeff will research the options, availability, and cost of a UUA social justice empowerment workshop
~~~• Barb Prentice will send out the October 23 agenda around October 16.
~~~• Jeff will email those who attended the first two social justice committee meetings to encourage their attendance at the October 23rd meeting. He’ll call those who don’t respond to his email. George will assist him with the calls.
~~~• Steve Landale will contact Marti Berger regarding Darfur
~~~• Ruth Duemler will set up informational tables about ballot issues 49 and 50
Check out: There was a brief checkout and the meeting concluded at 8:50 PM
Jean Coberly, scribe
jcoberly@comcast.net
Minutes
August 28, 2007
At the Moses Jackson Home
Attending: d maria, facilitating. Present: d maria, Sarah Hendrickson, Judy Sawyer, Ruth Duemler, Eve McConnaughey, Pam Love, Barb Prentice, Gretchen Miller, Steve Landale, Sandy Moser, Jean Coberly, Jeff Jackson.
This meeting is not in an accessible place—there are stairs in the house, and coming in the alley is difficult, plus there is a step up to the deck. Some people who wanted to come, are not able to. The people who let this happen feel bad about it. There is also the issue of childcare if we meet at church. Somehow both have to be resolved. But it is not ok to meet in an inaccessible place. Some discussion of disability issues and self-education follows.
maria goes over agenda, followed by brief personal check-in and not-quite-so-brief UUCE social justice history. Hopes for the success of this group: support from the pulpit; need a concerted effort; united congregation we’ll be proud of; people to have a chance to speak up and select a project which resonates the most. Wonder how we can get people focused on one thing when they are so involved in so many things. Would like to see UNICEF get support. UU Church can be classist and elitist, doesn’t do much outreach. Hope to have a presence with a worthy non-profit in Eugene. A church presence behind one project would give us all a big boost. This church is a lot like some others some of us are familiar with: looking for something the congregation can get excited about. Vision: in five years or so, the community sees the UUCE as “the” socially active church in town, or maybe at least as one of the top three. The church that walks the talk. Principles all suggest social justice. We should have community impact: what groups are most effective, best organized, draw the most folks together? Put our principles in action. Also important to work on ourselves, bring out values in line with out actions and vice versa. Work on our own classism, racism, etc. issues.
Steve Landale: explain Congregational Curriculum approach: In a functioning UU church, the SJ committee facilitates the SJ ministry of the church—recognizing that everyone is not involved all the time, it will still offer multiple ways to get involved for people from the regular attendees to a person who drops in Sunday for the first time, ways spanning a spectrum from major efforts to helping make sandwiches to writing a letter.
Integrated with other aspects of the church including worship, RE, and more, SJ can be a means of growth and faith development. When we are all in it to learn, we can’t lose. It is more harmonious. When we are in it to solve the problem, we have more difficulties. Are we going to “solve Darfur” this church year, if we take that on? Integration definitely includes children and youth.
Focused. Not an exclusive focus, but a primary focus on one or two things. We can do other things but not to the point of taking energy from our focus. For a defined period of time, perhaps a year with possible renewal for a second year.
Religiously rooted and integrated. By participating we are growing. We are expanding and enhancing our sense of wonder. We are learning from people, situations that we did not participate in before. Good if we can work with other UUs (perhaps with the UUA or PNWD) or do interfaith work locally.
Accountable. We need a structure, a chair, stuff like that. A clear point person for community (in and out of the church) contact. We need to focus also on being accountable in our work: making alliances in a community different than us, then showing up and sticking with it.
Humility. Our classism gets in the way here. We may not make a difference. We won’t solve the problem(s). But we do it because we will grow. Ask: What do we need to do to help us grow?
Balance between advocacy and service. Helpful to have some of both. Take time to study an issue, think about it, before starting on action—to be effective. Examples of SJ type work that has done that: Green Sanctuary, Welcoming Congregation.
Joyful and fun.
Nonviolence and Nonviolent communication: In his previous church the board focused on that: a board retreat was devoted to something like NVC, which serendipitously matched well with his sermon given immediately after 9/11. Board members wrote newsletter articles about non violent communication and how they used the principles in their lives. It became a theme for the whole congregation.
Congregational Curriculum (not a curriculum like a book or set of books). This is about everything the church does being selected and done thoughtfully, with the theme in mind.) The CC might focus a choice of an SJ program. For the first year, it could take half a year for the congregation to choose a program. He weighed the first and 7th principles, the two pillars, and decided on the first one, for the first year. It includes nonviolence and NVC. It has the potential to carry through the congregation: SGM, book groups, sister circles, men’s’ group, children’s RE, youth program, and so on, in addition to Sundays.
Other agenda items: organization:
Select a chair. Put off till next meeting. Summer is not a good time to select, and we need to let people know ahead of time that is on the agenda. And we need to do it in a meeting in an accessible place. Next meeting: 4th Tuesday will be Sept 25. Sarah will check church calendar, try to find a room big enough for us. 7 – 8:30. Someone [but it wasn’t clear who] needs to get it in the bulletin, the Update, the order of service.
Charge: to be a formal group we need a charge. Jean Coberly and Barb Prentice will research some charges from other SJ committees, so we have something to discuss at the next meeting.
Eugene Celebration Parade: Ruth Duemler is in touch with the Peace Train. UUCE could be a car. Someone would have to build the car – parts are ready, it is simple. Are there five or six people who will agree to be in the parade? Without that commitment, what’s the point? Interweave is making a banner, planned to be in parade, but seems to have missed the deadline. Maybe these two pieces could be combined? Could we build the train at the work day? People with tools should be there. Sarah volunteers to bring the pieces from wherever they are now, to the church on Sunday, if Ruth will give her the information about where they are and how to arrange pickup. Get the youth and middle schoolers to participate.
Have Alicia Hayes or someone else come to present to us about disability awareness issues. We could be more hospitable to people with disabilities. Don’t forget the hard of hearing. Congregational educational opportunity. Opportunities for service in the community? Would be good to talk with some of our disabled members and friends and ask what would be helpful, not just leap in. Childcare is also an accessibility issue. We need a church child care coordinator because it isn’t working.
UUA Action on Peacemaking: Enormous resources are available on the web. UUA action on Justice includes work on “isms.” Welcoming Congregation curriculum is happening again at church.
Elections approaching. Several social justice issues will be on the ballot. Will we have a forum at church? Speakers, discussion? Would have to be in October.
This committee might serve as an umbrella to help smaller groups organize something—so many people have ideas but don’t know who to approach to make it happen. Information clearing house about SJ events. We used to use email a lot to communicate that, and we don’t so much any more. UU News.
Would committee as clearinghouse distract from the curriculum focus? To stay focused, we can’t always be responding. Note there are two different things being discussed more or less simultaneously: clearinghouse function, which might involve just a couple of people and might or might not overlap with our focus, and focusing on one or two themes with multiple specific opportunities for involvement.
Next meeting or perhaps the one after: propose some specific projects with measurable results. Measurable, like for example, an election issues forum attended by 35 people with at least four speakers. A workshop on peacemaking attended by at least so many people. Include events and measures for study, for direct service, for advocacy. Make sure we have multiple ways for people to get involved. Then meet in February or March and see how we are doing—at that point we can re-focus our energy, or if we are doing well we could add a few things. If we are doing well, we can be pleased that we have taken steps toward affirming the inherent worth and dignity of all people.
How can we choose a project? Steve L sees this committee as setting the focus. There are lots of ways to choose, but rather than spend most of a church year on a process, this committee could let people know what we are doing, get ideas out on the table, invite participation and comment, and see what resonates.
Checkout: We like the first principle as a framework. Gives us somewhere to start. We would like to see more people at these meetings. We will have an accessible location and childcare. [Not clear who is responsible for that.] Can we take the pulse of the congregation, finding out what people might be interested in? There is some action on affordable housing already. Can’t go from zero to 60 all at once. We need to be thoughtful. This meeting has been kind of scattered but has good energy. We are in this for the long haul. Do it in a good community building way. Appreciate Steve’s leadership. We want as much congregational buy in as we can get. We should be clear which meeting is the one when we will choose a project, to engage the congregation in this, encourage them to attend.
Next meeting: Select a chair. Work on the committee charge. Get more ideas on the table for SJ projects. Work on a process for that decision.
Next Meeting: maria agreed to facilitate, thank you maria. She suggested that it would be better to rotate but no volunteers stepped forward.
Next Meeting Sept 25, 7 – 8:30, at the church.
Respectfully submitted,
Gretchen Miller
