Religious Education: February 18, 2020

NEW! 

Upcoming Sunday information and weekly Religious Education 

announcements will now be posted on our website and updated weekly. 

Click HERE for upcoming Sunday information. 

Click HERE for the weekly RE announcements. 

Last Sunday: February 16, 2020

The CUUC Hunger & Homeless Social Justice Team has been collecting backpacks and school supplies for the Brighter Futures After-School Mentoring Program.

They brought the supplies to RE last Sunday and talked with the children and youth about the challenges some families have to purchase school materials. The children and youth then
filled the backpacks with the school supplies and attached friendly hand-written notes for the recipients.

Thanks so much to Amy Swiss for coordinating donations and for including RE children and youth in the project.

Amy writes: Thank you everyone! Our backpack drive was a huge success! The RE kids - and many adults - were incredibly engaged in the project this morning and had a blast stuffing the backpacks and writing notes of encouragement to the recipients. We "stuffed" over 70 backpacks and also collected a large additional box of supplies to donate. We delivered everything last Sunday afternoon to be distributed to the Brighter Futures After School Mentor Programs around Westchester. The program was extremely grateful for our generosity, and I'm personally so grateful to be a part of such a caring and generous community ~ Amy Swiss

You can read about the Brighter Futures After-School Mentoring Program online HERE.

This Week in Religious Education: January 22-29, 2020

Gratitude
Special thanks to Racial Justice team members Amy Nathan, Jim Cobb and Rhonda Morgan for planning and leading special racial justice programming for our children and youth. They shared stories about the Civil Rights Movement and personal family history, and led meaningful discussions. It was a wonderful opportunity for our young people to connect with these adults and deepen their understanding of history and its legacy today.

Winter Weather Reminder
CUUC does not cancel the Sunday worship service for inclement weather.  Weather might, however, affect RE if leaders cannot make it in. If we are canceling RE classes and youth group, Tracy will send an e-mail to all RE families and volunteers by 7:30am Sunday morning. If you do not hear from Tracy, RE is continuing as planned. As always, use your own best judgement about whether to venture out or not. If not all teachers can make it in, classes will combine. Leaders of other CUUC meetings and events will communicate with their members if their activities are affected.

Childcare (room 32, yellow hallway)
Diane K and Hans E welcome children into childcare every Sunday morning in room 32. Parents are welcome to bring comfort items from home. Please let Diane know if your child has allergies or specific needs.

Sunday, January 26, 2020 (click links below for individual class newsletters)
10:00am: We all start in the worship service then children, youth and volunteers leave for Religious Exploration classes and Youth Group. Children 3rd grade and younger must be picked up in their classroom.

PreK-1st grade World of Friends (room 33, yellow hallway)
We have a short break from the K-1st grade Our Whole Lives classes. PreK children rejoin class this Sunday as the class meet Ravi and Sumalee to lean about Hinduism and Sikhism. Laura G is leading and Donna V is assisting.

2nd-3rd grade Passport to Spirituality (room 43, green hallway)
The class travels to Bangkok, Thailand this Sunday to learn about Buddhism. One of their activities will be to write caring cards to members of the CUUC community and they will learn about the role of art in Buddhism. Norm H is leading and Karen L is assisting.

4th-5th grade Bibleodeon (room 21, blue hallway)
Children will learn the story of David and Goliath this Sunday as it offers lessons about courage. They will also talk about how 4th and 5th graders can handle the Goliaths in their lives. Janice S is leading and Ted K is assisting.

6th-7th grade World Religions (room 41, green hallway)
Lyra Harada is leading class this Sunday with a focus on how religions have influenced pop and other styles of music. She will share examples from her Shinto and Buddhist background, as well as others. Sophie Mitra is assisting.

8th-9th grade Coming of Age (room 11, red hallway)
Members of the Economic Justice team are leading this Sunday as the class continues exploring how Unitarian Universalists put their faith in action.

10th-12th grade Youth Group (room 14, red hallway)
Youth group meets with Daniel and Cyndi T to continue planning for the March 8th youth-led worship service. Sophie M is stopping by to share her experience with youth CONs and encourage youth to participate. During lunch, Rev. Kimberley will check in with the youth about how their ideas are taking shape and offer her support for planning.


Community Chili Lunch
The 6th & 7th grade World Religions class invites you to chili lunch following worship! Suggested donation: $5/adult, $3/child, $15/family max. No one turned away. NEW: Take-home option to enjoy chili later or share it (add $2).

We could use one or two more pots of chili and invite you to break out your favorite recipe. Please Sign Up Here.

Special Invitation: Mid-Year Check In
During lunch, RE Council members will be available for a mid-year check in. We have made some changes this year and would like to hear how things are going. What would you like us to know? Look for the tables with "RE Check In" signs.

Also during lunch, Rev. Kimberley will check in with the youth group about their planning for the March 8th youth-led worship service.

Connecting in Community
Connect With Our Children & Youth
There are openings coming up for you to get to know our children and youth by serving as an assistant in a Religious Education class. No preparation required! Just spend an hour with our amazing children and youth while you fulfill our Safe Congregation practice of having two adults with our young people at all times. Click here to view available dates - then volunteer!

Backpack Donations
The Hunger & Homelessness Social Justice Team is sponsoring a backpack drive to support the Brighter Futures After School Mentoring Program. Throughout the month of January, you can sponsor a backpack or purchase items to fill backpacks. Click here for the flyer with more information. Contact Amy Swiss with questions (amyswiss@aol.com). 

Sunday Morning Greeters
We would love to have families greet Sunday morning before worship. Children and youth are an important part of our community and it would be wonderful to include them in greeting members and guests! Your family would be in place 9:45-10:15am. Contact Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com) to sign up for a Sunday. 

Serving Indigenous and Families of Color
I would like to be in conversation with Indigenous and Families of Color (you or someone in your family is Indigenous or a Person of Color) who attend CUUC. I am wondering if our RE ministry is meeting your needs and would be grateful for a conversation around what that means for you, what it means for you and your family to feel supported and served in this community. Please feel welcome to speak with me any Sunday after worship or to reach out via e-mail (CUUCWPTracy@gmail.com) or by phone/text (914-434-7539).  Thank you, Tracy

Congregational Survey
The Committee on Ministry is evaluating how we support our spiritual development and asks you to help by answering a survey. It should take 10-15 minutes and responses are confidential. You can take the survey online here. The survey is open until Monday, February 3rd. Contact Tom Wacht with questions (tjwachtesq@aol.com).

Drag Queen Story Hour at Putnam Valley Library

Drag Queen Story Hour celebrates "the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models." The library is receiving criticism from a Catholic group. You might consider sending a letter of support to the library and enjoying the event with your children on Saturday, February 1st. Visit their calendar for more information. 


Especially for Youth
UU Common Read
Our UU Common Read book this year is An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States and An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People. Written by Indigenous scholar and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, this book challenges readers to learn US history through a narrative that centers the story, the experiences, and the perspectives of Indigenous peoples.  We invite our youth to participate in upcoming discussions of the book at CUUC! Copies are available at coffee hour. Contact Jeff Tomlinson.

Metro NY Social Youth CON
The UU congregation in Summit, NJ is hosting a social CON for 9th-12th graders Friday, January 31-Sunday, February 2. The theme is CONspiracy. Social CONS are youth events that provide a safe space for UU youth to have a weekend of worship, workshops and fun! Jane Cowan from the Rockland UU will serve as our adult sponsor for the weekend. Click here for more information and to register. 

Regional Senior High CON
Conpassion will be a day long conference (con) event planned by youth with the support of adults. At heart a youth con is an experience in building covenantal community. It is an immersive UU community experience where youth find love and acceptance. Our con theme and focus will be love and compassion. It will incorporate community building, fun, worship, spirituality, and youth leadership. The UU Congregation of Rockland is hosting this one-day CON for 9th-12th grade youth, Saturday, February 15th, 9:00am-8:30pm. Youth Deans are Tracy K and Luke J.  Cap is 35 youth so register soon. Youth registration, click here.  Adult registration, click here.

Teen Benefit Concert & Dinner
Rivertown Teens invites youth from various religious denominations to work together to host a benefit performance and dinner to support a cause of their choosing. This is a great way to meet youth from other faith traditions and contribute to an important social need. Click here for the flyer which has more information. The CUUC contact is Joe Gonzalez.

Teen Essay Contest
Lifting Up Westchester is holding their 3rd annual Annual Student Essay Contest.  This year’ theme is Why Hope Is Important, particularly at times of personal hardship and diversity.  What is hope? Beyond basic necessities of food and shelter, do we need hope to thrive? How do you restore hope in someone who has lost it? The deadline to enter is January 31st.  Click here for more information. 

River Rising - Fantastic Youth Leadership Building Opportunity
July 5-11 at the UU Church of North Hills near Pittsburgh, PA
July 27-August 2 at Main Line UU Church near Philadelphia, PA
Registration is open for the UUA's Central East Region 2020 River Rising Youth Immersion Experiences! Through covenant, collaborative leadership, skill building, games, silent reflection, personal challenges, spiritual practices and many magical moments both planned and not, we grew stronger, resilient and capable of facing the future. Read more here and register here. Deadline for scholarships is June 1st. 


RE In the Coming Weeks

• Sunday, February 2nd - All begin in worship at 10:00am then leave for RE classes and youth group. Following youth group, youth have a worship planning discussion with Rev. Kimberley and Tracy. 
• Sunday, February 9th - All begin in worship at 10:00am then most leave for RE classes and youth group. The Coming of Age class will remain in the worship service then have a sermon and worship planning discussion with Rev. Kimberley and Tracy following worship. 
• February 16th - All begin in worship at 10:00am then leave for RE classes and youth group. Some of the children's classes will have Children's Worship with Tracy and Amy Swiss to learn about the Brighter Futures After School Mentoring Program and fill backpacks with donations the Hunger & Homeless team collected. 
• Adult Journey Groups meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday and Friday, the 3rd Thursday and Friday, the 4th Sunday and Wednesday, and the 4th Thursday. Click here for more information. 

RE Newsletters
Ahead of Sundays when classes and youth group meet, each class and group receives their own individualized weekly newsletter. If you would like to receive one or more RE newsletters in your e-mail, sign up here.

I look forward to seeing you!
in fellowship, Tracy

Proposal that CUUC take a position on Escalating Economic Inequity

Acronyms:
UUA: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
GA: General Assembly
SOC: Statement of Conscience
CSAI: Congregational Study/Action Issue
CSW: Commission on Social Witness

We Unitarian Universalists sharply limit ourselves when it comes to issuing official Statements of Conscience. The UUA process allows for no more than one Statement of Conscience (SOC) to be adopted every two years.

Last Jun, the General Assembly adopted a Statement of Conscience on Income Inequality. It's a denominational statement. Would CUUC adopt it as a statement of our congregation's statement?

How Did this Statement of Conscience on Income Inequality Come About?

In brief: the process begins with selection of a Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) for a four-year period of study and action. At the 2014 June, General Assembly (GA) the delegates selected "Income Inequality" as the CSAI for 2014-2018. At the end of year three, the study and action culminated in adoption of a Statement of Conscience (SOC) about income inequality.

Here's how that unfolded:

2014 Nov. The Commission on Social Witness produced an 18-page study guide for congregations to explore the Income Inequality issue (HERE).

2015 Mar was the deadline for congregations to submit first-year comments on the Income Inequality CSAI to the Commission on Social Witness (CSW).

2015 June, GA: Making use of the comments from congregations, the Commmission on Social Witness (CSW) conducted programs and workshops on the topic of the CSAI and reported on congregational involvement with the issue.

2015 Summer - 2016 Spring: Congregations continued programs of education and reflection, community organizing, advocacy, and public witness on the Income Inequality CSAI.

2016 Mar was the deadline for congregations to submit second-year comments to the CSW. The CSW used these comments to refine the Resource Guide and help prepare for workshops on this issue at the 2016 GA.

2016 June, GA: The CSW conducted a second year of workshops on the CSAI. One workshop included reports on successful practices and discussed future possibilities. Delegates selected another CSAI for 2016-2020: "The Corruption of Our Democracy."

2016 Nov: Using all the input submitted by congregations over two years, and the comments from General Assembly workshops, the CSW issued a first draft Statement of Conscience (SOC) on Income Inequality. The first draft statement and a ballot to place the SOC on the agenda of the 2017 GA was included in the annual congregational poll, conducted with annual membership certification.

2017 Feb was the deadline for congregational poll ballots (a quorum of 25% participation required), and for submission of comments on the draft SOC. A quorum was satisfied, and the CSW then prepared a revised draft of the SOC, incorporating the comments submitted on the first draft. The revised draft was then placed on the 2017 GA agenda.

2017 June, GA: Delegates considered the revised SOC. Early in the GA, a "mini-assembly" on the SOC was held for any interested delegates to discuss and propose amendments to the SOC. The CSW then worked into the night considering all the comments -- which to combine, which to "incorporate" (include in the SOC version to go to the floor for a vote) and which to list as "unincorporated amendments." (When the SOC came to the GA floor, any delegate could move to incorporate any of the unincorporated amendments.) Later in the GA, the SOC came to the General Assembly floor for a vote. A few of the unincorporated amendments were debated, and one of them passed. With approval requiring a 2/3 vote of the delegates, the 2017 GA approved the SOC now titled: "Escalating Economic Inequity."

With the SOC thus adopted at the end of year three, year four is the "Implementation Year" for congregations to work on implementing the Statement of Conscience.

How will CUUC implement this SOC?

That's up to us, of course. We can ignore the statement, consider and discuss it and then decide not to adopt anything, adopt an amended form of the statement, or adopt the SOC as it is. The statement includes a number of suggested actions: it falls to us to decide which ones our congregation will pursue.

A SOC adopted at General Assembly 2017 is HERE.

This has been amended at CUUC Congregational forums on Jan 14, Feb 4, and Mar 11. The resulting proposal that CUUC take a position on Escalating Economic Inequality is HERE.

A special congregational meeting has been called for Sun Apr 29 to vote on whether to adopt this proposal.

Are there further changes you'd like to see? We need to receive them by Apr 8. You may submit a proposed change by Commenting on this post.

Church and Politics

ON THE POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT OF FAITH CONGREGATIONS

Meredith Garmon

The Supreme Court recognized in Walz v. Tax Commission, back in 1970:

“Adherents of particular faiths and individual churches frequently take strong positions on public issues including vigorous advocacy of legal or constitutional positions. Of course, churches as much as secular bodies and private citizens have that right.”

What the congregation can’t do, under IRS regulations for nonprofits, is advocate for or against any specific candidate for elective office, or any political party. But churches, temples, synagogues, mosques – congregations of any faith – may certainly engage on issues of public policy -- including elected and appointed political leaders.

So I will not, from the pulpit, or in CUUC newsletters or emails, or in CUUC-connected blogs, speak for or against any specific candidate or party. When communicating through those channels, I have avoided even saying the name of either of the major party nominees for president. When communicating through certain other channels, such as social media, I haven't been shy about naming names and expressing my opinions of candidates, but I do so as an individual citizen, not as the CUUC minister.

Since Nov 8, however, Mr. Trump and Sec. Clinton are no longer candidates. We, as a nonprofit, may express our support or our opposition for any elected or appointed leader, as well as any policy issue or legislative proposal. Until such time as Mr. Trump announces that he is running for re-election in 2020, he is not a candidate. We, as a nonprofit faith community, may vociferously and explicitly denounce or support his actions or his words.

Indeed, I believe that it is our obligation -- as a people of faith who covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion, and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all -- to do so.

For more info, see: "The Real Rules: Congregations and the IRS Guidelines on Advocacy, Lobbying, and Elections" (21 page PDF)

Our BLM Resolution

On Sun Apr 17, Community UU adopted this resolution:

WHEREAS, Unitarian Universalists strive for justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

WHEREAS, Unitarian Universalists have a goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

WHEREAS, allowing injustice to go unchallenged violates our principles;

WHEREAS, the 2015 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association adopted a resolution, called an Action of Immediate Witness that called Unitarian Universalist congregations to action:

• to become closer to a just world community,
• to engage in intentional learning spaces to organize for racial justice with recognition of the interconnected nature of racism coupled with systems of oppression that impact people based on class, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability and language;
• to work toward police reform and prison abolition (which seeks to replace the current prison system with a system that is more just and equitable);
• to take initiative in collaboration with local and national organizations fighting for racial justice against the harsh racist practices to which many black people are exposed.

WHEREAS, all lives matter, and in order to live in a world that better recognizes that, we must attend to where lives are most treated as not mattering;

WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter movement is the civil rights movement for racial justice in our time;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains supports and is a majority-white ally of the Black Lives Matter movement and its Guiding Principles;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation authorizes expressions of that support, including but not limited to: public statements from Congregation leaders of support and advocacy for Black Lives Matter and its Guiding Principles, and the public display of a “Black Lives Matter” banner to be clearly visible to traffic on Rosedale Avenue.

BLM & CUUC Process

FROM THE PULPIT -- SUN MAR 13

Our congregation is in process toward adopting a resolution of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (See the resolution: CLICK HERE.) Our Board of Trustees, on Wed Mar 9, has approved a special congregational meeting on Sun Apr 17 to vote on that resolution.

Our congregation has taken a number of social justice actions over the years, but we have not taken a stand, as a congregation, on an issue of social advocacy. Back in 2005, this congregation earned the designation “Welcoming Congregation,” through a process laid out by our national denominational headquarters. That meant the congregation as a whole had made a commitment to being welcoming to the LGBT community – but not a commitment of public social advocacy.

Today we have a number of Social Justice teams, and our various teams have taken and are taking a variety actions. They address environmental protections, hunger and homelessness, LGBT issues, Economic inequality and poverty. Most of us feel proud of the actions of these teams, and most of us support what they’re doing. None of those actions, however, involves taking a stand as a congregation.

We encourage people to live their faith -- to be active in social causes. We also recognize that our members have diverse opinions -- indeed, we cherish our diversity. While I have never seen it happen, I can imagine that someday it could happen that there might be Unitarian Universalists gathered at a street corner carrying signs, "UUs in Support of X" -- while on the opposite corner there are other Unitarian Universalists carrying signs, "UUs Opposed to X." (What might be a plausible example of X? Perhaps nuclear power could become such an issue. Some Unitarian Universalists do feel strongly about the need for power sources that don't emit greenhouse gases, while other Unitarian Universalists feel strongly about the dangers of nuclear power.) Both groups would be living out their interpretation of our principles, and being active in the social arena, as our faith encourages them to be. But which group would represent their congregation as a whole? Neither! Each group represents only the sub-group of the congregation that it is. As their minister, I would be pastorally supportive of both sides, and encouraging of each side in being involved and expressing their faith in the way they see it leading.

All the actions we have taken so far represent only the sub-group that takes the action. If the actions are widely -- or even unanimously -- supported by the congregation, that support has been informal. No team or group or committee of the congregation may claim to speak on behalf of the entire congregation -- unless the entire congregation has voted its agreement with what is said.

This is how we have to do things if we want to value diversity of thought, as we do, and at the same time encourage public expression. For all of the actions that our congregation’s various social justice teams have taken, the congregation as a whole has never taken a stand on an issue of social advocacy.

In the case of Black Lives Matter, however, the Social Justice Coordinating Council and I agreed that the time had come. This was something unlike the other social issues. This was, at this time in our nation’s history, more important. This, at last, was an issue so crucial that it was time for the congregation as a whole to take a stand.

Here was an issue worth cranking up all the apparatus of process leading to a special congregational meeting. We have cranked up that apparatus before -- though not in order to take a stand on an issue of social advocacy. Two years ago that apparatus of process led to adoption of a mission statement. That process, as you may recall, took much longer than our current process to take a stand in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. We passed the mission statement in January 2014 -- at which point the congregation had been at work on it for a year and a half -- and rather intensely for the previous 5 months.

We would have been able to do the current process faster if not for simple scheduling difficulties. I did want us to hear from a speaker from inside the BLM matter movement before the vote. King Downing has extensive experience on the inside of that movement. I wanted us to hear from him. I had hoped he could speak to us on Sun Feb 28, but he turned out to be unavailable at that time. Then Sun Mar 6 was already locked in for Rev. Rob Gregson to guest preach. So Mar 13 was the soonest we could get Mr. Downing -- and I was so happy to have him with us that day.

Then Sun Mar 20 and 27 are part of the Easter break. And Sun Apr 3 we have a brunch after the service that we couldn't move. So that takes us to Apr 10 for discussing and considering amendments to the resolution, and April 17 for voting.

Our neighboring Unitarian Universalist congregation in Mt. Kisco approved a resolution of support a couple weeks ago. Our neighboring UU congregation in Croton won’t have their vote until June. So we are somewhere in the middle.

To take a stand as a congregation will require a supermajority vote of 80% of the members present.

Let me remind you, if you’re not a member, you have until March 18 to join in order to vote on April 17. We stand at an important moment in the history of our congregation – a moment when our courage can empower us to make a difference in the world, a difference in the lives of so many of our neighbors.

POSTSCRIPT -- WED MAR 16

Our congregational process makes taking stands extraordinary -- difficult and drawn-out, by design. Does such a design seem wrong?

While taking a stand as a congregation is extraordinary, social action taken by a group within the congregation with informal nods of encouragement from the congregation-in-general is our ordinary, normal -- and usually must faster-response course. This is the system that UU congregations generally (and many non-UU congregations as well) have worked out to allow for action to go forward while also honoring diversity of opinion within their ranks.

You might understandably feel that, while diversity of opinion may be fine when it comes to things like opinions about energy policy or taxation rates, there are some issues that are so basic that there ought to be instant and unanimous support for them, and CUUC's policies and procedures ought to allow for instant action to express that support. I understand the longing for that kind of community, but, for better or for worse, that's not who we are.

What we are is a diverse collection of people. For some of us, support for the BLM movement is absolutely essential. For others, it's simply a very good idea and the right thing to do. For still others, expressing congregational support for a movement may be OK, but isn't very important. Maybe for a few, it seems like a bad idea. Our covenant is to stand by one another, whatever our disagreements.

Our congregation contains much of the range of attitudes and viewpoints that the general population around us contains, albeit not in the same proportions. Our best hope, I believe, is to model how a diverse community can also be a learning community. We are not a people who automatically and intuitively know what racial justice requires, but we are a people who can learn. There is certainly great need for learning both in our nation and in our congregation. Learning takes a while. I've learned a lot myself since Trayvon Martin's 2012 death in Sanford, Florida, not far from where I was then living. I've learned more in the last year. And still have much to learn.

Transforming the world also entails transforming ourselves. Our mission recognizes as much when it says, "engage in service to transform ourselves and the world." Maybe sometimes you'd like CUUC to already be transformed. Sometimes, so would I. But our ministry to and with each other is ever to work with who we are, stepping, falteringly, toward dimly perceived possibilities of what we may be. If it were quick, it wouldn't be real transformation.

* * *

On the need for this action, please see these posts of mine from The Liberal Pulpit:

BLM & UU
   Part 1: UUs and BlackLivesMatter
   Part 2: White Supremacy is a Spiritual Wound
   Part 3: Afflicted or Comfortable? Yes.

It Must Be Said (Black Lives Matter II)

Black Lives Matter I

Just Mercy
   Part 1: 'Just Mercy' Reading
   Part 2: Death Penalty and Race
   Part 3: Progress. So Slow.
   Part 4: In the Light of the True Narrative

The Arc of the Moral Universe
   Part 1: Bending Toward Justice?
   Part 2: A Powerful Perception
   Part 3: Unconscious Bias and Moral Imagination

The Spirit of Truth
   Part 1: The First Balm
   Part 2: Divide and Keep Conquered
   Part 3: Explaining Some Mysteries
   Part 4: Journey Toward Wholeness

Ferguson (reflection on the Grand Jury's non-indictment in the slaying of Michael Brown)

Intercultural Sensitivity is Hard!
   Part 1: Juneteenth
   Part 2: Unknown Freedom
   Part 3: A New Approach
   Part 4: Denial, Polarization, Minimization
   Part 5: Go 90

Nonviolent Social Change
   Part 1: To Hear Each Other With Compassion
   Part 2: The Essence of Violence Is in the Heart
   Part 3: Social Change Through NVC

Social Justice Teams

Social Justice Teams 2015-16

Be a part of our congregation's social justice efforts.

Which Social Justice Team would you like to be a part of? They all address important issues, so choose the one that resonates most powerfully with you.

Each team has a chair, a core leadership of about 5, and broader membership of people ready to be called on to assist in the effort.

As part of this congregation’s mission – “engage in service to transform ourselves and our world” – all members are urged to be on one of our Social Justice Teams. Friends and visitors are welcome, too!

Here are the eight teams. To join, contact the member of the Social Justice Coordinating Committee that is named in parenthese.

• Hungry and Homeless (Meredith Garmon - minister at cucwp dot org )
• Anti-Racism (Jeff Tomlinson - jefftomlison8 at gmail dot com)
• Women's Issues (Jeff Tomlinson - jefftomlison8 at gmail dot com)
• LGBT Issues (Mary Cavallero - marycava4 at gmail dot com)
• Climate and Environmental Issues (Barry Litcofsky - barry.litcofsky at gmail dot com)
• Education (Mary Cavallero - marycava4 at gmail dot com)
• Economic Issues: Poverty and Income Inequality (Barry Litcofsky - barry.litcofsky at gmail dot com)
• Interfaith Collaboration (Meredith Garmon - minister at cucwp dot org )

Social Justice Planning

"We regard our living together not as an unfortunate mishap warranting endless competition among us, but as a deliberate act of God to make us a community of brothers and sisters jointly involved in the quest for a composite answer to the varied problems of life." (Steven Biko, South African Anti-apartheid Activist)

From the earliest beginnings of Unitarianism and Universalist (however one identifies the "beginning") the ideas that went into and came out of the development of UU religion had political implications. Unitarians, Universalists, and their ideas were major influences in the founding of the US political system and on US religion and culture.

Ours is a theology of engagement. We draw inspiration and truth from experiencing each other and the world around us. In doing so, we necessarily witness both the beauty and brokenness of our larger community and environment. UUs today, just as in the past, want to help heal the brokenness. In undertaking to do social justice work in and through our congregation, it is important to remember that:

• Unitarian Universalist congregations are religious communities, not secular activist organizations. Seeking social change may be a major part of what we do, but fostering personal growth and building relationships are also critically important.
• How the work is done is as important as the end goal of promoting justice. If the justice work we do fails to build community—or worse yet, destroys it—then we will not have served our congregations or Association well.
• Any congregational decision can be divisive if done badly, which typically means that it was done too fast and congregants felt that their voices were not heard. The solution is not to avoid the decision, but to use an appropriate, healthy process that gives everyone a voice.
• This is about personal transformation. Our ability to create social transformation is linked with our willingness to go through personal transformation in the process. How can we expect the world to change if we‘re not willing to?
• We learn from reflection. Educator and writer Paulo Freire, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, argued that we learn not from action, but from reflection on action. The cycle of action-reflection is often referred to as "praxis."
• We need strong relationships. The more we are in relationship with each other, and approach social justice in ways that value this relationship, the better off we‘ll be as a community. This type of sharing, namely personal, ethical, emotional, spiritual, and/or theological, is necessary both for effective justice work, and for personal and congregational development.

Five Types of Justice Work

An effective social justice plan will include balance among these five types.

1. Service: Direct assistance to those in need. Examples: volunteering hours in a soup kitchen; bringing coats to the homeless
2. Education: Classes and collective study of the complexities of a social issue. We have to know what we're taking about.
3. Organizing: Forming coalitions with other UU congregations, with other faith institutions, and with secular organizations is crucial both for our own learning and transformation and for maximizing our effectiveness in the world.
4. Advocacy: Lobbying and anything else that brings our voice to our elected officials, or to others who change and make policy. (Note: We lobby for and against policies. We cannot advocate for or against a particular candidate or party.)
5. Witness: Using the media; publicizing the issue and our efforts. Forms include: advertising, unearned coverage (coverage we might get without taking any steps to get it), and earned coverage (coverage we get due to intentionally seeking coverage).

Choosing Issues

Grounding, Accountability, Fit, Opportunity

Unitarian Universalist congregations should determine social issues to work on based on Grounding, Accountability, Fit, and Opportunity.

Grounding: Does the issue have authentic and deep Unitarian Universalist roots? Does it link to the current identity and theology of Unitarian Universalists?

• Theology – What is the spiritual, philosophical, historical, and ethical basis for our position?
• Worship and Congregational Life – What is our members‘ engagement on the theme in the congregation?
• Social Action – Is there historic and current UU engagement on the theme in the public arena?

Accountability: Is the issue of concern to marginalized groups in the congregation and in the community?

• Can the congregation be an effective and sensitive ally? Is the congregation educated about how the issue impacts marginalized communities?
• Can reconciliation and right relationship be an outcome of working on this issue?
• Are there opportunities for dismantling institutional oppression? For systemic reform? For reparations?

Fit: Is there a match between our congregation‘s resources, aspirations, and ability to make a real
difference?

• Informed and Inspiring Leaders – Are there Unitarian Universalists who are or could publicly represent a UU perspective on the theme?
• Institutional Resources – Is there a task group devoted to the issue? Has the minister spoken out? Is there money available for the effort? What UUA offices, committees, affiliates, publications, curricula exist to support the congregation in taking a position?
• Partners – Are there national and/or local interfaith and allied organizations the congregation or UUA has a history of partnership with or that are actively seeking partners?

Opportunity: Is there likelihood that the congregation can be a respected participant in the public dialogue on this issue? Are there allies the congregation can work with? Are there debates in the public arena, proposed legislation that Unitarian Universalists can influence?

• Relevance in News and Public Dialogue – What is the degree to which the theme is or could become a meaningful factor in news coverage or public debate?
• Other Voices – Congruent: What religious and secular organizations share our views and are vocal?
• Other Voices – Contrary: What religious and secular organizations oppose our views and are vocal?

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Excerpted/adapted from Inspired Faith, Effective Action: A Social Justice Workbook for Unitarian Universalist Congregations. CLICK HERE.

Sun Sep 21: Climate March!

Thousands of UUs and an expected total of around 200,000 people from around the country will be marching on Sun Sep 21 to demand action on climate change.

Wear your yellow shirt and stand with me and other Westchester UUs!

Most people are taking the train from their local neighborhood. Those of us leaving from the White Plains area can meet at the North White Plains station, where there is a county lot with free parking on Sundays.

I suggest the 9:02am train from North White Plains to Grand Central station -- that's the train I plan to be on. If you take a train from a different station, then aim for arriving at Grand Central at about 9:30-ish.

From Grand Central, take the M train to 58th street (alternatively: take the shuttle to Times Square, then the #1 train to 58th street). The faith contingent will be gathering on 58th, between 8th and 9th. Look for the UU sign.

A vast array of of faith groups is expected to be represented, including Pentecostals and Pagans, Muslims and Jews, Hindus and Catholics, Mennonites and Baha'i. Each will have a location with a sign.

Yours,
-Meredith

Here are the details from Rev. Peggy Clarke, minister at the UU Congregation in Hastings-on-Hudson:

At 10:30, Internationally acclaimed cellist Michael Fitzpatrick will begin playing. At 11:00, a multi-faith prayer service will start. It is very likely (albeit still unconfirmed) that Rev. Peter Morales will have a role in that service. (This is a big deal; UUs are often overlooked for these things, but this time, the general feeling has been that UUs are leaders on the issue of climate change.)

The service will be over by 11:45. There will be some multi-faith singing. Then we'll have some time to wait before it's our turn to start marching, so each faith group, ours included, will do our own thing. (The Quakers and Buddhists have asked to be near each other so they can spend some time in silence, the Muslims will have midday prayers and at some point, the Jewish contingent will be blowing their shofars.)

We step into the March at about 1:00. The March is about 2 miles long. About half way through, there is a place for folks with mobility issues to join us. I think that would be a good place for people with children to leave if they are getting tired. There will be port-a-potties along the route and other things we might need. The March ends on 11th and 42nd street. There will be things going on there like tables with information, etc.

When the March is over, I'll be heading to Saint John the Divine to participate in the worship happening there. If you'd like to join me, let me know so we can get you a pass. Otherwise, you'll all head back to Grand Central or wherever you'd like to go.

Two more notes: if you can, avoid bringing large backpacks or bags with you. The NYPD is being super cautious about security and are planning to inspect large bags. Also, if you have Standing on the Side of Love t-shirts or hats, please wear them. UUs will be in that crazy yellow. If you don't, we purchased 10 baseball caps which you can buy from us for $11. But let me know now; we only have 10 of them!

I'm crazy excited about this and wildly grateful to those of you who are coming. Let me know if you have any questions or if there's anything I can do to make this even more fabulous for you.

Rev. Peggy Clarke
Minister, First Unitarian Society of Westchester

Other events:

Saturday 8 to 10pm Unitarian Church of All Souls 1157 Lexington Ave. A panel discussion of strategy and tactics for the climate justice movement, with opening remarks by Sen. Bernie Sanders and moderated by Brian Lehrer of WNYC. (come early for best seating).

Saturday 10pm: Raucous but Reverent: Interfaith Young Adult Worship Service with Tim DeChristopher at Fourth Universalist Society, 160 Central Park West. All welcome.

Sunday 3:30-5:30pm: Unitarian Universalists Unite: Debrief at Community Church of New York, UU, 40 East 35th St. (off Park Ave.)

Sunday 6pm: Prayer Service at Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. This public multifaith celebration will include government officials, activists, scientists and artists. This event requires a pass.