There Are Many Ways You Can Take Social Action

by Stella Dubish

You want to help, but you are strapped for time.  You want to do something, but you are overwhelmed by the number and complexity of causes out there in the world.  You want to take action, but overt political protest is not the right fit for your capabilities or personality.

No problem!  The Social Action Committee of this very UU congregation wants you to know that there are many ways to advance justice right here in our congregation, right here in our community.  First, your presence in our services bears witness to justice and injustice and creates a community of trust, love, and support. Second, if and when you contribute to the Sunday collection, you are supporting justice at multiple levels.  In the last fiscal year, this congregation sent $3,400 to organizations that sustain and respect the Earth, uphold the dignity and rights of our neighbors far and wide, and eliminate racism.  Third, every time you bring a canned good or household supply to this food pantry, you are contributing to food justice for more than 700 individuals in the region.  Finally, did you know that members of this congregation, over the last year, have volunteered hundreds of hours to support immigrant rights, voter rights, and environmental justice in our community?  Examples include distributing food, teaching citizenship classes, and serving as poll workers on Election Day.

The Social Action Committee wants you to know two things:
Your very presence in this community strengthens the collective work toward justice.
There are many ways for you to get involved, even if your time is limited, your spirit is burdened, or your proclivities are for quiet actions.  Here are a few ways to get involved.

• Share the social action information with a friend outside this circle.
  
• Continue or start making a contribution, however small, to the Sunday Collection for a Cause.
• Attend a Social Action Committee meeting - first Tuesday of every month - to hear more practical information about needs and actions in our community.
• Speak to a member of the committee - Brian, me, Matt are here today - about ideas for a step you could take that fits you.