The Social Action Committee at the First Parish Church honors our Unitarian Universalist principles by empowering one another and the church community as a whole to work for social justice.  We believe that the work we do and the initiatives we support is a direct expression of our faith in action.  Embedded  in the social justice opportunities we bring forward to the church is a thematic infrastructure we call our three pillars—Peace, Environment and Poverty.  These three “themes” are interwoven into all the social justice work we support.

Social Action

 

The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice

 

- Theorodre Parker

 

Not surprisingly, these themes or issues cannot be separated or isolated from one another and at their core are deeply rooted together.  For example, environmental degradation can have devastating economic, political and cultural ramifications that can easily ignite simmering conflict in communities which in turn spirals them further into poverty. We understand that initiatives related to Peace, Environment and Poverty are complex and complicated and that there are no easy answers.  But we are motivated to try because “There is too much work to do” not to begin.  We welcome you to join us.

How do we work?

The Social Action Committee helps support social justice initiatives through the development of church-wide Task Groups that are formed around specific issues or activities.  Current social action activities include groups involved in Peace, Gulf Coast Relief, Urban Ministry and Renewal House, interfaith discussions through the Middle East Forum and relief work in south India to name a few. 

To form a Task Group, engage three to five other people in the church who will support the social action project you are interested in.  The Social Action Committee will help you create a plan of action for your project by helping you create a Task Group proposal form.  Proposal forms are available at the Social Action Committee table during coffee hour.

What are our Social Action Project Priorities?

  • Increase awareness of social justice issues within the church community and beyond.
  • Grow the church’s denominational connection.
  • Act locally but seek far reaching effects.
  • Hands-on, direct service
  • Involve our youth and grow their awareness.

Social Action Committee

Mike Balin, Nancy Banks, Sharon Brownfield, Marissa Evans, Scott Feldhusen, Trisha Guditz, Bruce Ishikawa, Maria Rodriguez, Allie Spear, Bob Tabor, Vicky Tabor and Margot Welch

We meet the first Sunday morning of the month.  To find out more about the Social Action Committee, stop by our table at coffee hour! Or email Trisha Guditz, Chair, at Guditz@verizon.net.

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