Social Justice Action Team

Social Justice Action Team Purpose

To maximize the power of the congregation to promote justice and equity in the congregation, the wider community, and the world. This work shall be accomplished by using the six circles of social justice to focus our efforts: direct service, education, advocacy, witness, community organizing, and leadership development.

You do not have to be a member of the Social Justice Action Team to come to events — everyone is welcome to participate.

Stay tuned for the six circles presentation.

 

Downstream Justice Project

Our current focus is the Downstream Justice Project. Learn more on Sunday mornings or in Circuits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UU The Vote

Following successful efforts in 2020 and 2022, UU Schenectady will engage in UU The Vote efforts in 2024. UU the Vote is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative focused on strengthening democracy and organizing for justice, accountability, and healing.

About UU The Vote 2024
Here are things you can do now:
  • Sign up to become an election worker and/or let us know you plan to work for elections. Training is a must: https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/boe/poll-worker
  • Start buying stamps for postcards and letters. We have a box for “Stamp Out Voter Suppression.”
  • Join the fun for theatre and/or song and dance led by Vicki Michela.
  • Writing postcards

If you’re interested in any of the activities, let us know by contacting Kat Wolfram at: kmwolfram_at_gmail_com.

 

Supporting the Wider Community

Several times a year during worship we have a special collection for a local or denominational social justice non-profit organization because we know we need one another to make the community and the world a better place. The organization is named during the worship service and contributions are invited and then pooled together and sent to the organization.

 

SiCM is now the Sycamore Collaborative

Throughout our history, UUSS has been connected with programs and organizations that serve the larger community. In 1967 members of the congregations joined with members of local Protestant churches to form SiCM, what was then called Schenectady Inner City Ministries. In 2019, with full support of UUSS delegates, Schenectady Community Ministries created an interfaith statement and commitment. Today there is a community hub, three urban farms, a food pantry, summer meals program, a mobile pantry, and more. In March of 2024 there was a joyful announcement that SiCM had grown into the Sycamore Collaborative. To learn more, read a reflection from John Reschovsky, member of the Social Justice Action Team and delegate to the Sycamore Collaborative.

 

The Social Justice Fund Panel

UU Schenectady annually offers small grants from our Social Justice Fund through the generous donations of members of the congregation.

Social Justice Fund Grant Application Available

We are pleased to announce the annual call for applications for grants from UU Schenectady’s Social Justice Fund. We will offer grants between $2500 and $5000 for social justice initiatives and activities working towards bringing about systemic change. Applications are due by April 30, 2024 and can be sent to sjfp@uuschenectady.org. Granting decisions will be announced by May 31, 2024.

For guidelines and application process CLICK HERE!

The Social Justice Fund began with a bequest to UUSS from Doris Downs, and then in 2018, a generous donation to the fund from Sandra and John Reschovsky created the opportunity to offer grants to community organizations to support Unitarian Universalist values in and around Schenectady County.

2024 Panel members: Lisa Jordan, Social Justice Action Team Chair, Bridget Almas, Board President, and Rev. Lynn Gardner