STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Social justice is a value deeply woven into the fabric of Unitarian Universalism and made explicit in our eight UU principles.  At the UU Church of Utica, Social Justice Ministry teams address our yearning to grow spiritually in community and our desire to engage in love-based actions to promote a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.

UUU SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL

The UUU Social Justice Council is a Semi-Annual meeting of all liaisons from every aspect of the Social Justice / Social Action Ministry of this congregation as well as board approved “specialists” who will keep abreast of all aspects of a particular justice initiative, an initiative such as those listed on the UUA.org and/or NYUUJ.org websites.  For more information about the council or social justice initiatives, contact Ken Drake.

UUU MINISTRY TEAMS

Climate Action Committee is committed to creating a world in which all people share reverence, gratitude, and care for the living Earth.   Nationally, our team supports the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the passing of the Climate and Community Investment Act. 

Locally, the Climate Committee has initiated an Urban Tree Project in collaboration with Utica Rotary which is committed to raising 100% of the cost of 12 ft. trees, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency which will find 10-20 families who want a tree and will water and care for it, and the City of Utica DPW which will plant and stake the trees.  Contact Barbara Freeman for more information.

Inclusion Ministry Team of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica supports the church’s mission and growth through active inclusion, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues in the congregation and wider community. We pursue this goal by uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and encouraging awareness and allyship in church services, functions, events, and other aspects of congregational life.

The Racial Justice Ministry Team of the UU Church of Utica has been formed to promote the advancement of the 8th Principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  The 8th Principle reads as follows: “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse and multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

UUSJ Democracy Action Team at UU Utica

In February 2024 UU Utica signed on as a member of the national Pro-Democracy Initiative of the UUSJ Democracy Action Task Force.

The UUU Team set three goals:
To counter disinformation
To develop a promotional campaign of inclusion for America
To defend and strengthen our democracy against the threat of autocratic rule. 

Monthly meetings were held in March, April, and May.  In June , the team decided to meet bi-monthly.

UUU Statement on Democracy

Contact Ken Drake for more information.

NYUUJ

UUU is a member of this is statewide UU justice advocacy network that works to gather the collective power and energy of UU’s across New York to advocate for our values in the state we call home. NYUUJ.org

Social Justice Calendar