8605 Cameron St. Suite 200 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone 301-588-1951 of Maryland, Washington, and Northern Virginia www.uusj.org Celebrating Our Tenth Anniversary Contact: [email protected] A Word from the Administrator
We were very sorry to hear of the shooting and death of a college-bound Beacon House youth, Ms. Kenyetta Nicholson-Stanley. Kenyetta’s siblings and she all grew up in the program. Her grandmother Rogerline Nicholson was a founding board member, who worked for the renovation of the property. May our thoughts and prayers be with the family and the neighborhood. A scholarship may be started in Kenyetta’s name but we have no details yet. We will let you know more in the next issue of this E-News. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/100909_teen_shot_on_ne_dc_playground_dies
Cyn Snavely
How to get a copy of the bi-weekly UUSJ Electronic E-News: Contact the UUSJ office at 301-588-1951 or [email protected] with your name and email address and your request. A donation to UUSJ would be appreciated.
How to submit an article: Contact the UUSJ office at 301-588-1951 or [email protected] with your event information. Issues come out about the 15th and 30th of each month. Please have your information in a few days before.
To support the work of UUSJ, go to Network for Good or send your check to 8605 Cameron St. Suite 200 Silver Spring, MD 20910. or UUSJ is part of the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area. Our CFC # is 17271. Thank You. Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 2
Unitarian Universalism Upcoming Dates 2009 Regional Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala Give to UU Programs through Combined Federal Campaign UUSJ Collaborative Fund Offers Grants of Up to $500 JPD Social Justice Teleconferences UU Church of Arlington (UUCA)’s Social Justice Fund Offers Grant Funds Social Justice Empowerment Cluster Workshop Anti-Racism/ Multicultural 5th Annual Joseph Priestley District Anti-Racism Conference UUSJ and ADORE Joint Program with David Slavin Showing of Documentary My Mother’s Journey Community Organizing/Community Service UU Funding Program $$ for Community Organizing Training & Dues Congregation-Based Community Organizing Gamaliel Foundation Weeklong Training Funds for Community-Based Organizations in Maryland and Pennsylvania PATH (People Acting Together in Howard) will be working with Healthy Howard to increase awareness and enrollment in that program. What's Happening Around Addison Road - Seat Pleasant Metro Station? Montgomery County’s 23rd Annual Community Service Day Education Monday Evening Volunteers Needed Greatly by Beacon House Partnership for Renewal in Southern and Central Maryland (PRISCM)Hosts Prince George’s County School Superintendent Sienna Project Meeting—Building Schools in Guatemala Environmental Concerns Day of Climate Action Working Together for Green Communities: Annual Regional Green Sanctuary Meeting Families March for the Climate International Day of Climate Action DC UU Church of Arlington Promoting Alternative Transportation Attend Virginia Power Shift Exposed: Social Vulnerability and Climate Change in the US Southeast Showings of Documentary “Coal Country” Screening of “Fresh” Showing of American Colonies: Collapse of the Bee Group Visit to Solar Decathlon on the Washington Mall Visit to the First State-of-the-Art Carbon Neutral House in Our Area Fall Workshop Series: Greening Your Home & Yard "Sustainable Systems at Work" GLBTQ Concerns See a Video and Photos from the National Equality March Sign the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign Petition Explore the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign’s Website Standing on the Side of Love Friday Conference Call Webcasts Oppose Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity-Based Violence in Iraq with the UU United Nations Office Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 3 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 4 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 5
Unitarian Universalism
Upcoming Dates Saturday, October 17 Journey Toward Wholeness conference –Multicultural Families UU Church of Annapolis
Saturday, October 24 Regional Green Sanctuary meeting Goodloe Memorial Bowie, MD
UUSJ Board meeting October 25 3-4:30 Cedar Lane Room 1-2 Sunday, October 25 UUSJ Awards Gala Positano Ristorante Italiano 4948 Fairmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814
November 7 NOVALUUP Meeting Fairfax
Date Change---November 21 UUSJ-ADORE Program
January 24 UUSJ phone meeting with exec and sj chairs
Saturday, February 6 UUSJ Program
Sunday, March 14 phone UUSJ Board Meeting follow up on funding 7:30
Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 JPD Spring Conference – The Park Ridge at Valley Forge, PA sj roundtable
Saturday, May 22 UUSJ Program and Board meeting
June 23-27 UUA General Assembly Minneapolis, MN
2009 Regional Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala Sunday, October 25 5:30pm Positano Ristorante Italiano 4948 Fairmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814 Call Today to reserve Checks must be received by 10/17
UUs for Social Justice and the OpenDoor Housing Fund co-sponors Second Annual Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala honoring: Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 6
Larry Platt, K&L Gates, for 20 years of pro bono legal work UU Interfaith Affordable Housing Award Children in the Fields Committee, River Road UU Congregation UUSJ Collaborative Program Award Joan Darrah, Mount Vernon Unitarian Church UUSJ GLBTQ Award John and Chris Sutton, UU Church of Arlington UUSJ Giraffe Award Ending Global Poverty Task Force, UU Congregation of Fairfax UUSJ Economic Justice Award YRUU Class of 2009, UU Congregation of Columbia UUSJ Youth Award
Please join us in celebrating these leaders and in hearing their inspiring stories. Appetizers and a three course dinner. Choice of main course: Lasagne Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana or Cheese Manicotti with Homemade Italian breads and Italian layered cake for dessert, hot tea and coffee. Free parking. Contact Rev. Cyn Snavely at [email protected] or 301-588-1951. Tickets are $80.00. The Second Annual Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala feeds the UUSJ Collaborative Fund, UUSJ’s way of meeting its goal of increasing the frequency, impact and visibility of UU collaborative efforts in the region. The UUSJ Collaborative Fund is a grant program promoting cooperation to enhance the impact of social justice endeavors among congregations, organizations and individuals. Past recipients of grants include: the Ethical Investing Conference at All Souls, the Interfaith Youth Core event at the Rockville Church, the Goodloe Celebration in October. UUSJ - Ten Years of Inspiring Ideas, Sharing Resources, Working and Celebrating Together For more info go to uusj.org and to opendoorhousingfund.org
Give to UU Programs through Combined Federal Campaign When your annual workplace giving campaign kicks off this year, please select UU charities. Beacon House, UUSJ and OpenDoor Housing Fund are neighborhood organizations formed by UUs from local congregations, and UUSC is an international human rights organizaation. If you give through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), please remember: OpenDoor Housing Fund ID# 65151 www.opendoorhousingfund.org UUSC ID # 11685 www.uusc.org UUSJ ID # 17271 www.uusj.org - Celebrating 10 years of inspiring ideas, sharing resources and working together to advance social justice in the region Beacon House ID # 85145 www.beaconhousedc.org
UUSJ Collaborative Fund Offers Grants of Up to $500 The proceeds from the October 2008 Social Justice Awards Benefit Gala created a new way for UUSJ to meet its goal of increasing the frequency, impact and visibility of UU collaborative efforts in the region. The UUSJ Collaborative Fund supports programs promoting cooperation to enhance the impact of social justice endeavors among congregations, organizations and individuals. Priority will be giving to collaborative projects involving two or more UUSJ member congregations or organizations, to promote best practices in areas such as Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 7 environmental justice and reducing oppression. The UUSJ co-chairs have authority to approve expenditures for a variety of collaborative program expenses. Contact Terrie Barr at [email protected] for information.
JPD Social Justice Teleconferences Tuesdays, November 17, January 19, March 15, May 18 7:00-9:00pm
There are many people in the Joseph Priestley District working to promote justice, equity, and compassion through various means of social justice. In response for the need for us to be able to communicate and network with each other the Joseph Priestley District Social Justice Council will be sponsoring 4 teleseminars. Please click here to register.
UU Church of Arlington (UUCA)’s Social Justice Fund Offers Grant Funds Current deadline for Letter of Intent November 2
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington has a new way to support social justice work through a grant fund made possible by a generous donation by two long-time members. Following the first round of grants made this past summer, this second announcement is expected to lead to an estimated $20,000 in grant awards to be made this winter, with the expectation of a final estimated $20,000 in grant awards in the spring/summer of 2010. The specific mission of the fund is to help build and strengthen social justice, particularly in northern Virginia. Individual grant awards are expected to be in the $4,000-6,000 range, based on documented need for the proposed project. Like many funds, the Social Justice Fund will not provide ongoing operational expenses and it is not intended to support internal UUCA projects. UUCA groups, members and friends are encouraged to inform community groups including UUCA-affiliated groups about the fund, and to suggest possible applicants to the Social Justice Fund committee. UUCA's Social Justice Fund’s first grants were awarded earlier this summer to five recipients chosen from 19 applicants: Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) for enhancing environmental awareness in multicultural audiences. The project includes bilingual materials, outreach and supplies for energy-efficiency, recycling, composting and more; Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to help fund the Columbia Grove Resident Services Program. The project intertwines ESL and financial literacy at a neighborhood center with a mostly immigrant, mostly low-income population; Beacon House for a Peace Club project that will expand Peace Camp-like principles and practices throughout the year; Friends of Guest House to enhance a nascent speakers bureau for nonviolent female ex- offenders who will receive training and small honoraria to educate lawmakers in Richmond, and to speak to at- risk girls and other audiences; Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL) to build awareness and advocacy skills among church leaders and congregations in Northern Virginia so that they can expand grassroots projects to educate state legislators and opinion leaders on green issues. While the preference is for organizations serving the northern Virginia area, already one grant has been made to a DC organization and there is interest in other groups applying. For additional information please visit UUCA’s website at www.uucava.org or go directly to the "social action highlights" section at www.uucava.org/page/social-action . You may also contact the SJF committee by email at [email protected] .
Social Justice Empowerment Cluster Workshop Saturday, Nov 14 Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 8
3424 Ridge Pike Collegeville, PA 19426
Need help launching or strengthening your congregation's social justice program? The UUA is offering a one day training on effective social justice programs that are working in other congregations, how to develop action groups, the role of a coordinating council or social justice committee, involving congregation members in the programs, funding justice programs, choosing issues to work on, using UU social justice resources and programs, and how to evaluate your social justice program. There will be experienced and effective leaders, small group dialogue, time to share in large group, presentations, worship, food, music, printed materials, a post-workshop organizing strategy, and formats that work. Cluster workshops are now available and held for teams from congregations (2 or more people) and cost $200 per team (up to 4 people). For teams of 5 or more the rate is $200 for the first four and add $25 per person for each additional person. Handbooks are provided by the UUA. We need at least 4 congregations (excluding the hosting congregation) for this workshop to occur, so please respond as soon as possible. For more information please contact Dorothy Tarka at [email protected].
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Anti-Racism/ Multicultural
5th Annual Joseph Priestley District Anti-Racism Conference Saturday, October 17 8:00am to 7:30pm Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis 333 Dubois Road Annapolis, MD 21401
Keynote Speaker: Janice Marie Johnson - Janice serves as the UUA's Director of the Office of Racial and Ethnic Concerns in the Identity-Based Ministries Staff Group. She is deeply committted to multiracial, multiethnic, and multicultural communities. Janice is a religious educator who is an ardent believer in the power of the collaborative process.
Workshops to include: UU Multi-Cultural Families: Religion, Realities and Responsibilities -- Led by Bob Thorne Multicultural Literature for Children and Congregations -- Led by Sarah Gondwe White Parents with Kids of Color (Panel & Dialogue) -- Led by Ann Ulmschneider What is Journey Toward Wholeness? -- Led by Rev. Dr. Om Prakash John Gilmore Ministry to Youth and Young Adults of Color: District Support for Communities of Color -- Led by Laura Spencer Multiculturalism in Action: Creating Environments for Multicultural Exploration -- Led by Janice Marie Johnson Affirming a Multicultural Unitarian Universalist Identity -- Led by Natalie Fenimore Ministry to Youth and Young Adults of Color: Mosaic Project Findings -- Led by Laura Spencer Cost (includes lunch and dinner plus all offered activities): Single Person - $40 Teen - $20 Child (under 12) - $5 Family Option 1 (includes 2 adults and 1 or more children) - $80 Family Option 2 (includes 2 adults and 1 or more teen) - $95
Children's Program and Childcare is included. Youth/Teen Workshop is included.
For a complete conference brochure which includes workshop descriptions, conference schedule and a registration form, please click here.
UUSJ and ADORE Joint Program with David Slavin Saturday, November 21, 8:30 - 1pm Place:TBD, accessible to Metro
Mr. Slavin will be the plenary speaker; his topic is “Inequality ,White Privilege, and Social Control in the US: a historical perspective” There will be a follow-on workshop with David Slavin and workshops showcasing regional social justice award Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 10 winners: Joan Darrah, Mt Vernon, recipient of the GLBTQ Award honoring her powerful momentum to repeal the unjust Don't Ask, Don't Tell law. John and Chris Sutton, Arlington, recipients of the UUSJ Giraffe Award honored for their energetic, creative, and highly effective work supporting human rights monitoring and advocacy in Guatemala and building bridges of alliance with new immigrants in the nearby Buckingham neighborhood. More details available soon
Showing of Documentary My Mother’s Journey Thursday, October 22 7:00pm Greenbelt Municipal Building 25 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD 20770
My Mother’s Journey honors Liz Hampton, a single parent entrapped by the civil unrest of the 1960s. In the same city that was home to Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass before her, Liz worked to bring contrasting parts of her community together. Through her story, the film captures change in community and nation. www.mymothersjourney.org Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 11
Community Organizing/Community Service
UU Funding Program $$ for Community Organizing Training & Dues Many Unitarian Universalist congregations (130 at last count) are finding Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO) an excellent fit for raising our profile in our communities and working in interfaith, multiracial, cross-class coalitions that are making a difference locally, at the state level, and now nationally as well. The UUA and the UU Veatch Program are supporting congregational engagement in interfaith community organizing with staff support, resources, and funding. The UU Funding Program has $80,000 for matching membership dues and training grants for up to $5,000. Matching grants for trainings are awarded on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply for membership dues is September 15th! (And again on March 15th.) For more information about both grants, see the UU Funding Program's application information sheet. Questions can be directed to Hillary Goodridge, UUFP Director and Susan Adams, UU Funding Program Grants Administrator at [email protected] or (617) 971-9600. The short application form can be found here. To find information about training opportunities with the networks, please check their calendars: Direct Action and Research Training (DART) Gamaliel Foundation PICO National Network Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) The InterValley Project For more information on CBCO, please see our website: www.uua.org/cbco. You may want to contact a member of the UUA Ministers Council on CBCO.
Congregation-Based Community Organizing Gamaliel Foundation Weeklong Training Nov 8-14 Doubletree Hotel, Annapolis, MD
The Gamaliel Foundation conducts its seven-day residential training program for leaders and organizers four times a year in the U.S. Topics covered during training include: • Institutional organizing • Using the tools of community organizing to develop strong congregations and other community-based institutions • Methodology for building power • Tools to make and sustain relationships • Self-interest, the public arena medium of exchange • Power analysis: understanding the “laws of the jungle” • Building support with money and media • The elements of good meetings • Elements of a power organization • Structuring personal and organizational time • Strategic planning • Metropolitan political and economic analysis Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 12
For more information contact Cynthia Snavely at 240-475-2111 or [email protected]
Funds for Community-Based Organizations in Maryland and Pennsylvania Baltimore Life Companies Grants Program The Baltimore Life Companies Grants Program supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities in Maryland and Pennsylvania where the company has offices. Special consideration is given to projects that assist distressed families, enhance public safety and the community, and combat community deterioration. In addition, grants may be awarded to organizations affiliated with governmental agencies, such as public libraries, senior centers, homeless shelters, or other organizations under the direction of governmental agencies. This program, which provides grants of $500, funds ambitious, community-based organizations for which smaller-scale philanthropic support has a significant impact. Requests must be submitted by October 19, 2009 to local Baltimore Life agencies. Application guidelines and forms are available on the Baltimore Life website http://www.baltlife.com/about_grants.asp
PATH (People Acting Together in Howard) will be working with Healthy Howard to increase awareness and enrollment in that program. Tuesday, October 27, from 7:30-9:00 pm or Wednesday, October 28, from 7:30-9:00 pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045.
PATH has agreed to train members to go door-to-door, in order to conduct a total of 6,000 face-to-face meetings with county residents in targeted areas. For all of you who worked as canvassers during the 2008 presidential campaign, I remind you how meaningful it was to make connections in this way! Jonathan Lange (from the staff of IAF) will be conducting a training session at OBIC to inform volunteers about the Healthy Howard program and how to be effective "door-knockers". The training will be offered twice: Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28. Please plan to attend one session, and RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your space. Information: Rev. Paige Getty ([email protected] or 410- 381-0097).
What's Happening Around Addison Road - Seat Pleasant Metro Station? Thursday, October 22 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church 410 Addison Rd South, Seat Pleasant
Join us to learn about current and proposed development around the Metro station and how you can get involved. Introduction Joseph Joy, St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Principles for Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Laura Ehle, PRISCM & Cheryl Cort, Coalition for Smarter Growth Development Plans & Projects Around the Metro station Prince George’s Planning Department Next Steps Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 13
Fr. Sheeran, Associate Pastor, St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church How can the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant Metro Station area become a safe, vibrant, walkable and inclusive community? Can new development offer housing opportunities for working people at a variety of incomes? Can existing affordable housing be preserved and improved? Join us to discuss these issues and learn about what’s happening around the Metro station. Lean how you can get involved in guiding the future of your community. For more information Contact Laura Ehle, PRISCM: T. 301-906-8153, [email protected] Download the flyer for this event at http://www.gamaliel.org/PRISCM/events.htm This forum is sponsored by PRISCM & the Coalition for Smarter Growth. PRISCM’s purpose is to unite people of faith and others who share our values in a powerful entity that can impact issues affecting people in our congregations and communities, especially those who are economically and/or politically disenfranchised. A number of church congregations in Capitol Heights are members of PRISCM. www.priscm.org. Coalition for Smarter Growth: www.smartergrowth.net.
Montgomery County’s 23rd Annual Community Service Day Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Silver Spring Regional Services Center, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, is encouraging others to be a part of Montgomery County's 23rd Annual Community Service Day, tradition that started 22 years ago, has become a national day of service known as "Make a Difference Day." To find out about resources on organizing your own self-directed service project, visit the Volunteer Center Website, and click on the Community Service Day link. For more information on how to create and manage a project or help getting matched with a nonprofit, contact Harriet Shugerman, Community Service Day Coordinator or contact her at 240-777-2620 (voice mail only) or 240-777-2600. Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 14
Education Monday Evening Volunteers Needed Greatly by Beacon House Mondays 6:00-8:00pm Beacon House Community Ministry 601 Edgewood St., N.E. Washington, D.C. 20017
Beacon House is in dire need of volunteers for our Monday night focus program. The hours are 6:00PM to 8:00PM. It runs from September 09 to June 10. The volunteer meets with the same child each meeting, spending one hour with reading and one hour basic math. Contact our volunteer coordinator, Ms Charmaine Davis. Her e- mail is [email protected]. Thanks Rev. Don
Partnership for Renewal in Southern and Central Maryland (PRISCM)Hosts Prince George’s County School Superintendent October 26 7:00 Gather 7:30-8:30 Dr. William Hite Faith Missionary Baptist 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743
The meeting will begin at 7:00. Dr. William Hite, Prince George’s County School Superintendent, will be a guest of PRISCM. Dr. Hite will have time for a brief presentation and then will be asked to answer questions on the scheduling problems, boundary issues, etc.
Sienna Project Meeting—Building Schools in Guatemala Monday, October 26 7:30pm UU Church of Arlington 4444 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22204
Come join us at Arlington UU Church, Monday, October 26 to find out how to support the Sienna Project. Sienna Project is intended as a living memorial to Sienna Lavanhar, the daughter of the Reverend Marlin and Anitra Lavanhar of All Souls in Tulsa, OK. As many of you know, Sienna died suddenly and unexpectedly three days after her third birthday. The Sienna Project is led by Sienna's grandfather, Martin Lavanhar, who will join us.The Sienna Project is building schools in small villages in the Highlands of Guatemala. The national government pays teacher salaries, but does not provide funds for school buildings. In many indigenous villages children never go to school. You can help by 1) Donating money, 2) Joining Sienna Project volunteers on a work trip to Guatemala, 3) Spreading the word about this vital ministry. Find out more at their website: http://siennaproject.com/. Please RSVP to Lavona Grow at [email protected] with "sienna project" in the subject line.
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 15 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 16
Environmental Concerns Day of Climate Action October 24
On October 24, communities around the world are organizing a day of climate action focused on the number 350, the safe level of parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The bad news is we're already past that number — we're at 390 parts per million, which is why the Arctic is melting, why drought is spreading across the planet, why people are already dying from diseases like dengue fever and malaria occurring in places where they've never been seen before. The good news: that number gives us a target to aim for. When the world's leaders meet in Copenhagen in December to reach agreement on a new climate treaty, we need them to go farther than they've planned to go: we need to make sure they'll pay attention to the latest climate science and put forward a plan that gets us back to safety. What's your congregation doing to mark 350.org? Plan now to make 10/23, 10/24, or 10/25 a day of Climate Action or a Climate Healing Shabbat in your congregation. Get ideas from religious communities around the world here
Working Together for Green Communities: Annual Regional Green Sanctuary Meeting Saturday, October 24 8:30am-2:00pm Goodloe Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation 1540C Pointer Ridge Place Bowie, MD 20716 www.goodloeuu.org Please register by October 14 to guarantee a lunch
Hear how environmental justice and economic justice meet as Cheryl Cort from the Coalition for Smarter growth talks about being fair to low income people as well as being green as we plan our communities and Steve Buckingham speaks of providing weatherization help to low income and elderly members of our communities.
8:30-9am Registration 9-9:30am Opening Service: "Atlas Can Use a Hand" Rob Whitaker 9:30-10:30am Key Note Speaker: Cheryl Cort from Coalition for Smarter Growth www.smartergrowth.net 10:30-10:45am Break 10:45-11:30am Weatherization Project Steve Buckingham 11:30-12:30pm LUNCH 12:30-2pm Discussion Topics 2pm Closing words and evaluation Discussion Topics will be voted upon during break/lunch and the top 3 will be given 1/2 hour discussion time. Comments will be given the "egg timer" treatment to keep things moving along and give everyone a chance to speak if they wish to do so.
Discussion Topics: Interesting or unique projects/activities completed for the 4 areas: Environmental Justice, Worship, Religious Education, Sustainable Living Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 17
Community Projects involved with. Green Sanctuary program: constructive comments/critique for the accreditation process What do you think the future direction of the Green Sanctuary Program should be? Peak Oil issues Making the Christmas in April/Rebuilding Together Program more green
Cost: $15 w/ lunch $ 5 w/o lunch Registration deadline Oct 14th. . An agenda and registration form is attached. This event is registered with 350 Day at Climate Action http://www.350.org/
Families March for the Climate Saturday, October 24 6:00pm - 7:00pm Meeting outside the Port Discovery Children's Museum and walking along the water's edge the route will end at Rash Field for a massive group photo opp.
Join Greenpeace, local non-profits, families and young people from across Maryland as we march Baltimore's iconic Inner Harbor to call for real action on global warming. We will call for President Obama to be a real leader, and not a politician, urging him to stop global warming for the sake of future generations What to bring: 1.) You, your friends, and your family. This is a kid and dog friendly event! The route is only about one mile. 2.) A photograph of someone or something you care deeply about that will be affected by global warming. A young-one close to you: your little sister, daughter, grandson, family friend. Yourself. Your favorite beach or coastal community, a polar bear, or a pristine forest. The bigger the picture the better! Join us for this silent march and be part of a global day of climate action that is bound for the history books. March on 10/24 and help put a human face on global warming. This event is registered with 350 Day at Climate Action http://www.350.org/
International Day of Climate Action DC Saturday, October 24 12noon-5:00pm Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park 16th St NW (corner of 16th and Euclid Streets) Washington, DC 20009 12 – 3 International Climate Fest Malcolm X Park 3-4March and Bike ride from Malcolm X park to White House 4-5 Circle of Hope and Vigil for International Climate Action WhiteHouse
March with Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GW-IPL) in a multi-faith contingent as part of the major 350.org/DC event on Saturday afternooon 10/24, from Meridian Hill Park down 16th Steet to the White House! Come with your congregational banners and T-shirts to join our whole-souled group, which will be gathering at the GW-IPL table at Meridian Hill Park (16th & Euclid Sts NW) around 2:30 pm. Can you march with us? RSVP: [email protected] This event is registered with 350 Day at Climate Action http://www.350.org/ Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 18
UU Church of Arlington Promoting Alternative Transportation To coincide with the International Day of Climate Action, The Unitarian Universalist Church or Arlington, Virginia (UUCAVA) Green Action committee will launch an anything-but-single-occupancy-vehicles program. At this year’s General Assembly, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recognized UUCAVA church as a Green Sanctuary. Now the church’s “Green Action” group is taking the next step by launching an initiative to further reduce the congregation's carbon footprint by reducing the number of single-occupancy-vehicle trips to and from the church. Alternatives to single-occupancy-vehicle trips include walking, biking, public transportation, and carpooling. Besides reducing CO2 emissions, other benefits of the Not-The-Clunker initiative include reinforcement of the church's "relational congregation" initiative by giving UUCAVA members and friends another opportunity to get to know each other, reduction in the demand for parking on UUCAVA property and neighboring streets, healthy outdoor exercise, and reduced individual transportation expenses. UUCAVA’s Not-The-Clunker initiative has four key components: - Education; - - Sign-ups to plan and track reduced single-occupancy-vehicle trips to church; - - A carpool initiative, using the Internet carpool service www.Zimride.com, to help UUCA members find fellow carpoolers. (Zimride is www.Facebook.com friendly!); - - Partnership with the www.350.org International Day of Climate Action on October 25th. Look for sign-ups and further information at the church. We expect this program to help reduce our CO2 emissions by thousands of pounds per Sunday! At the end of twelve months, UUCAVA will celebrate being greener and recognize those who have been the greenest in transit! This event is registered with 350 Day at Climate Action http://www.350.org/
Attend Virginia Power Shift October 23-25 George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Young people from around Virginia will gather for the first ever Regional Power Shift. Join us as we converge for a weekend of training, networking, and action to help shift the political power in the Virginia and send a strong message to the nation and the world as we head into Copenhagen. http://virginia.powershift09.org/ This event is registered with 350 Day at Climate Action http://www.350.org/
Exposed: Social Vulnerability and Climate Change in the US Southeast Tuesday, October 20, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m. The Methodist Building 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by October 14 to [email protected]
Exposed maps social vulnerability to climate variability. It visually identifies hotspots in the US Southeast in the face of drought, flooding, hurricane force winds, and sea level rise, in the 13 state region stretching from Maryland to Texas.The report's key findings include: *Social vulnerability within the US Southeast is concentrated in three primary areas: the traditional Cotton Belt, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 19 the Mississippi River Delta region, and west Texas; driven by combinations of factors including rural poverty, race, gender and age. *Across the southeast the four main risk factors associated with climate change: drought, flooding, hurricane force winds and sea level rise, are experienced in distinctly different ways in rural countries and urban center. To learn more about Oxfam America's climate change campaign, click here. Showings of Documentary “Coal Country” Friday, October, 15th 2009 Doors open at 7pm; Film begins at 7:30pm; a discussion follows the film Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church 10125 Lakehaven Ct Burke, VA 22015-3934 Wednesday, October, 21 2009 Gather at 6:30 for refreshments; program begins at 7 PM. Discussion to follow Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington 4400 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204
COAL COUNTRY is a dramatic look at modern coal mining. In the film, we meet working miners along with activists who are battling coal companies in Appalachia. We hear from miners and coal company officials, who are concerned about jobs and the economy and believe they are acting responsibly in bringing power to the American people. Both sides in this conflict claim that history is on their side. Families have lived in the region for generations, and most have ancestors who worked in the mines. Everyone shares a deep love for the land, but Mountaintop Removal mining (which has leveled over 500 Appalachian mountains) is tearing them apart. We need to understand the meaning behind promises of "cheap energy" and "clean coal." Are they achievable? At what cost? Are there alternatives to our energy future?
Screening of “Fresh” Sunday, November 8 4:00pm UU Congregation of Fairfax 2709 Hunter Mill Rd Oakton, VA 22124-1614
The UU Congregation of Fairfax will hold a community screening of “FRESH, the Movie” followed by a panel discussion with some of the “stars” of the documentary and some leaders of the local food movement. They include the infamous Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm, Andrew Kimbrell of the Center for Food Safety, Sally Fallon of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Hiu Newcomb of Potomac Vegetable Farms, among others. The moderator will be Melissa Harris, Editor of Flavor Magazine.
Showing of American Colonies: Collapse of the Bee Monday, October 19 7:00pm New Deal Café 113 Centerway Greenbelt, MD 20770-1802
The Reel and Meal at the New Deal in partnership with the Utopia Film Festival will show the film American Colonies: Collapse of the Bee (78 min.) Chef Karim will prepare an optional vegan meal for $13.00 (no credit cards) starting at 6:30 pm. There is no charge to just see the film. We may not have realized how important a Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 20 player bees are to our environment and economy until the mysterious problem of Colony Collapse Disorder started to decimate honeybee colonies. This films looks at the world of bees from the perspective of scientists, beekeepers, and other experts and how we can bring them back for the sake of our food supply and global economy. Our guest speakers will be Jason Kushner, the director of the film; Jay Evans, Research Entomologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture and a Greenbelt resident who appears in the film; Nathan Rice, Biological Science Technician at U.S. Department of Agriculture and also a Greenbelt resident who is doing field projects on bee diseases; and Wayne Esaias, Oceanographer and beekeeper, Goddard Space Flight Center who is working on climate change models and bee colonies.
Group Visit to Solar Decathlon on the Washington Mall Saturday, October 17 If you want to go with a group taking the Metro to the mall, meet at the Lewinsville parking lot at 9:00 am, or at the entrance to the West Falls Church Metro station at 9:15 am. Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
A group of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church folks and their friends will make a trip to the Washington mall to visit the Solar Decathlon, www.solardecathlon.org, a display of 20 state-of-the-art solar houses demonstrating the latest in technology and design of 21st century solar applications. Since one our members, Allison Ransom, is a member of the architectural team for the Virginia Tech entry, we will begin there with a briefing from her. Then, another Lewinsville architect, Brian Tucker, who is studying the latest in green architecture, will continue our educational outing with a visit to a couple other solar houses. We will meet at the Virginia Tech house on the mall at 10:00 am. It is located behind the Smithsonian's Museum of American History, three houses down from the Washington Monument. If you want to go with a group taking the Metro to the mall, meet at the Lewinsville parking lot at 9:00 am, or at the entrance to the West Falls Church Metro station at 9:15 am. Phone Ray Martin at 703-989-4718 or email him at [email protected] if you have questions or want to sign up. The tour is free.
Visit to the First State-of-the-Art Carbon Neutral House in Our Area Saturday, October 24 2:00pm 1310 Calder Road McLean, VA You can go straight to the house, although you may have to park a few blocks away or you can come to the Lewinsville Church no later than 1:45 PM to carpool Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
We will have a specially arranged tour of the first Washington area carbon neutral house which showcases a new approach to sustainability using more efficient building design, innovative technology, and creative recycling to reduce carbon emissions. The address is 1310 Calder Road in McLean. The normal cost to visit at the door is $30, but we've arranged a reduced price of $20 for our special tour. We will have an expert guide to explain the features of the house. To join our special tour, you need to RSVP to Ray Martin as soon as possible, but no later than Thursday, October 22. Email him at [email protected] or phone at 703-989-4718. You can learn more about this house at the following websites: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100700850.html www.CO2FreeLiving.com Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 21 www.west-group.com/news/news_carbon_neutral.html www.greenspur.net http://www.fcnl.org/issues/item.php?item_id=2337&issue_id=24 (for a Quaker perspective on the theology and practicality for simple, environmentally friendly buildings)
Fall Workshop Series: Greening Your Home & Yard Wednesdays, October 7 through November 4 7:00pm-9:00pm Audubon Naturalist Society Headquarters Chevy Chase, MD
Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) and the Green Building Institute (GBI) have teamed up to create a five-part workshop series. October 21 Creating Your Own Year-Round Vegetable Garden – Instructor – Kit Gage, President, Takoma Park Horticultural Society October 28 Harvesting and Harnessing Rainwater at Home – Instructor – Paul Bassett, Sustainability Director, Water Management Inc. November 4 How to Build a Rain Garden – Instructors – Diane Cameron, ANS Conservation Program Director and Jenny Reed, Owner, Natural Resources Design Inc. The first workshop, “Ten New Ways to Green Your Home,” will be taught by noted green architect and GBI founder Stanley Sersen. The workshop's opening night on October 7 will feature a reception from 6-7 p.m., which will be open to the public. Councilmember Roger Berliner, who represents District 1 (Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac) will speak about home energy conservation rebates and other environmental and energy initiatives. Workshop presenter Stan Sersen will also speak briefly at the reception about his vision for a regenerative green economy. Refreshments will include a birthday cake for Stan! Workshop fees are very reasonable! A single workshop costs only $40 for members of either GBI or ASN, while a non-member pays $55. Members of either GBI or ANS will pay $160 for the entire series, and non- members pay $200. Registration form is available at http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/. If you have questions, call GBI's Lisa McDowell at 443-733-1234. Or contact ANS Conservation Director, Diane Cameron, at [email protected] or at 301-652-9188 x22.
"Sustainable Systems at Work" Sunday, Oct. 18, 6:30pm–8:30pm in a private home in Bethesda, within walking distance of the Medical Center metro (Red Line) close to I-495 and Wisconsin Avenue.
"Sustainable Systems at Work": Introducing the newest The Northwest Earth Institute's (NWEI) discussion guide http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/sustainable-systems-at-work-2 Wondering how to better green your workplace? The Northwest Earth Institute's new discussion guide can help your business (or employer) find ways to reduce resource use, increase sustainability initiatives, boost efficiency and save money. Using the tried and tested model of small group dialogue and action, this program will inspire both employers and employees to experiment with new ideas, collaborate, and share best practices. Join us at the forum to learn more, and to discuss your concerns about greening your own workplace.
To RSVP (required): Call Marney at (301) 652-0492 or e-mail [email protected] . Please include Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 22 your phone number in your message. Help us publicize this event! Download and post a flier (PDF, 61 KB) in your workplace or neighborhood, or forward it to your friends. Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 23
GLBTQ Concerns See a Video and Photos from the National Equality March Take a moment to watch the video and view the photo slideshow of the Standing on the Side of Love campaign at the National Equality March. Enjoy
Sign the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign Petition The Standing on the Side of Love Campaign is launching a petition for full equality for people like me and families like mine. We will use it throughout the year as we push for specific legal advancements, being the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and of the Defense of Marriage Act. We will lift it up particularly to federal lawmakers on October 11, which is National Coming Out Day and also, this year, a date when people across the nation will demand full equality for LGBT people. Please sign this petition today. Â We want to be able to say to lawmakers that we know, with certainty, that thousands of Americans share our passion for full equality. Your willingness to stand on the side of love will build the national will to finally achieve what has been a dream for families like mine for too long: Full equality under the law; nothing more and nothing less. Will you stand with me? If so, please sign the petition! Rev. Meg A. Riley Campaign Chair
Explore the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign’s Website Click here to explore the new hub of the Standing on the Side of Love campaign. You can use the new website to: • Register events in your local community • Download Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) web buttons and graphics • Access resources on how to start a SSL team in your community • Leave a love note about what SSL means to you • Submit your story about Standing on the Side of Love in your community • Donate to the campaign And much more! We're very excited about using this website to connect with you and to help you connect with others. Visit www.StandingontheSideofLove.org and get connected today
Standing on the Side of Love Friday Conference Call Webcasts Fridays 1:00pm
The Standing on the Side of Love campaign now offers weekly 45 min. webcast conference calls on Fridays at 1pm. EDT. We will share best practices, highlight resources, and discuss major initiatives. Calls will feature different presenters. You do not have to have web access to join the calls. To get more information and to register for the calls simply follow the link below for the day(s) you wish to attend, go to: http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/fridaycalls Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 24
Oppose Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity-Based Violence in Iraq with the UU United Nations Office We have exciting news about the ongoing work on the subject of our 2009 Action of Immediate Witness "Oppose Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity-Based Violence in Iraq." Human Rights Watch, who recently released a report on this issue, is partnering with the Center for American Progress and the Council for Global Equality to host an informative panel discussion. Be sure to attend this event to boost your knowledge of this important issue. Link to AIW: http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/socialjustice/statements/144459.shtml Save the Date for November 22-29! Link to Write-A-Thon info & sign-up: http://tinyurl.com/Nov09WriteAThon Join our LGBT/SOGI human rights listserv: http://tinyurl.com/UUUNO-lgbt-listserv
Peace, Diana Sands LGBT Program Associate Unitarian Universalist UN Office [email protected] 212.986.5165 www.uu-uno.org
Film Showing of “For the Bible Tells Me So” Friday, November 13 7:00pm Mount Vernon Unitarian Church 1909 Windmill Lane Alexandria, VA 22307
See this film in which four Christian, church-going families cope with the realization they have gay children.
Premiere of the Maryland Black Family Alliance’s Film: “Maryland Voices of Equality” Thursday, October 22 6-6:45pm - Reception honoring MBFA Members 7-9pm - Film Premiere, honored guests, and panel discussion Coppin State University * Baltimore, Maryland
"Maryland Voices of Equality" is directed by noted filmmaker and videographer Kalima Young, President of the award winning Kubla Khan Productions. MBFA members, straight African allies, have been filmed and profiled, including: elected officials, pastors, community leaders, civil rights activists, students, mothers and fathers, all standing up for equality by conveying their compelling personal stories and our history as supporters of justice.
Joan Garrity to Speak On How to Talk to Others About LGBT Issues Tuesday, October 27 7:00pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 25
1710 Dulaney Valley Road Lutherville, MD 21093
Joan provides trainings to health care and social service professionals in counseling and communication skills. Her work focuses on issues related to sexuality. Learn more about Joan at www.joangarrity.com. Joan will facilitate a session about our conversations with others regarding LGBT issues. How do you confront homophobic rhetoric? How do you respond when faced with ignorance and hatred, especially when it’s coming FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: [email protected]
A Website for Coordinating LGBT Advocacy There is now a new online tool set to help achieve full civil rights -- Act On Principles. www.actonprinciples.org. It is a tool for grassroots activism to achieve equality faster. Your participation will determine its success. There are three main components: a public vote count on major pieces of LGBT legislation in the Congress so that we know where our efforts must be focused to achieve our civil rights; a grassroots action hub with actions submitted by users like you and voted up or down by other users; and a blog for strategy to achieve full civil rights where you can be the author. The Dallas Principles provide a clear guide to achieving equality. Act On Principles are tools for all individuals and organizations to use to achieve full civil rights now, without delay. Go to www.actonprinciples.org and drive equality forward. You can sign up for a daily digest of activity at Act On Principles by clicking here Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 26
Health
Health Care Reform Rally in DC Thursday, October 15 6:00 pm Cars to Bethesda Metro Parking Lot leaving River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation parking lot at 5:15 pm Car pooling is better than congestion. Let’s go together!
NOW IS THE TIME! Progressive groups are organizing a huge public rally West side of the Capitol (closest to the monuments). Map: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Visit/Capitol%20Complex%20Map Closest metro stations: Capitol South (blue/orange) and Union Station (red) Sign up here: http://www.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=99001
Rally for Health Care Reform in Baltimore Friday, October 23, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Senator Theater 5904 York Rd. Baltimore, MD
There will be a rally at the Historic Senator Theater for the Public Option and Affordable Health Care Reform. Fred Mason, Pres of MD-DC AFL-CIO, Dr. Marvin Cheatham, NAACP, Dr. Joe Adams and others are speaking.
Virginia Statewide Health Care Town Halls Sun., Oct. 18 Temple Ohef Sholom 14000 Smoketown Rd., Woodbridge 9 a.m.
Ali Faruk, a health care policy analyst, is traveling the state building support for a "Faithful Vision of Health Care Reform" at a series of town hall-style gatherings. Attend one of the meetings near you, tell you story and join the movement for faithful reform. Or invite Ali to your congregation to explain why reform is critical for Virginia and what people of faith can do to make it happen
Totally Mozart Benefit Concert for John Kelly’s Children’s Hospital Campaign January 16, 2010 - 8:00 PM Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church 9601 Cedar Lane Bethesda, MD 20814 Cost: freewill donation
Cedar Lane’s beloved concert pianist, Barbara Wing, joins Director of Music Henry Sgrecci, the Choir, and a Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 27
Chamber Orchestra, in an all Mozart concert benefiting John Kelly’s Children’s Hospital Campaign. Great music for a wonderful cause. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/marketing/childrenshospital/
Call in Day for Health Care Reform Tuesday, October 20 Call: 866 699 9243 (this is a free phone call) The number will prompt you to enter your zip code, which will connect you to the offices of your representatives. Tell your representatives: It’s time to deliver affordable health care reform, let’s get it done!
October 20th will be a critical time in the healthcare debate. Both the House and Senate will be in full debate on the floor and soon after this day will be moving into the conference committee process to merge the two bills into a final healthcare bill. If your affiliate has an action or meeting the week of October 19th, you could make your calls then. While Oct. 20th is the preferred day, you can call any time during the week. Objective The national day of action will be an urgent call to Congress to pass affordable health care reform now. Each person participating will be asked to make three calls – one to each senator and one to their member of congress. What is the goal? 100,000 calls By the volume and scope of calls, Congress will know support for affordable health care reform remains strong across the country. Something that everyone can do: take out their cell phones and call their two Senators and congressperson. If the switch-boards in Washington are jammed, please call your local congressional offices.
What is the message? Pass health care now Make it affordable to families Support coverage for documented permanent residents Support a public option
What if my Senators and Representatives are already on board? The campaign needs everyone to make calls, so that the call-volume is high. All Senators and Members of Congress need to receive calls so that they know the level of public support for affordable health care reform remains strong.
The Family Crisis Center, Inc. of Prince George’s County (FCC) Hosts Lunch Forums on Domestic Violence Monday, October 26--Friday, October 30 12:00noon-2:00pm FCC Headquarters 3601 Taylor Street, Brentwood, Maryland www.familycrisiscenter-pgco.org
The Family Crisis Center, Inc. of Prince George’s County (FCC) for will host a week-long series of lunchtime brown-bag forums, in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month ►On Monday, October 26, 2009 you will hear from Manuel Ruiz, MAPC, on Domestic Violence in the Latino Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 28 community. ►Domestic Violence and its impact on Children and Teens will be presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, by Loretta Baum, M.ED ►Domestic Violence and Victims will be presented on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, by Elissa Levine, PhD, from the House of Ruth. ►On Thursday, October 29, 2009, Victims and Abusers will “Speak Out” and share their experiences. Then on Friday, October 30, 2009, the Family Crisis Center team Sonia Morgan and Yvonne Lawrence, Victims Advocates for the Family Crisis Center along with other programs in the County and Maryland will discuss and present a cadre of resources for persons experiencing domestic violence. The Family Crisis Center on Friday, October 30, 2009, from 12 noon until 6:00 pm, Family Crisis Center will close out the week with entertainment, a silent auction and refreshments. Come out and learn more about domestic violence and what the Family Crisis Center is doing to eliminate this ill from our society!
Does Your Congregation Have an Addiction Ministry?—Others Are Looking for You My name is Brandon Lillie and I am a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. I am heading up the formation of an Addictions Ministry in our congregation. The move to start such ministries in a UU context is fairly new. Denis Meacham has written a book on the subject that is available through the UUA bookstore. Another leader on this front is the Rev. Alex Holt who is the facilitator for the task force assigned to establish Addictions Ministry recognition and formal support and guidance at the Association level. After having connected with leaders of the Harrisburg UU's Addiction Ministry and with Alex Holt's urging I find myself reaching out to other regional congregations to find out which of you are supporting such ministries or are interested in starting one. Please pass this information on to anyone that this might pertain to. Thank you so much for your attention to this matter. On a personal note I would like to say how much I enjoyed worshiping with All of you on this past Association Sunday in Lancaster. My family really enjoyed it. Happy October! hoping we are well met, Brandon L. [email protected]
All Faith Communities Advancing Aids Prevention Suburban Regional Conference Saturday, October 24,8:30am-4:3pm Carolina Missionary Baptist Church 9901 Allentown Road in Fort Washington, Maryland 20744
In collaboration with our partners — The Prince George's County Health Department we are pleased to announce the "All Faith Communities Advancing Aids Prevention Suburban Regional Conference."The registration fee of $35.00 is waived for Faith Leaders. Although this is a one-day conference it is offered in two sessions for faith-community leaders who may attend one or both sessions. Session I (8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon) prepares trainers to conduct HiV 101 session with other members of their faith community. participant will leave with basic materials to conduct a "Basic HIV Facts" informational workshop at their faith entity. Session II (1:00 PM to 4:30 PM) — offers sample curricula that provide participants with foundation for the development of a draft action plan for an HIV prevention program to present to members. Contact for this conference is Nancy C. Davis at 410-328-1215 or on-line at : http://www.pamaaetc.org/
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 29 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 30
Housing
UUs Can Help Families Hit by Foreclosure OpenDoor Housing Fund, successor to the Unitarian Universalist Affordable Housing Corporation, has been hard at work helping Capital area families keep a decent roof over their heads during the economic downturn. Without a quick response from OpenDoor, 13 families at Randle Heights would have been forced out of their homes. In the spring of 2008, the residents of the apartment in S.E., DC, were shocked to learn that the developer had abandoned their project, leaving an incomplete renovation and a defaulted loan. When the bank decided to foreclose on the property in September 2008, OpenDoor helped the Tenants Association gain bankruptcy protection and is continuing to work closely to refinance the project and find a new development team to complete the project. If you'd like more information about how to join the many UU congregations and families who make safe, socially responsible, and interest-bearing investments in a local Community Development Funding Institution, contact Kathy Latulippe at 301 588 5533 or visit www.opendoorhousingfund.org If your congregation does not have an institutional investment in OpenDoor, please consider making one. Contact Kathy for UUA matching investment information. The UU Interfaith Advisory Committee to the OpenDoor Housing Fund consists of UUs from congregations that have institutional investments in OpenDoor.
22nd Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon Saturday, November 21 7:00 a.m. Registration opens 8:30 a.m. Pre-Walkathon program begins on the National Mall 9:00 a.m. Walkathon begins National Mall between 7th and 14th Streets Washington, DC
Walk for organizations that help the homeless. See this year’s beneficiaries and more information at http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=09_home Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 31
Human Rights
Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival April 23-25, 2010
Amnesty International is planning to host its first Human Rights Art Festival in Silver Spring, next April. The Arts and Humanities festival is a powerful way of brining cultural organizations, the community and businesses together, as well as highlighting the highest possibilities of the American social and political spheres. We are looking for volunteers willing to help with outreach and organizing. For more information on participating in the festival or to volunteer, please email [email protected].
Peace Paul Rasor to Deliver Kiplinger Lecture on the Morality of War Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m. Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Is the use of military force every morally justifiable? Is there really any such thing as a "moral war"? Is it possible in our day for us to go "beyond war"? Dr. Paul B. Rasor, Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Virginia, will be presenting his responses to these and related questions at the annual Kiplinger Lecture at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church .
The program of annual lectures series on Ethics in American Society is supported by a generous grant from the Kiplinger Foundation, in memory of Willard B. Kiplinger, a founding member of the church. Dr. Rasor holds both a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. in the study of religions from Harvard University as well as law and music degrees from the University of Michigan. He has served as a lawyer; a minister; and a professor of law, theology, and religious institutions. His publications (in law and theology) include his latest book, Faith Without Certainty: Liberal Theology in the 21st Century. In preparation is Reclaiming Prophetic Liberation: Liberal Religion in the Public Square.
“Dr. Rasor’s extensive work in peace studies, law, and theology gives him a unique perspective on the very timely issue of peacemaking,” notes Harvey Lerner, Chair of Cedar Lane’s Kiplinger Committee.
Admission to the lecture is $10; students attend free. Reservations are welcome but not required. For more information, and to register for the lecture, consult the Cedar Lane Website at www.cedarlane.org. or call 301- 493-8300.
Unity Walk '09 Celebrating our Faiths, Uniting to Serve Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 32
Sunday, October 18 1:00pm Walk begins at Washington Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb St., NW, Washington, DC
Chaired by Rev. Mpho Tutu. In a powerful statement reminiscent of Gandhi's Walks, every church, synagogue, mosque, temple and embassy on Embassy Row will open their doors to each other, and symbolically the world, in a gesture of unity and understanding Speakers include: Rev. Mpho Tutu, Founder of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage; Arun Gandhi, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi; Maureen Fiedler, Host, "Interfaith Voices", WAMU 88.5; Rabbi Bruce Lustig, Washington Hebrew Congregation; Archbishop Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington; William Davis, Director of the United Nations Information Center; Imam Abdullah Khouj, Imam of the Islamic Center of Washington; Former Senator of Pennsylvania Harris Wofford Performances by:St. Augustine's Gospel Choir and Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits For more information go to: www.911unitywalk.org
Film Showing: Peace It Together Sunday, October 25 12:00pm Greenbelt Arts Center 123 Centerway Greenbelt, MD 20770
The film Peace It Together will be shown.This documentary is the work of thirty Palestinian, Israeli, and Canadian teenagers who gathered in Vancouver, Canada in 2008 to learn the art and craft of filmmaking. In the process, they broke down barriers and created eight short films about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Discussion after the showing will be led by Jerry Park of Little Friends for Peace, a local organization promoting conflict prevention and resolution skills among school children. This part of the Utopia Film Festival is sponsored by the Peace & Justice Coaltion of Prince George's County
Partners for Peace Tour Visit Sunday, October 25 10:30am 11:30 AM Potluck in Fellowship Hall Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church Columbia, MD Sign up at [email protected] by 10/24 4:00 PM- First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis
Three women of three faiths from Jerusalem, on a tour organized by Partners for Peace share. Details at http://www.partnersforpeace.org/tours/16th-jerusalem-women-speak-tour-2009/
Presentation and Discussion featuring Akiva Eldar of Ha'aretz and Hagit Ofran Wednesday, October 28, 12:00noon-2:00pm Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Second Floor, Root Room 1779 Massachusetts Avenue Washington, DC 20036
Please join Foundation for Middle East Peace, Churches for Middle East Peace, Americans for Peace Now, and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 33
B'tselem on Wednesday, October 28th at a presentation and discussion featuring Akiva Eldar of Ha'aretz and Hagit Ofran of Settlement Watch and Peace Now (Shalom Achshav). Akiva Eldar is the co-author of the widely lauded Lords of the Land. Mr. Eldar has been with the Israeli daily Ha'aretz for over thirty years, as a diplomatic correspondent, U.S. bureau chief, Washington DC correspondent and currently serves as the chief political columnist and editorial writer. Hagit Ofran is the director of the Settlement Watch project for the Israeli Peace Now organization. Ms. Ofran is widely recognized as the foremost Israeli expert on West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements. Ms. Ofran is responsible for monitoring and analyzing construction, planning and other settlement related developments in the occupied territories.The highly acclaimed book, Lords of the Land by Akiva Eldar and Idith Zertal, will be sold at the event. light lunch will be served Please RSVP to: [email protected] Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 34
Politics
NoVA LUUP 3rd Annual Legislative Preview Saturday, November 7 9:00am-2:00pm UU Congregation of Fairfax
Register TODAY for NoVA LUUP Legislative Preview On Sat. Nov. 7, the statewide election will be over and with it, we’ll have a new Governor and House of Delegates too. How will that impact the 2010 session that begins in the second week of January? What bills are coming that we need to be aware? Where should we be most vigilant? How can we be most effective? NoVA LUUP invites you to find out. We’ll have advocates from LGBT and Choice groups, and from the Virginia Interfaith Center too. We also expect to have at least one legislator. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided, and there will be live music too. Advance registration is requested. Visit http://www.novaluup.org/files/Preview_Sign-up.html. (Walk-ins will be accepted, but you’ll pay a premium.) We are the Northern Virginia Legislative Unitarian Universalist Priorities Network (NoVA LUUP). Contact [email protected]
Save the Date for Network of Spiritual Progressives’ National Conference June 11-14, 2010 in D.C
Virginia Interfaith Center News Issue No. 11 of Inter-Session, the bi-weekly newsletter of The Interfaith Center for Public Policy. >>Click here or use the headline links below. The Headlines For Ourselves and Our Posterity The Baucus Bill: A Faithful Audi The Faithful Voice: An Episcopal Perspective on Health Care (YouTube video) Candidate Forum Q&A Follow us on twitter: @vainterfaith Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 35
Youth and Young Adults
Apply to UUSJ for Scholarship Aid for Youth or Young Adult to Attend a Conference or to Hold a Youth or Young Adult Conference UUSJ still had money available to help youth or young adults attend social justice conferences or for your congregation to hold a youth or young adult social justice conference. To apply for a scholarship to attend a conference send the name of the youth or young adult, the name of their congregation, the conference which the person wishes to attend and its dates and costs and the amount requested and reason for request to [email protected]. To apply for funds for a conference your congregation is hosting send a brief description of the conference, the dates, your costs, and an amount requested to [email protected]
Bring Your Coming of Age or Youth Group to UUSC! Coming of Age groups and youth groups from across the country are invited to visit UUSC at our office in Cambridge, Mass., to learn more about human rights, the work of UUSC, and how youth can put their faith (and UU values) into action. Planning a trip to Boston, the birthplace of modern UUism? Come to UUSC! Visits to UUSC are fun and interactive. They include discussions, role plays, videos, and advocacy activities – all tailored for youth! Most youth visits run for about 1.5 to 2 hours. They're generally held on a Thursday or Friday, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Getting here is easy: UUSC is conveniently located in Central Square, on the Red Line — just two stops from the UUA and one stop from Harvard Square. Suggested Donation There is a suggested donation of $200, which helps pay for staff hours. But more importantly, it includes one-year UUSC memberships for all participating youth -- helping us to build lifelong activists. (Youth/student memberships are $10 per person.) To schedule a visit, please contact Cristin Martineau, UUSC’s Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 617-301-4381.
Looking for Family Oriented Projects Check This Website www.doinggoodtogether.org