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7750 16 th St. NW Unitarian Universalists for Social Washington, DC 20012 Phone 202-600-9132 Justice www.uusj.org Contact: [email protected] in the National Capital Region From the Executive Director Dear people who care about doing the right thing: Last night sixty-five people came to our UUSJ and OpenDoor Gala to honor and celebrate people doing outstanding justice work in our congregations and to raise money for our UUSJ collaboration grants for work on immigration issues. (The application process is simple uusj collaborative fund request 2012 ) The spirit in the room and the stories told by the honorees and their ministers were powerfully inspiring, and I realized yet again just how important, heartening, and enlightening it is for us all to get outside the walls of our congregations occasionally and meet the other remarkable UUs who are working so creatively, passionately, and effectively beside us, usually completely unbeknownst to us. We are a remarkable religious movement, and it is in works such as these that our values are made visible, real, edifying, and nurturing, making our religion, our spirituality, a way of living life, not just an intellectual exercise or something to be received as we sit down. As I said in the Gala chalice lighting, we begin in our realization of the unutterable miracle of this cosmos and thus our earth, of also amazingly being alive now within and upon and together, and from that common unity out of which we all have emerged, in that humbling and exalting context, we naturally move toward compassion born out of spontaneous, necessary thanksgiving for our oneness within miracle. And from this compassion, or rather originating as part of it, a sense of fairness also naturally arises within us; we seek justice for all. So honoring and celebrating our work in this is also honoring and celebrating all that brought us to this work, and that, my friends, is beautiful and life-giving and joyous. So come to our next step Saturday Nov.10 for updates on and strategizing about our UUSJ four priorities (derived from you all) and the GA women's study action. Details below. Terry Ellen

How to get a copy of the bi -weekly UUSJ Electronic E -News : Contact the UUSJ office at 202 -600 -9132 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 202-600-9132 or [email protected] with your event information. Issues come out about the 15 th and 30 th 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 7750 16 th St. NW Washington, DC 20012 or UUSJ is part of the United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign. UW#8418 CFC # is 17271. Thank You.

Unitarian Universalism Upcoming Dates Connecting and Working Together in Changing Times: A Briefing, Roundtable and Small Group Discussion Program for Social Action Activists UUSJ is part of the United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign Weaving Our Stories of Change: Keeping Ourselves Accountable to Multicultural, Multigenerational Communities: Eighth Annual Joseph Priestley District Racial Justice Conference Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Calendar Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 2

Africa UU Service Committee (UUSC) Somalia and East Africa Relief Fund Anti-Racism/Multiculturalism Weaving Our Stories of Change: Keeping Ourselves Accountable to Multicultural, Multigenerational Communities: Eighth Annual Joseph Priestley District Racial Justice Conference Respond to “Savage” Metro Ads Anti-Torture Materials Available from the National Religious Coalition Against Torture Criminal Justice A Crime Victims' Forum: Featuring Panel of Victims and Service Providers Death Penalty The Death Penalty in Maryland: Remembering Troy Davis Economic Justice The American Autumn: an Occu Doc Economic Justice Lecture with Imam Johari Adbul-Malik Interfaith Worker Justice(IWJ) Joins Walmart Workers in Black Friday Actions Maryland Welfare Advocates Conference Organize to Address Unemployment Environmental Concern Showing of “Tapped” Fall UU Ministry for Earth Newsletter is Available On Line Interfaith Climate Program with Dr. Katherine Hayhoe A Legacy of Clean Water GLBTQ Concerns Transgender Day of Remembrance Welcoming LGBTs Isn’t it Time? How Congregations Can Become Partners with Marylanders for Marriage Equality Transgender Identity and Inclusion Webinar Represent Marylanders for Marriage Equality (MDFME)at the Polls on Election Day Interweave October Newsletter Immigration Equality and Reel Affirmations Offer Showing of “I Do” Spirit Day An Evening with Mona Eltahawy: “Unshackling Islam from Patriarchy” Volunteer at Several Maryland Congregations to Work for Marriage Equality Homelessness/Housing The Interfaith Unity Build needs your help constructing and sponsoring a home Human Rights Amnesty International’s Mid-Atlantic Conference Human Rights Day Weekend End Prolonged Solitary Confinement Hunger Webinar: Sharing the Harvest: How Your Church Garden Can Benefit Local Food Banks Webinar: Until All are Fed: Mending Wealth and Race Gaps in Food Access Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference Witness to Hunger Photography Exhibit Opening Reception Immigration Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 3

Immigration Equality and Reel Affirmations Offer Showing of “I Do” Article on Maryland DREAM Act by Jim Caldiero Ballot Question Language for Maryland DREAM Act Maryland DREAM Action Assembly Maryland DREAM Early Voting Actions 3rd Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit Immigration Information from the UUA Congregational Toolkit for Immigration Advocacy in Our Communities Interfaith Annual InterFaith Concert sponsored by IFC UU Service Committee Offers Building Bridges Program Interfaith On Line Chats Standing on the Side of Love Think Interfaith Campaign Peace/War Program on US Use of Assassination Drones Politics The 2012 Presidential Election: A Debate and Discussion Reproductive Justice Kiplinger Lecture: Civil Conversations: Bridging the Divide Over Life and Choice Reproductive Justice Resources from the UUA I’m a Fan of Birth Control Campaign Service Trips Presentation on Service Learning Trip to Haiti UU Service Committee Work Trips Voting Election Resources from the UUA Youth and Young Adults Apply to Be a Part of the 2013 Interfaith Youth for Climate Justice Program Young Adult Service Journal Available List of Trips and Internships

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Unitarian Universalism Upcoming Dates Friday, October 19 Saturday, October 20 JPD Racial Justice Conference Annapolis, MD Saturday, November 10 Cedar Lane UU Church social justice activists gathering Sunday, January 6 phone board meeting Saturday, January 12 UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland 2013 Legislative Update/Annual Meeting Snow Date January 26 Saturday, February 9 UUSJ Program and board meeting Friday- Sunday, April 12-14 JPD Spring Conference Wilmington, DE area April 27, 2013 (rescheduled from April 14, 2012) UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland (UULM-MD) Fundraiser with Bill Schulz Saturday, May 4 UUSJ Program and annual meeting

Connecting and Working Together in Changing Times: A Briefing, Roundtable and Small Group Discussion Program for Social Action Activists Saturday, November 10 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM Library, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church 9601 Cedar Lane Bethesda, MD

RSVP: We request, if possible, that you let us know if you are attending by sending an email to [email protected] by noon, Thursday, Nov. 9. No fee. Coffee and tea will be available. Join us for a gathering of Social Justice Council chairs, social action leaders and staff, and UUSJ board members for a briefing on UUSJ issue priorities and discussion on possible areas of collaboration and action - where do we go from here post-election. UUSJ 2012-2013 Issue Priorities are: immigration reform climate change growing wealth divide marriage equality In addition we will provide an update on the UUA 2012 Study Action Issue (SAI): Reproductive Choice: Expanding our Social Justice Calling. We’ll share the latest information and point people to the resources available to address this SAI. The briefing will be followed by a roundtable discussion on collaboration and organizing possibilities through (SEWAC) - service, education, witness, advocacy and community-based organizing. Also there will be opportunity to raise functional and other church/congregational social action implementation and organizing issues and challenges. Following the roundtable discussion we will break into small discussion/workgroups. Please join us for this rare opportunity to meet and learn from our UU social justice community in the Capital Region. Please make a personal invitation or pass this message on to current, new and emerging social justice leaders. Please RSVP to [email protected] and in the subject line put “Nov. 11or for more information call (202) 600-9132.

UUSJ is part of the United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign Please consider making a gift to UUSJ through your workplace giving. UUSJ’s numbers are UW#8418 and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 5

CFC # 17271. We can credit your gift to your congregation's annual UUSJ fair share contribution if you select the United Way or CFC option to make your name available to your selected charities. If not, please send your name and congregation's name to [email protected] . For your gift of $30 or more, you will become an individual member of UUSJ .

Weaving Our Stories of Change: Keeping Ourselves Accountable to Multicultural, Multigenerational Communities: Eighth Annual Joseph Priestley District Racial Justice Conference Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 UU Church of Annapolis, MD 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 simple_schedule[1] Leadership_Notes_October_2012[1]

Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Calendar Social Justice Calendar for 2012 - 2013 : Plan your social justice calendar for the year. If your congregation’s social justice ministry is focusing on any of the issues below, you can join in collective national advocacy with the UUA, UU social justice organizations, other UU congregations, and community and national partners! As each justice event approaches, visit www.uua.org/justice for worship resources, action campaigns, educational materials and more! Africa UU Service Committee (UUSC) Somalia and East Africa Relief Fund In light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Somalia and other countries in East Africa, UUSC has launched a multifaceted program to provide immediate relief to Somalis suffering from the famine as well as to support communities hosting Somali refugees in other countries affected by the mounting devastation. Find out more and donate today to the UUSC Somalia and East Africa Relief Fund to bring hope to survivors facing this catastrophe. To learn more about the underlying causes of the world’s worst food-security crisis in 20 years, read analyses by UUSC’s Martha Thompson, “Understanding the Mechanisms That Created the Horn of Africa Famine,” and Gretchen Alther, “Measuring Hunger, Building Resilience.”

Anti-Racism/Multiculturalism Weaving Our Stories of Change: Keeping Ourselves Accountable to Multicultural, Multigenerational Communities: Eighth Annual Joseph Priestley District Racial Justice Conference Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 UU Church of Annapolis, MD 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 6

simple_schedule[1] Leadership_Notes_October_2012[1]

Respond to “Savage” Metro Ads Sign the petition from Shoulder-to-shoulder http://www.change.org/petitions/washington-metropolitan-area- transit-authority-refuse-to-profit-from-hateful-ads. asking metro to refuse to profit from hateful ads. . Join with me to plan a series of counterprotests. We would simply stand across from the posters with a counter message much like that of Ari Hart in New York (Picture here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=589595339276&set=a.521109181086.2028869.22501229&type=1& theater ).My hope would be to gather Muslim friends and allies to stand together with us. I would like to see us try to go to all four stations where the ads will be posted, as soon as possible after they are put up.

Rabbi Alana Suskin, Managing Editor, Jewschool.com Alana Suskin [email protected]

Anti-Torture Materials Available from the National Religious Coalition Against Torture Speakers Bureau Press Release final Jan 15 www.nrcat.org For more information contact Washington regions affiliate (WRRCAT) chair Suzanne O’Hatnick at [email protected]

Criminal Justice A Crime Victims' Forum: Featuring Panel of Victims and Service Providers Tuesday, October 23 6:00 pm Rennie Forum, Largo Student Center Prince George's Community College 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD

Come learn about support available to victims

Friday, October 30 6:30pm Union Baptist Church 1211 Druid Hill Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217

Come learn about support available to victims

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The Death Penalty in Maryland: Remembering Troy Davis Tuesday, October 16 6:00pm Rennie Forum, Largo Student Center Prince George's Community College 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD

A Panel Discussion

Economic Justice The American Autumn: an Occu Doc Sunday, October 28, 12:30 p.m. Room 13-15, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington Light refreshments will be served.

The film is a compelling depiction of the origins and highlights of the year-old Occupy Movement. It sets out to answer questions such as: What does the Occupy Movement stand for? What are the movement's common demands? According to Michael Moore, The film “is as well made in technical terms as any Hollywood blockbuster...." After watching the film, we will have a discussion of the meaning and effects of the Occupy movement one year after it began. We'll consider questions such as the following: Has this movement been a spontaneous and ephemeral uprising or does its magnitude, duration and scope represent a near-revolutionary protest? Did the Occupy Movement effectively bring the issue of economic inequality to the 2012 election conversation? Should the central themes of economic inequality and corporate malfeasance be pursued as issues by UUCA and other groups or targeted campaigns? If you are interested in helping with refreshments or with planning coming events, and to RSVP, please contact: Sara Anderson -- [email protected] or Wendy DeMegret -- [email protected] Sponsored by UUCA's Global Peace through Justice group .

Economic Justice Lecture with Imam Johari Adbul-Malik Thursday, November 29 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm Oxon Hill Branch Library 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 Save_a_Date_flyer[1]

Sponsored by the Scholar’s Chair http://www.youtube.com/user/read1communications

Interfaith Worker Justice(IWJ) Joins Walmart Workers in Black Friday Actions Friday, November 23

Walmart workers are promising more actions and walkouts on Black Friday (the busiest shopping day of the year) calling on the company to stop retaliating against workers for speaking out and demanding respect. People Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 8 of faith promise to support workers and hold solidarity actions at Walmart stores across the country. Right now, IWJ supporters and affiliates are preparing solidarity actions supporting the workers on Black Friday: bringing delegations to deliver a letter to a store manager, hosting a prayer vigil outside, or organizing a flash mob inside the store! Click here to join IWJ affiliates leading flash mobs and prayer vigils at local Walmart stores.

Maryland Welfare Advocates Conference Tuesday – October 30 8:00 am – 4:00 pm The Crowne Plaza, Timonium Timonium, MD 21093

Welfare Advocates focuses its efforts on public education and advocacy. We remain committed to identifying the needs and solutions for those who have left welfare for work and families who are struggling to leave public assistance. Our members include a diverse number of community-based social service providers, state and local agencies, employment programs, health care providers, various faith communities, and housing providers. In order to keep the conference accessible to all our members, the conference fee reflects the cost to hold the conference – our goal is to break even each year. Registration Brochure http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/advocacy/welfare-advocates/welfare-advocates.html

Organize to Address Unemployment Interfaith Worker Justice ( www.iwj.org/index.cfm/employment ) is organizing with the faith community to address the most damaging social crisis of our lifetimes: the crisis of unemployment. While there are some signs of a return to profitability for certain sectors of business, workers continue to face unemployment and underemployment at levels not seen since the Great Depression. While the entire society is reeling, the unemployment rate for African Americans, Latinos, youth, and people who live in particularly hard- hit cities and regions is disastrous, which in turn has led to huge increases in foreclosures, homelessness, crime, and despair. Faith Advocates for Jobs is a major new interfaith campaign initiated by Interfaith Worker Justice to address the severe suffering being endured by millions of unemployed workers. The campaign is organizing a nationwide network of congregations committed to supporting the unemployed and their families both spiritually and materially. Will yours be one of those congregations? If so, complete the Congregational Commitment Pledge online: www.iwj.org/index.cfm/employment **Congregational Toolkit NOW Available for download**

Environmental Concern Showing of “Tapped” Friday, October 26 7:00 pm Founders Hall UU Congregation of Rockville 100 Welsh Park Dr. Rockville, MD

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UUCR's Green Sanctuary Team is hosting the film Tapped . Tapped is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated world of the bottled water industry, and bottled water's often-unseen impacts on human and environmental health. This event is free and open to the public. Coffee and tea will be provided. Please bring your own brown bag dinner. Directions can be found at www.uucr.org Please join us for this important film!

Fall UU Ministry for Earth Newsletter is Available On Line Fall 2012 UUMFE Newsletter Now on Website

Interfaith Climate Program with Dr. Katherine Hayhoe Saturday, November 17 6:00pm-9:00pm Knott Science Center at Notre Dame of Maryland University 4701 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD

Join people from across Baltimore's diverse religious communities for an evening of fellowship and a renewing of our shared commitment to care for the environment. Our speaker, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe , is a climate scientist at Texas Tech University and an expert reviewer for the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. She is an author, with her husband — evangelical Christian pastor Andrew Farley— of Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions , and has spoken extensively to religious communities about the moral implications of climate change. We'll open the evening with havdalah , a brief Jewish ceremony for concluding Shabbat; learn about Baltimore's wealth of grassroots green initiatives during an expo and reception; hear an important update about the science of what is happening to our world; and commit to working together to take action as people of faith. A suggested donation of $5 at the door will help support Interfaith Power & Light's work to assist Baltimore congregations in going green. Free with NDMU staff or student ID. Can you join us? RSVP here: www.tinyurl.com/iplbaltimore Your Maryland congregation is invited to support the event here .

A Legacy of Clean Water Sunday, October 21 2:00pm-4:30pm First Presbyterian Church of Howard County 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, MD.

Please join us at the Earth Forum of Howard County to answer the questions , “ Will we leave a legacy of clean water? How do we do it?” Listen as Brian Wessner, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, illustrates the history of the Bay and explains how and why the Bay has been damaged. Brian explains how a legacy of clean water is possible by using the Clean Water Blueprint to Save the Bay and our part in the plan. Howard County’s plan for water, streams and rivers will be presented by James Caldwell , Storm Water Manager. He will discuss pollution and storm water reductions plans, their challenges, and detail what we can do. At 3 PM, enjoy refreshments and view information tables. At 3::30 PM attend a speaker’s follow-up discussion group on the Chesapeake Bay or on the Howard County’ plan. Free and open to all. Information at www.earthforumhc.org , e--mail [email protected] . or call 410-730-3545 .

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GLBTQ Concerns Transgender Day of Remembrance Saturday, November 17 6:00pm-9:00pm Bethesda United Church of Christ 10010 Fernwood Rd. Bethesda, Md tdor_postcard_flyer_oct_22012[1]

This is Montgomery County's second annual day of remembrance, initiated by D Susan Staff, member of Cedar LaneUU Bethesda in honor of her deceased transgender partner.

Welcoming LGBTs Isn’t it Time? Friday October 19th-Saturday, October 20 th Friday 7 PM: Screening of the movie “An Ordinary Family” Saturday 1PM Welcome followed by 3 sets of workshops 4:30 PM Join us for worship 6:00 PM Fellowship Dinner 7:30 PM Guest Speaker Zach Wahls, author of "My Two Moms", will share his insights on being an inclusive faith Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 WelcominLGBTsFlyerFINAL[1]

Come join the People of Faith for Equality in Virginia and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax as we discuss how to grow in inclusiveness and love concerning LGBT issues Come if you are part of a congregation or denomination that is questioning how to address the tenets of your faith and LGBT equality, if you have a LGBT child, if you work to prevent bullying in our schools, or if you hope to influence our legislators on LGBT issues. Workshop topics will include: Questioning Congregations: Inclusive faith and LGBT equality Parenting a LGBT child Anti-bullying “It gets better” panel discussion Lobbying your Legislators Suicide Prevention LGBT: What the "Great Books" say All are Welcome!!! Help us to create connections with people of faith as we Stand on the Side of Love! Donations Gratefully Accepted. Questions? Email [email protected]

How Congregations Can Become Partners with Marylanders for Marriage Equality MDFME has over 100 partners. UU congregations who would like to add their name as partners can do so at their website, www.marylandersformarriageequality.org . Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 11

For more information, click here or contact [email protected] . Check their website . You can link with their Twitter and Facebook page.

Transgender Identity and Inclusion Webinar Wednesday, October 17, 7:00pm-8:15 pm Click here to register.

Standing on the Side of Love is offering Alex Kapitan’s “Transgender Identity & Inclusion” workshop as a webinar. Rev. Fred Small says, “Alex is funny, engaging, empathetic, self-deprecating, and wicked smart. He completely charmed my congregation, ranging from octogenarian Boston Brahmins to queer youth. I continue to draw regularly on the stories and insights Alex generously shared with us. Alex’s interactive webinar will provide practical, concrete ways for increasing our mindfulness and support of people of all identities and ways of expressing gender. The workshop is for everyone—whether you’ve had zero exposure to these issues or live them every day. Participants will gain a greater understanding of terminology, the experiences of transgender people, and the ways in which all of us are impacted by gender norms and expectations. Bring your questions and your curiosity and prepare to be informed, uplifted, and—perhaps most important—changed.”

Represent Marylanders for Marriage Equality (MDFME)at the Polls on Election Day MDFME wants someone at each polling place on Election Day. You can go to http://action.mdfme.org/page/s/electionday to sign up to help. There will be a message for people to use at polls. Literature to be given out will be persuasive information. It will have all members of the coalition mentioned, quotes from religious leaders.

Interweave October Newsletter

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Immigration Equality and Reel Affirmations Offer Showing of “I Do” Thursday, November 1

Come to the DC premiere of I Do , the critically acclaimed new film about a gay, binational couple that has been wowing audiences at film festivals across the country. Immigration Equality is proud to partner with Reel Affirmations for this special event . Tickets are now on sale for a 9pm screening of I Do at the beautiful Carnegie Institute in Washington. Following the film’s premiere, Q&A with the film’s star, and screenwriter, David W. Ross. Join us from 5 – 7 pm at the Immigration Equality DC office and meet David in person. You’ll be able to speak with him about the film, have your picture taken and meet other area supporters before the show. Our offices are just a few blocks from the Carnegie Institute, at 1325 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP for the reception on our Facebook page. Writing that “It’s an almost perfect movie — and I assure you, that is one of the most heartfelt compliments I can extend to a film,” critic Brian Addison added that I Do is Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 12 a “nuance-filled film, beautifully directed by Glenn Gaylord and written by lead star David W. Ross.” For tickets for this special, one-night screening of I Do . Log on and purchase yours today. Then, RSVP for our pre- screening reception with David at the Immigration Equality offices . It will be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate this acclaimed new film that brings the stories of binational families to the big screen.

Spirit Day October 19

An annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Simply take the pledge to "go purple" on October 19th as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Read more »

An Evening with Mona Eltahawy: “Unshackling Islam from Patriarchy” October 29 6:30pm Human Rights Campaign , Washington, DC

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning columnist and an international public speaker on Arab and Muslim issues. Her public speaking has taken her around the world where she spoke about the virtues of confusion in breaking stereotypes of Muslim women. RSVP Required

- Volunteer at Several Maryland Congregations to Work for Marriage Equality Rockville, Annapolis, Goodloe and Paint Branch and … are all hosting phone banks and/or walking canvasses. To volunteer go to http://marylandersformarriageequality.org/#get-involved Homelessness/Housing The Interfaith Unity Build needs your help constructing and sponsoring a home For Habitat For Humanity

Participate by: Participating in a Sunday interfaith build day. Providing financial support to the project as part of your mission outreach. Having your congregation sponsor a day on the Maple Hill site. Participating in our Interfaith Steering Committee. Asking other congregations of all faiths to join the Interfaith Unity Build. Praying for the Interfaith mission and the success of the Interfaith Unity Build. Volunteers will begin on site in the Fall of 2012 and the project will last until the end of 2013. For more information and to commit to the project please contact Amanda Fein here or at 301-990-0014 ext. 20

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Human Rights Amnesty International’s Mid-Atlantic Conference Saturday, November 10

On November 10th, you can help decide the course of the U.S. human rights movement! Join Amnesty activists and human rights defenders from around the region as we descend on Washington, DC in the wake of Election Day for Amnesty's 2012 Mid-Atlantic Conference. Sign up now!

Human Rights Day Weekend December 7-9

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) invites you to mark Human Rights Day weekend December 7-9, 2012 by lifting up the need to shine a light on places where torture might occur in the U.S. Your congregation can use worship materials, show a video, or gather signatures for the petition asking the President to sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). You can go to www.nrcat.org/human_rights_day for resources for this special weekend.

End Prolonged Solitary Confinement The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has collected 3,000 nationwide endorsements of their Statement Against Prolonged Solitary Confinement . Help them reach 2,011 more by the end of 2011 by signing the statement today ! Prolonged solitary confinement desecrates a person’s inherent God-given dignity and denies the essential human need for spiritual community. Inmates in solitary experience paranoia, delusions, and other long-term mental effects. Experts estimate that at least 36,000 people in the U.S. criminal justice system are currently held in solitary confinement, a condition in which they are confined alone in a windowless cell for 23 hours per day and exercise alone for the remaining hour. NRCAT is working to end prolonged solitary confinement and you can help by signing the statement and then spreading the word . If NRCAT reaches 500 signatures in Maryland, NRCAT will send the statement and the signatures to our governor, state legislators and department of corrections officials. You can learn more about NRCAT’s state campaigns to end solitary confinement and access other resources at http://www.nrcat.org/prisons .

Hunger Webinar: Sharing the Harvest: How Your Church Garden Can Benefit Local Food Banks Wednesday, October 17 1:00pm

One in every seven households in the United States experienced food insecurity last year, according to the USDA. While food banks and pantries serve as an important safety net, the majority of food they provide is highly-processed and full of excess fats, salts, and sugars. These food banks are hungry for fresh, nutritious, wholesome produce. Churches across the country are beginning to respond to this need by planting vegetable gardens and donating the produce to their local food banks. Join us to learn how your church can have a real impact on your community through a food bank garden. Our keynote presenter is Gary Oppenheimer, founder Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 14 of AmpleHarvest.org, an organization that bridges the gap between backyard gardeners and local food banks. Also joining us are members of congregations involved in gardening and food bank projects. Speakers: - (Opening Prayer) Pastor Jeff Wild, Advent Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin - Gary Oppenheimer, founder and CEO of AmpleHarvest.org - Kathy Kelly-Long, Food Pantry Manager at Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio - Nate Hosler, Advocacy Officer of Church of the Brethren Webinar Sign Up: http://www.nccendpoverty.org/hunger/SharingHarvestWebinarOct172012.php Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/386877941380572/ This webinar is made possible by a generous grant from ELCA World Hunger .

Webinar: Until All are Fed: Mending Wealth and Race Gaps in Food Access Tuesday, November 23 2:00pm

A few weeks ago, we learned from the U.S. Census bureau that the U.S. poverty rate remains alarmingly high, while inequality is on the rise. Heart-breaking hunger in a land of plenty is a growing reality, and communities of color are hit the hardest. This webinar will equip you to educate peers and legislators about the relationship between racial inequality and U.S. hunger. We will learn from and interact with three presenters from NETWORK Education Program's Mind the Gap campaign and Bread for the World. Confirmed Speakers: - Shannon Hughes, NETWORK Education Program - Don Williams, Bread for the World African American Church Relations Associate - Amelia Kegan, Bread for the World Senior Policy Analyst Webinar Sign up: http://www.nccendpoverty.org/hunger/UntilAllareFedWebinarOct232012.php Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/434378513275667/ This webinar is made possible by a generous grant from ELCA World Hunger .

Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference Tuesday, October 16 8:00am-4:00pm University of Maryland Medical Center’s Campus Center ( 621 W. Lombard Street Baltimore, MD

Second Annual Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference on October 16, 2012 . The only statewide anti- hunger conference, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, AARP MD and the United Way of Central Maryland, will bring together federal, state and local leaders and provide a forum to frame challenges and develop solutions to end hunger in Maryland. Registration is just $15 and a limited number of scholarships are available.

Witness to Hunger Photography Exhibit Opening Reception Tuesday, October 16 4:00pm University of Maryland Medical Center’s Campus Center ( 621 W. Lombard Street Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 15

Baltimore, MD

Witnesses to Hunger photography exhibit at UM Baltimore’s Campus Center (621 W. Lombard Street) opening reception on October 16 th at 4:00pm. Witnesses to Hunger is an advocacy project that partners with mothers and caregivers of young children who have experienced hunger and poverty. Through digital photography and storytelling, the witnesses spark dialogue, engage and inform policymakers, and initiate change. The exhibit is free and open to the public with an exhibit opening reception following the Fighting Hunger in Maryland conference. Immigration Immigration Equality and Reel Affirmations Offer Showing of “I Do” Thursday, November 1

Come to the DC premiere of I Do , the critically acclaimed new film about a gay, binational couple that has been wowing audiences at film festivals across the country. Immigration Equality is proud to partner with Reel Affirmations for this special event . Tickets are now on sale for a 9pm screening of I Do at the beautiful Carnegie Institute in Washington. Following the film’s premiere, Q&A with the film’s star, and screenwriter, David W. Ross. Join us from 5 – 7 pm at the Immigration Equality DC office and meet David in person. You’ll be able to speak with him about the film, have your picture taken and meet other area supporters before the show. Our offices are just a few blocks from the Carnegie Institute, at 1325 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., on the 2nd floor. Please RSVP for the reception on our Facebook page. Writing that “It’s an almost perfect movie — and I assure you, that is one of the most heartfelt compliments I can extend to a film,” critic Brian Addison added that I Do is a “nuance-filled film, beautifully directed by Glenn Gaylord and written by lead star David W. Ross.” For tickets for this special, one-night screening of I Do . Log on and purchase yours today. Then, RSVP for our pre- screening reception with David at the Immigration Equality offices . It will be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate this acclaimed new film that brings the stories of binational families to the big screen.

Article on Maryland DREAM Act by Jim Caldiero The DREAM Act:--VOTE FOR 4 Written by Jim Caldiero | 06 September 2012 On November 6, 2012, Maryland voters will decide to retain the DREAM Act that was passed in the last legislative session. Opponents of the DREAM Act were able to force a public referendum on the act in the upcoming election. If you are inclined to offer the same in-state tuition rate to all Maryland students, regardless of immigration status and to offer the same in-state tuition to the families of those serving in the U.S. Military, then please vote FOR Question 4. Some people say the DREAM Act gives undocumented immigrants a benefit that other Maryland residents wouldn't get. The facts are that the DREAM Act provides that all Maryland students be treated equally and that eligible students can pay the same in-state tuition rates as their peers. To be eligible, for the same in-state tuition, a student must have attended a Maryland High School for 3 years have received a high school diploma or equivalent in Maryland apply to a community college within 4 years of graduation attend a community college in their county or region in Maryland file tax returns (or parents/legal guardian must file) Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 16 register with Selective Service agree to become a U.S. citizen when eligible On Sunday, September 9, please sign the pledge to VOTE FOR 4. Members and friends of UUCC will be on hand in the lobby to collect your signatures. Click here for more information about the DREAM Act

Ballot Question Language for Maryland DREAM Act Note: Maryland DREAM is Question 4 . DREAM is NOT in the title. Please spread the word and make sure everyone knows to vote FOR Question 4 on November 6 to give talented, hard-working students a fair shot at a great Maryland college education. QUESTION 4 Referendum Petition (Ch. 191 of the 2011 Legislative Session) Public Institutions of Higher Education - Tuition Rates Check out your specific ballot here and share it with friends and family.

Maryland DREAM Action Assembly Tuesday, October 23, 7:30 pm Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church 2001 East Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 -- near Burtonsville).

Here is a flyer to share with your congregation as you are signing up people to turn out for this crucial event. We need to pack out the church to demonstrate to the media and to the entire State of Maryland that there is overwhelming support for Issue 4 and the Maryland DREAM Act. Please mark this date on your calendar and begin recruiting your friends, family, and fellow congregants to attend.

Maryland DREAM Early Voting Actions Saturday, October 27 (currently planned for 11 AM) Montgomery County: March from Bethel World Outreach Church (8252 Georgia Avenue) to Silver Spring Civic Center Howard County & Baltimore will announce dates and locations shortly

3rd Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit Friday, October 26 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (registration and breakfast begins at 8:30 am) Annandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 To register, please click here: https://www.cmpinc.net/immigrantsummit or visit www.vacolao.org Registration Fee: $30.00 ( Scholarship are available )

About the summit : This Summit will bring together hundreds of immigrant rights advocates and allies from across the state to discuss issues important to immigrant communities in Virginia. We expect this year will be another great opportunity to come together in a sense of community and support for a Virginia that is Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 17 welcoming and where all of its residents are respected. Proposed Agenda : Virginia Legislative Update 2012/2013 (Review of the 2012 General Assembly and what we are likely to see in 2013, impact of Supreme Court decision SB 1070 in Virginia, new voter ID law, voter suppression/intimidation). Understanding the Economic Contribution of Immigrant and Refugee Communities to Virginia’s Economy (Presentation of report by the Commonwealth Institute concerning the role of immigrants in the workforce and entrepreneurship, immigration integration practices and policies that promote the energy and economic potential of immigrants) Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Update on statewide efforts taken to educate and assist DREAMers with this process, any concerns/difficulties noted as the process continues to unfold, access to VA driver licenses, in-state tuition) Federal and State protection against human trafficking The implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Virginia after this year’s Supreme Court decision Virginia Framework for Collective Action (How we can work together to push for welcoming immigration policies and legislation in Virginia). Immigration Detention: Inside and Out (How to prepare for a possible detention and know your rights if you are detained). Other For more information and scholarships, contact Edgar Aranda-Yanoc at [email protected] or call at 703- 772-1555 , or visit www.vacolao.org Organized by: Annandale United Methodist Church, Boat People SOS (BOPSOS), Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF), Coalition of Asia Pacific Americans of Virginia (CAPAVA), Jews United for Justice (JUFJ), Just Neighbors, Legal Aid Justice Center’s Immigrant Advocacy Program (LAJC), Social Action Linking Together (SALT), The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, Virginia Interfaith for Public Policy, Virginia Organizing (VO) and Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) Please save the date for the upcoming 3rd Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit that is being organized by a coalition of Virginia faith based and immigrant rights organizations. Since 2010, this Summit has brought together hundreds of immigrant rights advocates and allies from across the state to discuss issues important to immigrant communities in Virginia. We expect this year will be another great opportunity to come together in a sense of community and support for a Virginia that is welcoming and where all of its residents are respected. For more information, please contact Edgar Aranda-Yanoc at [email protected] or 703-772-1555

Immigration Information from the UUA New Resources: The UUA is pleased to announce that there are new resources available to help congregations engage with immigration justice work. United States Immigration: Theological Reflection and Discussion is a collection of 22 brief excerpts from sermons and writings about the topic of immigration offered for Unitarian Universalist congregations. Each excerpt is followed by questions for discussion. Download a copy of the resource, and or/find out more about it by listening to reflection authors Susan Karlson, Michael Tino and Colin Bossen on The Journey Toward Phoenix , an internet-based radio blog hosted by Rev. Carlton Elliot Smith of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA. The Doctrine of Discovery: The True Story of Colonizing the Americas , a video to accompany the Doctrine of Discovery discussion guide . Join the conversation on Cooking Together: Recipes for Immigration Justice Work blog. Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 18

See www.uua.org/immigration for resources, congregational stories, policy information and more!

Congregational Toolkit for Immigration Advocacy in Our Communities New Resource: A new Congregational Toolkit for Immigration Advocacy in Our Communities is now available and a webinar on how to use it will be held on Monday, Jan. 9th at 3:30 pm Eastern. Please Mark Your Calendars! (Check the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) website when the date gets closer for details). The Congregational Toolkit includes: Strategy to Stop Secure Communities; What You Can Do in your Community; Bringing the Faith Message; and How to Organize an Advocacy Meeting with local officials. Download from the website . (See the blog post by Rev. Craig Roshaven, Director of Witness Ministries, who developed this resource along with the IIC and our partners at the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.) Interfaith Annual InterFaith Concert sponsored by IFC Thursday, December 6 7:30 to 9:00 pm Washington Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb Street, NW Washington, DC

"A Celebration of the Sacred in Song, Dance and Chant" Honoring Imam Mohamed Magid Executive Director, All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) President, Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Tickets: $30 reserved ($25 each for groups of ten or more); $15 general admission ($12.50 each for groups of ten or more); $18 at the door Contact: 202-234-6300 for tickets or to donate to the concert fund

UU Service Committee Offers Building Bridges Program You can foster crucial interfaith partnerships in your community with UUSC’s support. Through our Building Bridges program, we can offer you a road map for creating meaningful interfaith relationships through dialogue and action. When Unitarian Universalist congregations and Muslim community organizations join together to design and lead a Building Bridges workshop, the result is mutual understanding and a shared strategy for challenging anti-Muslim prejudice. Building Bridges workshops not only are a transformative experience for participants but also lay the groundwork for ongoing mobilization. Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena, Calif., organized their own Building Bridges workshop in June 2010, in collaboration with local Muslim organizations. Following the workshop, the congregation and members of the Muslim community formed a permanent Building Bridges Task Force, which works with partners in the greater Los Angeles area to challenge racial and religious profiling and pass local protections. Members of the task force also serve as local experts on interfaith partnership. Sign up here to bring Building Bridges to your community

Interfaith On Line Chats The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington is having weekly online chats. They post them on YouTube and post the transcriptions on their blog. Their YouTube account is Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 19 here: http://www.youtube.com/user/IFCMW You can sign up for their newsletter at their main web site here: http://www.ifcmw.org/

Standing on the Side of Love Think Interfaith Campaign The Standing on the Side of Love campaign is offering us resources to help promote words and thoughts that support love. Click here to take part in our Think Interfaith campaign. Please take time to focus on the beauty of crossing social, religious, and ethnic borders in faith, love and compassion. Join in using the new technologies at our fingertips to create interconnectedness the world over. Click here and help promote interfaith dialogue and thinking on Facebook and Twitter.

Peace/War Program on US Use of Assassination Drones Monday, October 29 7:30 Cedar Lane UU Church 9601 Cedar Lane Bethesda, MD

Peace Action Montgomery member Pam Bailey is on her way home from Pakistan, having been part of the peace delegation highlighting U.S. use of assassination drones. Don't miss this first-hand report on what the U.S. "kill list" really means. You can read Pam's blogs about this extraordinary trip here .

Politics The 2012 Presidential Election: A Debate and Discussion Tuesday, October 23 7:30pm Chizuk Amuno Congregation 8100 Stevenson Road | Baltimore BJC_Presidential_Debate_FLY[1

The Baltimore Jewish Council and the Associated present Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler representing President Barack Obama Former Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. representing former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney For more information and to RSVP, email [email protected] or call 410-542-4850. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are preferred. Reproductive Justice Kiplinger Lecture: Civil Conversations: Bridging the Divide Over Life and Choice Saturday, November 3 2:00pm Cedar Lane UU Church 9601 Cedar Lane Bethesda, MD

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Frances Kissling, a lifelong woman’s rights advocate, former nun, and a recent visiting scholar at the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, will be the 2012 Kiplinger Lecture speaker. Her talk, “Civil Conversations: Bridging the Divide over Life and Choice” will be an intelligent approach to civil discourse about women’s health rights and practices, even when differing opinions threaten to derail the discussion, and will provide guidance on techniques for healthy exchanges on other controversial issues that include war, end- of-life, and immigration. Ms. Kissling’s visit to Cedar Lane is especially timely given how hot a topic woman’s reproductive health is in the current political arena. The lecture is just 3 days before the presidential election, and a lively discussion is anticipated. Adults $10 students free

Reproductive Justice Resources from the UUA The new Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) for 2012-2016 is Reproductive Justice: Expanding Our Social Justice Calling . Though the official curriculum and study guide don’t come out until November 1, help prepare your congregation with the newly-available Resource Packet on Reproductive Justice. This packet includes small group ministry sessions, a faith development guide, a liturgical calendar, sample worship, a sermon archive, a list of 10 things for congregations to do, and lots of other materials to help UU clergy members and individuals advocate for reproductive justice. Download by entering your email address here !

I’m a Fan of Birth Control Campaign Visit the website of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice www.rcrc.org to learn about our current campaign, “I’m a Fan of Birth Control.”

Service Trips Presentation on Service Learning Trip to Haiti Sunday, October 21 10:15am UU Congregation of Columbia Rm. 116 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD

Carla Miller, UUCC's Director of Lifespan Growth and Learning, will share a slideshow and stories from her service learning trip to Haiti last April with the UU Service Committee. With a group of other UUs, Carla helped to build homes in an eco-village settlement for the Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP) in rural Haiti, and to learn from their leadership and residents. MPP is a grassroots community-organizing and agricultural education cooperative. Join us to hear more about the inspiring work being done by the MPP and UUSC partnership in Haiti! Carla will also give a brief introduction to the many other exciting opportunities for service learning experiences through the newly-formed Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice

UU Service Committee Work Trips BorderLinks Trips to the U.S.-Mexico Border Dates: May 27–30, 2013 (registration deadline: March 24, 2013) Human rights are at stake on the U.S.-Mexico border, and a UUA-UUSC Borderlands trip is your chance to Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 21 delve into various on-the-ground aspects of immigration. Through education, partner meetings, service opportunities, and theological reflection, you will explore immigration through a program designed by BorderLinks. Return home informed and inspired to be a leader for immigration justice. UUSC-UUA JustWorks Trips to Haiti Dates: January 5–12, 2013 (registration deadline: October 28, 2012); March 2–9, 2013 (registration deadline: December 30, 2012); May 25–June 1, 2013 (registration deadline: March 24, 2013) Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to help former Port-au-Prince residents build new lives in rural Haiti. You will work with the Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP) to build new homes, construct food gardens, or contribute to other sustainability projects. Witness the challenges facing Haiti and how MPP is meeting those challenges with hope and resilience. There are also opportunities for congregational trips, in which congregations send delegations of 10–15 participants. Learn more about congregational trips to Haiti. Rebuilding New Orleans: Turning the Tides February 7–16, 2013 (registration deadline: December 7, 2012); April 27–May 5, 2013 (registration deadline: February 27, 2013); July 20–27, 2013 (registration deadline: May 20, 2013) Experience New Orleans with people dedicated to a holistic and equitable recovery for the city. UUSC is teaming up with the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal (CELSJR) to offer you a unique opportunity to live, work, and learn, in New Orleans — a city of warmth, caring, and immeasurable resilience.

Voting Election Resources from the UUA

Election Resources: Funding & Organizing Partners Much is at stake in upcoming elections. Regressive policies and corporate control oppress people on the margins and disenfranchise the vulnerable. The UUA has funding and resources available for congregations interested in doing voter registration, taking on voter suppression, and organizing GOTV efforts. See our webpage with information on GOTV grant opportunities, how to find a local partner, marriage equality and immigration-related ballot initiatives, as well as organizing resources. The Fund for UU Social Responsibility is offering grants of up to $1000 to support GOTV and voter registration efforts by congregations in the following states: CO, FL, IA, NM, NV, NC, OH, VA, WI. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through Sept 15, 2012. See www.uua.org/uufp for an application.

Youth and Young Adults Apply to Be a Part of the 2013 Interfaith Youth for Climate Justice Program Deadline to apply is November 30 IYCJ

Applications are at www.IYCJ.org or contact Jennifer Langer Smith at [email protected]

Young Adult Service Journal Available “Serve in Spirit,” the Young Adult Service Journal, is a resource designed to combine the concepts of spirituality and service in a cohesive fashion. While Young Adults engage in service work in the United States and overseas, it is essential that they have a tool that effectively guides their reflective process through a Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice 22 potentially life changing and transformative experience. The journal addresses the three stages of a service project (before, during, and after), as each are distinct and require focused attention. The journal includes quotes, readings, and questions all existing for the purpose of nurturing Young Adults in the exploration of their identity, their relationship to Unitarian Universalism, and their place in the world. While targeted to Young Adults, this journal can be used as model for theological reflection by anyone engaging in service work or social justice projects. Click here to download the Young Adult Service Journal.

List of Trips and Internships Compiled by UUA Young Adult Spirituality and Service Consultant, Erik Mohn. http://www.uua.org/leaders/justice/service