We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all and respect the interdependence of all creation. We seek to build partnerships with other groups and extend bridges across barriers of race, class, sexuality and gender, ability and generations.
This site provides information about organizations, events, and activities that promote social justice.
What Does Democracy Mean to You?
The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation is sponsoring a project to this effect. From now until May 1, they are accepting visual art and/or 200-character written-word submissions, in either Youth (<19) or Adult (18+) categories. Entries may be submitted from now until May 1. Those that are accepted will be displayed on their…
“Very Concerning” Arrest of Black Trans Philadelphia Official Being Investigated
The following story was reported on March 7 by Samantha Riedel of the online news site Them. A Pennsylvania state trooper has been placed on “restricted duty” after he threatened to use his taser on one of Philadelphia’s top LGBTQ+ officials during a traffic stop last weekend. The Philadelphia district attorney’s office is investigating the…
Social Justice in March
Our congregation’s March Cash in the Plate (CIP) will be donated to Brockton based Health Imperatives that has as its mission “to improve the health and well-being of low-income, vulnerable people in Southeastern Massachusetts.” Because March includes a fifth Sunday this year, the proceeds of the CIP that day (3/31) will be given to the Mashpee based Native Land Conservancy, a Native led land conservancy that is working to purchase additional land to expand the conservancy.
Looking ahead, our team has been researching how our congregation can maximize its impact on the critical 2024 elections. We’ve reviewed non-profit organizations that can help us increase both voter turnout and knowledge of the issues voters need to know when casting their votes. And on the first Sunday in April (4/7), we will present opportunities that we believe can offer all of us effective ways to become engaged and have a significant impact on our democracy at local, state and federal levels.
No Place for Hate
“Whipping up anger against immigrants has dangerous consequences,” per a recent column by Yvonne Abraham in the Boston Globe. She reports ugly pushback against refugees in Dedham and other MA communities. Yet a recent federal report found that, between 2005 and 2019, the net economic contribution of refugees and asylees approached $124 billion.” This is…
New Taunton Office for South Coast LGBTQ+ Network
The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network has opened a new headquarters in Taunton center. The many support services offered by the Network now have an even more local face. They include ongoing support to LGBTQ+ youth and their families, trans and non-binary adults, and LGBTQ+ elders: fun group activities, as well as targeted support services, in…
Cash in the Plate for March
Our congregation’s March Cash in the Plate (CIP) will be donated to Brockton based Health Imperatives that has as its mission “to improve the health and well-being of low-income, vulnerable people in Southeastern Massachusetts.” Because March includes a fifth Sunday this year, the proceeds of the CIP that day (3/31) will be given to the…
New Local Organization: “be;” [where your feet are]
“be;” [where your feet are] is a new group founded and led by LBGTQ+ leaders to provide a safe, affirming and open space for the LGBTQ+ and Adults with Differing Abilities to “gather, create, support, heal and come together.” They hold a monthly Parent/Caretaker support group on the first Monday, 6:30-7:30 at 71 Central Square,…
Save the Date: Poor Peoples Campaign Rally in Boston on Saturday, March 2
The Poor Peoples Campaign’s nationwide Moral March day of action will take place on Saturday, March 2 at 10 am in most state capitals across the country. There will be a follow up action Monday March 4 at 10 am to lobby and deliver demands to legislators. The Poor Peoples Campaign represents the urgent needs…
Save the Date (and Read the Book): Discussion of At the Dark End of the Street
The book is At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape and Resistance–A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power, by Danielle L. McGuire (2010). An online discussion led by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation will be Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7…
28 Short Articles on Race in February
One in your inbox every day. Our friend Laurene Powers of BCCR recommends these. Subscribe at https://subscribe.the-ard.com/. A donation is requested but not required.
Upcoming Social Justice events
More about Social Justice at UU Middleboro
The mission of the Social Justice Team of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleborough is to help the congregation take actions that create positive change in people, in our communities and in the world. Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal theology of engagement. We covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people and to promote respect for the interdependent web of creation of which we are a part. We draw inspiration and truth from experiencing each other and the world around us. We witness both the beauty and brokenness of our world, and we choose to do social justice work to recognize the beauty and to address the brokenness.
We seek to explore and address issues of systemic privilege and oppression. We look to build partnerships with other faiths and secular groups, to build bridges across barriers of race, class, sexuality and gender, abilities and the generations. We look to strengthen coalitions for justice by working as accountable partners in local projects. Projects may include education, raising awareness about justice issues, advocacy, public witnessing and service. Accountability includes a willingness to take on supportive roles and receive leadership from marginalized groups.
How our work is done is as important as the end goal of promoting justice. We work to stay conscious of the ways that race, class and other privileges advantage one group while simultaneously disadvantaging others. We also strive to be aware that the benefits the privileged receive operate to perpetuate the status quo. If the justice work we do helps build community – rather than create division – we will move ourselves, our communities and the goals of justice forward.
Our Current Projects
The Team brings news and information to the congregation about social justice events and activities being held in our community, offers training and runs events that are of major interest to church members, and actively supports several local organizations including Bridgewater Committee for Civil Rights (BCCR). The Brockton Chapter of the NAACP, the Matthew Mission Food Pantry, and Sustainable Middleboro.
Our Social Justice Team
Team members are Lois Aldrich, Dody Adkins-Perry, Deanne Bonnar, Bill Howe, and Christine Hoyle. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact a member of the team or write to sjt@UUmiddleboro.org.