What’s the difference between social justice and social action?

Although they sound alike, there is a distinction! Social action focuses on the here and now, offering support and assistance to an existing need or cause. Social justice picks up from there, seeking to change the world for the better, lessening or erasing the need for social actions. Putting our principles into action involves both; here are a couple ways CUUC members participate in social justice.

Texas UU Justice Ministry (TXUUJM)

The Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry raises the voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena and seeks to have those values included in legislation and public policy.

Every biennium, TXUUJM establishes a set of policy priorities to focus on; for 2021 these are: Racial Justice (includes Immigration and Refugees), Environmental Justice, Healthcare Access, Economic Justice and Voting Rights.

In support of these priorities, when the Texas legislature is in session, TXUUJM typically hosts a Legislative Action Day, where UUs from our church and churches across the state convene in Austin to meet with legislators about specific bills being considered. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this is not possible for the 2021 session.

Community UU’s representative on the TXUUJM Advisory Council is Nancy Gaige. You can contact them at txuujm@communityuuchurch.org.

Recent TXUUJM announcements and activities:

On November 29, 2022 TXUUJM Advisory Board Meeting was a celebration of the many things accomplished this year.

• Direct connections were made with more than 30 Texas congregations through the new speaking guild of seminarians, Zoom, and outreach through the Board members.
• TXUUJM has become a teaching organization working with student seminarians and by hiring intern Sarah Berel-Harrop enrolled at Mead- Lombard Theological School.  Several TXUUJM board members sit on her advisory team.
• UU  the Vote: 10,000 postcards were sent to disenfranchised TX black voters and calls were made through virtual action hours.  This program began in the Spring church and was adopted statewide.
• San Marcos church reported partnership with Mano Amiga and TXUUJM has joined this partnership. https://www.manoamigasm.org/  They are pleased with changes in laws for prosecution of marijuana and their first Democratic DA elected in years.
• Roundrock/Georgetown congregation completed their first 6 week series of Transforming Hearts this weekend and found it well worth the time.  It builds the vision of the beloved community in regards to anti-racism and trans inclusion.  They plan to repeat the series of videos and discussions with other members.  They have called their first trans minister.  (This curriculum is available free to all Texas UU congregations through a grant awarded to TXUUJM this year.)
• Anti-racism Jubilee 3 weekend trained 30 participants.
• Work is ongoing on reproductive justice.  Erin spoke with lawyers this week about what can be done legally with our new laws.  Coalitions are forming.
• OWL training continues to support sexual education at all ages.
• You are encouraged to register for the 10 year anniversary celebration  of TXUUJM.     Registration is LIVE for TXUUJM’s 10th Anniversary event on Jan. 21st! Please REGISTER NOW and put it on your calendar to join us!

For more information about TXUUJM, visit http://txuujm.org/ and their facebook page www.facebook.com/txuujm.

You can make a difference in Texas by contacting your legislators in a timely manner to express your opinions on decisions as they come up for a vote.  If you would like to receive updates on issues before the legislature, send your name to txuujm@communityuuchurch.org

A CALLOUT TO ALL TEXAS UUs,

Will UU kindle the flame to… Light The TXUUJM Justice Chalice?! For every sustaining monthly investment you make it will be matched up to 10K total.

When we founded our non-profit, TXUUJM (Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry), in 2012, our goal was to become a beacon of justice for those making decisions in our state legislature. At the time, UUs were lamentably unknown in the Capitol. Now we are known, respected and effective in Austin!!  In addition, TXUUJM has cultivated meaningful justice partnerships nationally with the UUSC and the UUA.

TXUUJM member congregations submitted their most pressing Social Justice issues, with the overall consensus resulting in TXUUJM selecting the top 5 we will advocate for during the pending 2021 state legislative session.

These Issues are:
 * Racial Justice
* Environmental Justice
* Healthcare Access
* Economic Justice
* Voting Rights
We need YOUR help to make sure that our voices are heard and acted upon by our elected officials.

Please consider making a monthly sustaining investment to ensure that our UU social justice issues will continue to be an ever-growing focus of our state.  Financial investments in TXUUJM are Tax DEDUCTIBLE! Our goal is to get 100 more monthly sustaining investors during the Legislative session which started January 12th.

Together, our light can shine more brightly and Bend Texas Toward Justice!! Your investment can make that happen!!

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

The UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. The mission of UUSC is guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), as well as Unitarian Universalist principles. You can visit the UUSC website here: www.uusc.org.

One of the many programs of the UUSC that we participate in is Guest At Your Table, an annual campaign to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes.

To learn more about our efforts supporting UUSC, contact Linda Frank or Anne Smith via uusinaction@communityuuchurch.org.