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.

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

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.