A central aspect of Unitarian Universalism is to restore balance to our community and the world. This translates to a firm commitment to social justice action, which traces back to our values. Because every person is sacred and there is an interdependent web of all existence, we cannot turn away from injustice.

Our justice work is more than just learning and sharing information. We aim to transform the world — and ourselves in the process. Social justice is woven throughout all of our programs, from religious education to worship to events. Our church leaders make programming and financial decisions based on our commitment to social justice.

You are invited to join in this mission. Transform yourself, as you transform the world. Visit our Volunteer Page for current social justice (and general FUSIT) volunteer opportunities and check out our Social Justice Activities below.

Social Justice Activities

The Environmental Interest Circle
Wednesday, May 7 at 7pm in the Parlor and over Zoom

The Environmental Interest Circle meets to discuss/exchange ideas and actions that further sustainable living for each one of us, for the FUSIT congregation, and for our congregation’s role in the greater community. This group usually meets the first Wednesday of the month in the parlor and over Zoom. Email office@uuithaca.org for the Zoom link or check the Weekly Announce email.

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May Side With Love and Shared Plate
Ithaca Community Gardens

 The Ithaca Community Gardens is an entirely volunteer-run, not-for-profit organic gardening organization.  Throughout its nearly 50 years, the Gardens has continued to thrive, offering affordable plots to low-income gardeners, providing the space, resources, and scholarships for growing food – feeding members, their families and friends.  The Gardens also feed the wider Ithaca community by donating food grown by our gardeners to local food banks, the food hub, and community kitchens.  We welcome donations to continue our mission to keep our gardens, despite rising costs, affordable to all. For more information about the Gardens and to join our gardening community, see IthacaCommunityGardens.org

Every Sunday service in the month of May we will be collecting Garden Gloves, New and Gently Used Gardening Hand Tools, Garden String, Planting Markers, Organic Seed Packets (easy growing varieties: kale, chard, lettuces, radish, beans, peas, etc.). Contact: Joanne Trutko at joannetrutko@gmail.com.

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8th Principle Action Ministry
Wednesday, May 28 at 7 pm

The 8th Principle Action Ministry meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month on Zoom to discuss ways to live out our UU values, especially justice and equity. Anyone who is interested in discussion and sharing of ideas for action is welcome. Email office@uuithaca.org for the Zoom link or check the Weekly Announce email.

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LGBTQ+ Group Meets Monthly

This Small Group is especially for FUSIT’s LGBTQ+ community and meets monthly. All who identify on the LGBTQ+ continuum are welcome. Come enjoy this opportunity for fellowship and community within our larger FUSIT community, in a safe, confidential and nurturing environment. Please reach out to Ely at eleanorwillard97@gmail.com for more information.

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Side with Love and Shared Plate
Teams, Committees, and Small Groups are invited to sponsor a month for our Side with Love and Shared Plate Collections. The group would be responsible for choosing the organization, communicating with that organization about needed items for Side with Love, delivering goods, and communicating any pertinent information to Michelle and Loretta for the Newsletter, Weekly Announce, and Order of Service. This is a wonderful opportunity to lift up and support local or national organizations that do work that is meaningful to your team or group. Sign up information can be found below.

Side With Love and Shared Plate 2024-2025

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Action Teams

Action Teams are formed by a person or group of people who identify a social justice topic on which they want to focus. These teams are somewhat dynamic and are created and discontinued based on current events and issues. The following is a description of the current or recent action teams:

• Environmental Interests Circle: Has a mission to support one another in developing sustainable habits and to provide information and resources to learn about how to live in a more environmentally sustainable way. Below are some resources we use to guide our monthly discussion. 
• • Sustainable Finger Lakes offers news articles related to sustainability and environmental conservation, lists sustainability-minded organizations for networking in a shared region, and offers resources and tips for an environmentally-conscious future.
  •  Tenant Resources Document– Ithaca’s Electrification Program
    This document helps tenants understand how an energy-efficient upgrade, made by their landlord, would benefit them.
     
  • Electrification Document
    A release from Cornell Cooperative Extension, this details what electrification means, how it works, and lists the benefits of “electrifying.”
• Health Care Reform: Working towards changing New York State and national laws to provide healthcare for all people. This group is currently tracking privatization as well as medical debt issues. Contact Judy Jones jwj2@cornell.edu.
• Your action team here!