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. 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

Shared Plate and Side with Love for October
There will be two Shared Plates for October. Reach Medical will be the recipient on October 19 and the UUA will be the recipient on October 26. Side with Love Collection for October will be Reach Medical. Every Sunday service in the month of October we will be collecting winter gear including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, thermal wear and blankets for those in need. Reach Medical Project is a low threshold harm reduction medical practice in Ithaca, whose mission is to offer equitable, stigma-free access to healthcare for vulnerable individuals and improve health equity.

Shared Plate and Side with Love for November
For the month of November, FUSIT’s Human Needs Fund will be the recipient of the Shared Plate. The Board created this fund in 2015 to support those congregants who might need assistance with sudden short term financial needs such as car repair or rent payment. We are dedicating the month of November to replenish this important fund. QUASAR for Mutual Aid Tompkins will be the Side With Love organization. Every Sunday in November we’ll be collecting non-perishable food items during service.

Upcoming Social Justice Events

Information about upcoming social justice events can be found below. See the Weekly Announce email or contact office@uuithaca.org for Zoom links.

8th Principle Action Ministry
Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm
Please join us on Zoom to gather in community to share ideas and companionship, engage with one another and educate ourselves during this turbulent time in our history. We plan to learn more about the issues and legislation being proposed as well as actions to be taken.

UUs of Color
Monday, November 3 at 6pm
We invite people of color (having African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Native American, Pacific Islander identities) to gather with us. Our purpose is to commune with one another, amplify our voices, and promote diversity in our UU community. Activities may include having meals together, welcoming new POC into the congregation, planning a service, collaborating with other groups at (or beyond) FUSIT, and more. We meet the first Monday of the month at 6 pm and around meaningful events. Please contact poc@uuithaca.org for more information.

The Environmental Interest Circle (EIC)
Wednesday, November 5 at 7 pm
Meets in the parlor and over Zoom
The EIC meets to discuss/exchange ideas and actions that further sustainable living for each one of us, for the FUSIT congregation, and for our congregations’ role in the greater community. Meets every first Wednesday of the month.

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 office@uuithaca.org for more information.

Democracy Circle
Sunday, November 9 at Noon
Sophia Lyon Fahs Room
The 8th Principle Action Ministry has been gathering on the second Sunday of each month as a Democracy Circle to share ideas and companionship, engage with one another and educate ourselves and each other during this turbulent time in our history. We discuss actions in which we can engage and listen to one another. Any and all are welcome, whether you attend once or often. Please bring your suggestions, ideas and thoughts. Initially small groups were formed to focus on various areas including Engaging with Others, Engaging with the Community, Communication and Action and Constitution Study. We continue to evolve with our ideas and actions.

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: meets monthly 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. Check the Upcoming Events Page for further information.
  • 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!