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 UU Ithaca) volunteer opportunities and check out our Social Justice Activities below.

Side with Love
Side with Love is a weekly collection of items for organizations chosen by various UU Ithaca teams and Connection Circles. During Sunday services in October we are collecting paper towels,  laundry detergent, liquid hand soap, pots and pans, silverware, and dish sponges for Village at Ithaca.

Shared Plate
We are dedicating the month of October to the replenishment of the UU Ithaca Human Needs Fund. When someone in our congregation encounters sudden, short-term financial distress, there is a way for our caring community to help in a timely, confidential manner.

The UU Ithaca Board created the “Human Needs Fund” in 2015. Representatives of the Care Team administer this fund. Please, click here to donate. Alternatively, checks can be made out to UU Ithaca. Please indicate HUMAN NEEDS FUND in the memo line. Mail the check to UU Ithaca Office, PO Box 6, Ithaca, NY 14851.

Social Justice Events

Important Program on Health Care Crisis
The Health Care Crisis and the New York Health Act – What, Why, When, Where
Sunday, October 4 at Noon in the Annex
You are invited to a program of information with Q & A and suggested actions.
DID YOU KNOW?

• The county portion of Medicaid dollars would return to the State, a huge local savings Come and learn how you can help. New York must create an equitable system that treats healthcare as a right for all, not a commodity reserved for the privileged or a perk of employment!
• Three nearby local hospitals are at risk of closing
• Pediatric patients can no longer be admitted for care at Cayuga Medical Center

Under the Act, approximately 92% of New Yorkers will pay less than they do now. The New York Health Act will cover long term nursing care and home health aides

The Environmental Interest Circle (EIC)
Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm in the parlor and over Zoom.
The Environmental Interest Circle meets monthly in person and over Zoom to discuss/exchange ideas and actions that further sustainable living for each one of us, for the UU Ithaca congregation, and for our congregations’ role in the greater community, including environmental concerns and conserving energy.

Democracy Circle
Sunday, October 11 at noon
Youth room, second floor of Annex
The Democracy Circle is a social justice group that turns values into direct action. Members identify personal causes and the group rallies to support and amplify each one. Any and all are welcome, whether you attend once or often. Please bring your suggestions, ideas and thoughts. For elevator access, exit the building and enter through the door at 208 E. Buffalo St.

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.
• Democracy Circle: The Democracy Circle is a social justice group that turns values into direct action. Members identify personal causes and the group rallies to support and amplify each one. The group meets monthly. Any and all are welcome, whether you attend once or often. Please bring your suggestions, ideas and thoughts.
• Your action team here!