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 Events

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

The Environmental Interest Circle (EIC)
Wednesday, June 3 at 7 pm
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 congregations’ role in the greater community, including environmental concerns and conserving energy. The group will meet on Wednesday, June 3, and then take a break for July and August and will reconvene in the fall.

Democracy Circle
Sunday, June 7 at noon
Room 213 (upstairs in the Parish House next to the elevator)
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 and will
be taking the summer months off before reconvening again in the fall.

Ithaca Pride Festival
Are you planning to attend the Ithaca Pride Festival?
We would love to have you spend a couple of hours tabling with us, representing how our UU values support the LGBTQ+ community! Sign up with the QR code!

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!