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 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.

Side with Love for November
The 8th Priniciple Action Ministry (8PAM) is asking our FUSIT community to support the effort of Queers Uniting and Strengthening All Resources (QUASAR) to stock their adopted Blue Food Cabinet through Mutual Aid Tompkins. Each Sunday in November, we are collecting non perishable food items.

• nut butters
• cereal/granola bars
• Cereal, instant oatmeal, rice, jelly, condiments, sugar
• Sealed shelf-safe juices, juice boxes, coffee, tea
• Boxed/packaged dinners (mac and cheese, ramen) 
• Also toiletries: sanitary items, toothbrush and toothpaste are excellent options too!
• please NOTE: because of the colder temperatures, canned foods are not a good option.

Food insecurity in Tompkins County is high (14% according to Feeding America) and with SNAP benefits being cut, potentially higher. The cabinets offer a direct way to help alleviate that. Please help if you can.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!