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 and Shared Plate – Code Blue
Side with Love is a weekly collection for items for organizations chosen by various UU Ithaca teams and Connection Circles. In November the Shared Plate and Side with Love collection will both go to the Code Blue Shelter in Ithaca, which provides meals, beds, and counseling to those experiencing homelessness.

On every Sunday in November we will be collecting breakfast food: oatmeal packets, packaged fruit, granola/breakfast bars and pop tarts (no crunchy food, tree nuts, peanuts or fresh fruit), prepackaged food and snacks. In addition the collection will include disposable dishes and cutlery and personal hygiene items of toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tampons and pads, diapers. Also needed are new men’s socks and underwear, and gently used coats, gloves, hats and sweaters.

The Code Blue shelter expects 55-100 people per day from November through next April and will be less able to provide food this year due to a 60% budget cut. The facility will continue to be managed by Volunteers of America, with nightly meals coordinated and prepared by Ithaca houses of worship.

We need volunteers to shop, cook and deliver meals. And we need money to buy groceries for the meals. You can sign up at the Democracy Circle table in the Parlor on Sunday mornings. We are able to use our UU Ithaca kitchen and groups of volunteers work together to prepare dinners on chosen days. Come to the Democracy table for more information.

Thank you for your generosity for this important project of helping our neighbors in need during the coldest winter months.

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!