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
Side with Love is a weekly collection for items for organizations chosen by various UU Ithaca teams and Connection Circles.The Planting Seeds small group is sponsoring Side with Love and the Shared Plate for the month of September. Planting Seeds endeavors to enhance the many manifestations of Recovery from Substance Use. One of those manifestations is community work.

For the month of September, we are collecting Toiletries for REACH MEDICAL. The REACH Project Inc. is a nonprofit organization with the belief that all individuals deserve respectful, equitable, access to compassionate healthcare in a setting where they will not be stigmatized or judged based on drug use, homelessness, or any other issue that may cause less than adequate care in today’s healthcare environment. The REACH Project owns and operates the first low threshold, harm reduction medical practice in Ithaca, NY.

Please bring toiletries for REACH to any Sunday service in September (toothpaste, tooth-brushes, deodorant, mouthwash, toilet tissue, diapers, soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.).

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

Social Justice Events

Democracy Circle
Sunday, September 13 at noon
UU Ithaca Library
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 will meet on Sunday, September 13th, at noon in the Library on the second floor of the Parish House. Any and all are welcome, whether you attend once or often. Please bring your suggestions, ideas and thoughts.

The Environmental Interest Circle (EIC)
Wednesday, September 2 at 7 pm
Meets 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.

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!