We have a lot of irons in the fire when it comes to UUMAN’s Justice Ministry. There are many ways to be involved: donating food and clothing, donating funds, providing hospitality, being an ally, being an advocate or just showing up.
Here’s a quick summary of some of our initiatives:
Pride March
This year’s Pride March is Sunday, October 14. Kara Sweeney and Sheila Smith are organizing UUMAN’s participation. Please contact them socialjustice@old.uuman.org for information as to how you can participate.
New Sanctuary Movement of Atlanta – Metro North
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is the social justice organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The UUSC has contracted with the New Sanctuary Movement of Atlanta, an Immigrant and Refugee Justice organization based in Decatur, to create a “Metro North” chapter of this organization. This will consist of the North Fulton and Cobb interfaith community as well as local organizations on the ground pursuing Immigration and Refugee Justice in our community. If you want to be challenged and want to be in relationship with the immigrant and refugee communities; if you want to form one-to-one relationships with local interfaith and community leaders (and be a leader yourself) please contact Dave Dunn for more information. (minister@old.uuman.org)
Student Success Academy – Elkins Pointe Middle School (SSA – EPMS)
The Student Success Academy is a program within Roswell’s Elkins Pointe Middle School developed for students that may be experiencing some academic, attendance and/or behavior concerns. We, along with our Muslim friends at Roswell Community Masjid, partner with EPMS staff to help these students achieve the goals they have set for themselves. This is a brand-new partnership still under development by EPMS. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to directly engage in a multigenerational and multiethnic initiative in our community. Contact Dave Dunn for more information. (minister@old.uuman.org)
Family Promise
UUMAN is part of the Family Promise network of North Fulton and Dekalb counties. In this program, UUMAN regularly hosts homeless family guests (i.e. lodging, hospitality and support) on our campus. Again, we partner with our Muslim friends at the Roswell Community Masjid in this effort. Please contact Merri Beth Stephens at merribethstephens@gmail.com for additional information.
North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC)
Each month, a group of UUMAN members volunteer at NFCC. We show up and they put us to work! We usually work in their food pantry or their store. We also regularly donate food and clothing. Please contact Carla Kapeskas ( crkapeskas@gmail.com ) to volunteer at NFCC.
Earth Ministry
UUMAN’s Earth Ministry team is an action-oriented group on a mission to help our Roswell community be more environmentally conscious and sustainable. The Earth Ministry team regularly advocates their cause to local elected officials. They also believe in affecting change through direct engagement in our democracy. Gus Hadorn is UUMAN’s leader in these efforts. earthministry@old.uuman.org
Citizens Climate Lobby
UUMAN works with the national Citizens Climate Lobby organization to effect change through large-scale legislative advocacy and relationship building. Terry Schiff (terryschiff99@gmail.com ) is our contact.
Yes, we have a lot of balls in the air…but the good news is that you don’t have to do it all. You only need to do your part. It is my hope that each and every one of us feels called to do something. It is my hope that each and every one of us can help out with a piece of one or two of our Justice Ministry initiatives.
I understand that these initiatives require effort and often demand that we leave the safety of our comfort zones. We sometimes feel we can’t do this. When I begin to feel this way, I’m inspired by the prophet Isaiah who doubted himself when being called upon by God. Ultimately Isaiah surrendered – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I, send me! (Isaiah 6:8)”
I believe that we are always being called (24/7/365). May we be open to listening. May we grow with our answering.
Take care,
Dave