I was walking to the lounge to get a cup of coffee. On my way I saw that my former neighbor and family had come to church (Cedar Lane UU Church). I got my coffee and then wandered over to their table. Approaching them, it was clear that they were deeply involved with their subject.
“What’s wrong with people? Every day you hear of another vital program been subtracted from the ‘’safety net’’. Most often this kind of act is targeted at the poor. And yet there are not enough people who are willing to help those who need it.”
“I wish I could help but where, when, and whom do I contact?”
Finishing his coffee the guest said “I can give you and your family some ideas. I am associated with Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ), a group that focuses on the political changes that are needed to help those suffering from the disappearing safety net. You could join us as a volunteer researching issues and meeting with senators and congress persons on mending the safety net.”
For my part I was pleased with this response – I have been a member of UUSJ for many years and know our group focuses on three major issues; Escalating Income Inequality, Immigration, and Environment and Climate Change.* Although these issues are our primary concern right now, we also keep an eye on other social issues that impact the safety net. We attend events that support our progressive social justice beliefs, many of which cover safety net issues for marginalized communities.
One of our important and impactful groups is the Advocacy Corps whose members visit senators and representatives in their Capitol Hill offices. The goal of these advocates is to provide information with a moral backing in the political arena, so legislators can determine their vote with more complete information, and fuller compassion.
The Advocacy Corps does wonderful work mobilizing progressive voices supporting UU values, and supporting the use of UU principles in policy making.
What I want others to know is — there is a place for everyone to volunteer or get engaged! Children have met with Senate staff on policy matters. Elders have discussed Medicaid issues with their legislators. If advocacy is not your calling, UUSJ helps on witness, like when youth led the way on March for Our Lives, supported by us adults, and the Poor People’s Campaign with President Frederick-Gray and my own Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, or Families Belong Together. But also with education when the UUSJ policy teams do analysis and strategy or with UUSJ’s training programs and talks on how your congregation can do advocacy more effectively.
Join us, become a member! And, to get more information on being a volunteer for UUSJ or joining the Advocacy Corps please contact info@uusj.org.
In solidarity and fellowship!
Pat Karlsen
Former co-chair of UUSJ
Member of Cedar Lane UU Church
Bethesda, MD
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Patricia Karlsen, has been a UU member for 28 years, and a member of Cedar Lane UU Church (CLUUC) for 29. It was through CLUUC that Pat joined UUSJ, and held the position of UUSJ co-chair three times. In her early years, she assisted in planning the 1980 World Congress of Rehabilitation International. Her professional life included working in foster care, helping to reunite families. She began as a teacher of young people and ended her career as an assistant professor teaching social sciences for a two-year college in Buffalo.
Editor’s update: UUSJ now also focuses on healthy democracy issues.