I am a retired educator, and my involvement with UUSJ allows me to support and participate in education based on Unitarian Universalist values. I cherish this role, and I hope you value the content we offer. We place love at the center with transformation, pluralism, generosity, interdependence, equity, and justice.
When I studied education in graduate school, I learned that true education involves changing behavior and means much more than imparting knowledge. Later, my work as Director of two federally funded programs at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Ohio, reinforced this idea.
As a professional, I was always focused on two kinds of education. First, I wanted to empower low-income, first-generation students to succeed in college. (I was one of those students many years ago.)
Second, I was interested in briefing members of Congress about the benefits of our work to students, communities, and the nation. I did this with Ohio professional organizations focused on such programs. In that work, I learned the importance of a clear, consistent message, especially when communicating with U.S. House and Senate members. Our approach did not change based on which political party was in power, and our efforts led to increased bipartisan funding for such programs. Those experiences influence my views about UUSJ and its value, as well as our response to the recent election. Our focus and purpose should not change. Our tactics may change, but our core commitments should remain.
We will continue to promote UU values. We are in this work to disrupt the intersecting injustices of federal policy, as Rev. Barber says. We believe more equitable and just public policies will benefit all Americans, and we are proud to advocate for such policies. A genuinely democratic U.S. would facilitate robust participation, just immigration policies, a healthy climate for all, and mitigate economic inequity. It would be a better place for all Americans to live and thrive.
Your personal involvement and financial support of UUSJ are needed now just as much as ever, if not more so.