It is now true that our political system is quite broken in many unsettling ways. Getting to unbroken from our present condition is a complex matter. Paradoxically to the actions of the current administration, we won’t get far without a competent strong administrative state, i.e. Federal agencies. The seeds of our current discord are rooted … Continue reading Addressing the Perils of a Weakened Administrative State
“A nation divided against itself cannot stand” – Abraham Lincoln, June 16, 1858 I’ve been deeply concerned about the state of our democracy. Frankly, I’m terrified. What I’m seeing is that our democracy, the very foundation of our country, is in danger. We cannot take our democracy for granted or be complacent. We must ensure that … Continue reading Saving Our Democracy – Why I Care
One of life’s greatest gifts to humans is the ability to begin again. Maybe last year, you didn’t meet all of the goals you set for yourself. Perhaps you didn’t set any goals and are seeking a place to start. Well, I would like you to consider giving to a cause that makes a difference … Continue reading New Year, New Goals
UUSJ continues its work in achieving stability for Afghans, an effort that began mid-summer. The needed stability, welcome, and promises veterans keep are best exemplified in the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA). For UUSJ, these are the principled concerns at stake. In early September, the Immigration Action Team (IAT) led, co-led, and participated in 12 Senate … Continue reading Stability And Welcome For Afghans, Promises Kept By Veterans
Jim Hurdis is a member of the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served two years as co-chair of their social justice committee. Along with the environment, Jim is passionate about gun violence issues, food insecurity, and affordable housing. I’m struck by the audacity of Senator Joe Manchin’s energy permitting proposal and have been … Continue reading Jim Hurdis on US Environmental Policies with Respect to Current Oil and Gas Production
I started working as an activist on issues related to democracy more than 10 years ago — just before the disastrous Citizens United decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, and just before joining a UU congregation in my home state of New Jersey. Initially, I focused on the problem of big money in politics, which … Continue reading Tony Giordano
Collaboration Matters. It Makes a Difference. In 2017, UUs for a Just Economic Community joined with UUSJ creating our first joint conference on Healthcare. It was a successful and meaningful experimental adventure in federal engagement. In 2019, we collaborated again on Advancing Economic and Climate Justice as a Moral Issue, Building a Movement for a “Green New Deal”. If … Continue reading Terry Lowman
The UUSJ Immigrant Action Team Gets It I first became involved with the Immigration Action Team as an offshoot of my work with the Migrant Solidarity Team of All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, DC. We have been working on direct support for immigrants in our community for years, though I had not been active … Continue reading Stephen Cox
Together, we can make a difference My working life culminated in 15 years as an elementary ESL teacher in North Carolina. I befriended immigrant families from at least three continents and fell in love with their children, my students. My concern for their well-being and that of all immigrants and refugees has only deepened as … Continue reading Marilyn Clayton
I discovered a group of knowledgeable and caring men and women from various professions As with many UUs, trying to make this world a better place is the center of my connection to Unitarian Universalism. Ever since I was the harpist for two different new symphony orchestras in Mexico during the ’70s and ’80s I … Continue reading Georganne D’Angelo,
