I started looking around for how we can make a difference

I became deeply interested in voting rights after January 6th.  In discussing the issue and my concerns with my congregational leaders they asked me to start a group focused on preserving our democracy.  And I did.

Once the group was formed I started looking around for how we can make a difference.  Our state, Washington, has an excellent voting system and wonderful Senators and Representatives who are strong champions for the freedom to vote.  While we can provide them with support and encouragement we wanted to do more. I discovered UUSJ. And I am glad about it.

I’m excited to work with UUSJ and its Democracy Action Team (DAT) because it gives my Washington state team the ability to make a difference nationally.  We participated in the recent Voting Rights Write Here, Write Now campaign and are looking forward to helping with future actions.

I’m also personally fulfilled by being a small part of facilitating the opportunity for constituents to have their voices heard.  From Immigrants describing how U.S. voting freedom serves as a beacon of hope throughout the world to constituents telling their Senator that even though their state is doing a good job with voting rights they have relatives of color in other states who deserve those same rights.  These meetings also make a direct difference by sharing information between Senators’ offices, several times prompting the Aid to commit to following up with other offices.

The UUSJ DAT provides me with the opportunity to interface with others who are as passionate about voting rights as I am.  I’m appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of this vitally important team.

Deborah Bauder
UUSJ Democracy Action Team, Member

Democracy Action Team, Chair
Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Washington