Democracy Action Team
Are you concerned about the state of our democracy and political system?
Want to DO something about it?
Join us!
Materials for Democracy Leaders and Groups
Get Involved with UUSJ (pdf) | Meeting with a Legislator (pdf)
The attempted destruction of our democracy is a critical issue that threatens the very core of our existence as a country.
The UUSJ Democracy Action Team’s long-term goal is to help save our democracy from the powerful forces attacking it.
For 2025 we are focused on the following:
- Assisting UU congregations in their efforts to save our democracy.
- Protecting our democracy from harmful legislation
- Educating the public about what is happening.
About Our Team
The Democracy Action Team was formed in August 2019 to assess and prioritize areas of focus and align these areas with legislation in Congress. We have since extended our role to work directly with UU democracy leaders and groups in congregations around the country. The team has monthly Zoom meetings, and sub-teams meet between meetings as needed. Fred Van Deusen from First Parish in Concord, Massachusetts, is the Team Convener.
To join or learn more about the Democracy Action Team, please email Pablo at pdejesus@uusj.org.
To join our Democracy Discussion Group, email democracy.uusj@gmail.com.
UU References:
Members of the Democracy Action Team authored the 2021 UU Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) Stop Voter Suppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy.
The Statement of Conscience for the 2016 UUA Congregational Study Action Issue “The Corruption of Our Democracy” was passed at the UUA General Assembly in June, 2019. The final edited version is called “Our Democracy Uncorrupted“ is available.
To learn more about authoritarianism and what we can do about it, go to this excellent resource, Reclaim Our Democracy.
Democracy Organization Websites:
Faithful Democracy is a national coalition of diverse congregations, faith-based organizations, and religious leaders with a shared concern about the state of our democracy.
Declaration for American Democracy is a coalition of more than 170 organizations that includes groups from labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities. Formed in 2018, they set out on a mission to take back our democracy and restore power to the people. The coalition believes that we must build a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone’s voice is heard.
Common Cause wins concrete, pro-democracy reforms that break down barriers to participation, ensure each of us has an equal voice and vote, and rebuild trust in our government.
Brennan Center for Justice conducts rigorous research to identify problems and provide in-depth empirical findings and compelling analyses of pressing legal and policy issues. They also pioneer and champion policy solutions, such as automatic voter registration and small-donor public financing.
The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Move to Amend is a coalition of hundreds of organizations and hundreds of thousands of individuals committed to social and economic justice, ending corporate rule, and building a vibrant democracy that is genuinely accountable to the people, not corporate interests.
Poor People’s Campaign, A National Call for Moral Revival, has created 14 Policy Priorities to Heal the Nation: A Moral and Economic Agenda for the First 100 Days. Priority number seven is to protect and expand voting rights and civil rights.