The Social Action Committee spearheads projects relating to current social, political, and economic issues in the United States and/or abroad. The particular focus in 2011-2012 is on immigration, a study which began in February 2011.
The church’s activities to promote social justice include:
- Sale of Equal Exchange goods at coffee hour, promoting fair wages for the workers who provide us with coffee, tea, and cocoa products.
- “Tickets to Safety” fundraiser for Renewal House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. In 2011 we raised almost $1,000 to pay for transportation enabling victims to relocate away from their abusers.
- Participation in Project Bread ‘s Walk for Hunger. The church’s walking team of adults and youth annually raises more than $5,000 to support food pantries and feeding programs in Boston and beyond.
- Weeding The Food Project’s Dorchester garden
- Volunteering at The Food Project. Adults and children help weed, plant and cultivate the Food Project’s large garden in Dorchester.
- Awareness activities, including worship services on social justice issues and notices in the weekly e-news about events and initiatives
Immigration Study
Our main focus of study in 2011 was on immigration. Along with Reverend Nye, The Social Action Committee led a Sunday service in February 2011 introducing the topic of immigration. Following the service, the committee led the first of six immigration forums using the study materials from the UUA. We were pleased by the enthusiasm of our congregation; all six sessions were well-attended. Each session focused on a different aspect of the multi-faceted topic of immigration.