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Background:
Background:
UUCR’s congregational participation in Social Action and Social Justice is a reflection of several Unitarian Universalist principles. Those principles include the inherent worth and dignity of every person, compassion in human relations, the right of conscience, and the use of the democratic process. Our work in the areas of social action and justice agrees with teachings from other religions that impel us to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. The committee’s subgroups, projects, and activities are open to all UUCR members and friends. Social action is generally considered to be organized acts of charity and kindness, while social justice is advocacy for change to improve the human condition. To provide monetary support, contribute to the Charity of the Month special collections for specific social action and justice projects. For more active participation, our unique location in the capital area provides us with opportunities to show up and live our faith out loud. Recently we’ve been part of the Women’s March, Climate March, Poor People’s Campaign, reproductive rights and health care demonstrations, pro-immigrant and DACA vigils, and anti-gun lobby vigils. Sign up for our text alerts (at www.uureston.org) to learn more.
Committee Chair: Annie Simpson SAJChair@uureson.org
Denise Kirwan
A yearly charity event held in the sanctuary on the first Saturday of December, from 10 AM – 2 PM, the AGM enables holiday shoppers to donate in the name of a loved one to more than 30 charitable organizations, to advance the well-being of people who are less fortunate, both locally and internationally. Tangible gifts at fair trade prices are also available. Volunteers greet visitors, staff booths, act as cashiers, and help with publicity.
Caroline & Steve Ewart
It is our role as a spiritual, faith-based community to love all of our neighbors. The inherent worth and dignity of all humans is recognized at UUCR, and we stand in solidarity with our immigrant community and provide support to congregations who offer sanctuary to those who fear injustice, violence, or fear for their safety.
Cornerstones Partnership
Cornerstones Partnership
Liaison: Annie Simpson
By representing UUCR on the Cornerstones’ Board of Directors, we have a voice in this prominent local nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and advocacy for people in our area who are in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, and other human services.
The Annual Capitol Steps Benefit Performance held in January each year provides a hilarious evening of political satire, all for an important cause – to help families in the Embry Rucker Community Homeless Shelter.
Before the beginning of each school year, the back-to-school project members solicit and coordinate delivery to Cornerstones donations such as clothing, back packs, and gift cards for K-12 children who couldn’t otherwise afford them.
For families in need, there often isn't enough money to spend on gifts. During the holidays, UUCR congregants contribute to the Cornerstones' holiday gift drive. Volunteers distribute wish lists to willing congregants, receive donated gifts, & purchase additional ones with donated cash.
Culinary Connections
Culinary Connections
Leni Nazare
Cross-cultural interactions among UUCR and recent immigrant communities, discussing our cultures and sharing our traditions and our recipes.
We are recently affiliated with Herndon Cares, a local effort that feeds the hungry and helps local businesses.
Jackie Grogan
For more than 10 years, UUCR has been an accredited Green Sanctuary congregation, one of 254 affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. We support one another as we strive to embody environmentally just principles and improve the condition of our planet, and hold a watershed cleanup each spring in connection with Earth Day.
Hypothermia Prevention
Hypothermia Prevention
Pat Berg
During the winter months, UUCR volunteers partner with Cornerstones and Fairfax County to prepare and serve dinner to the homeless once a week at the North County Hypothermia Prevention Program (NCHP) Center. Training for this project takes place in early December at UUCR, and volunteers work in teams to plan, prepare, and serve meals to dozens of homeless adults.
Jennifer Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Terry Mitchell
Established in 1990 in response to serious drug and other problems in low/moderate income housing developments in Reston, this scholarship fund is for high school graduating seniors with a solid record of achievement despite economic, family, linguistic, or other difficulties which would have impeded less dedicated and determined students. Donations are gratefully received throughout the year and scholarships are awarded each spring.
LGBTQ Task Force
LGBTQ Task Force
Chris Topoleski
UUCR is a Welcoming Congregation offering a safe place for all people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning. The Task Force’s goal is to assure we are welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and to do outreach to the local LGBTQ community. Volunteer to help organize educational seminars, and to provide a supporting presence at local area rallies and events.
Helen Rose and Gar Young
Discussions of our hopes and dreams for the role that UUCR can play in advancing racial justice in the greater Reston Community. Also represents UUCR in VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement), a non-partisan coalition of more than 50 faith organizations standing up for equal opportunity in our communities, respect for all, tolerance, and peaceful change.
Refugee Support Project
Refugee Support Project
Caroline Ewart
UUCR sponsors a family as part of the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area Refugee Resettlement Program. We provide funding, food, clothing, housing, household items, transportation, and other essentials to welcome and help the family acclimate to Northern Virginia.
Special Collections coordination
Special Collections coordination
Denise Kirwan and Terry Grogan
Throughout the church year, on a monthly basis, the Social Action and Justice Committee designates a special charity to receive congregant donations. On the second Sunday of each month, all cash from the collection plate is also donated to the charity of the month.
Jane Anthony
This nonprofit thrift shop in the heart of historic downtown Herndon was founded in 1974 by a few local churches to sell used clothing at nominal prices. It is supported entirely by sales and the community in the form of donations, purchases, and volunteers. Each quarter UUCR is assigned twelve 2 hour volunteer shifts to help at checkout, organize shelves, work at the boutique desk or at the try on room, and learn how to price items. More information about volunteering is available here.
Terry Grogan
Our mission is to mobilize and amplify the voice of Unitarian Universalists in the National Capital Region (NCR) as we seek to change the world through acts of love and justice. Take part in advocacy and witness opportunities to bring critical social justice issues to the attention of policy-makers by joining UUSJ. http://uusj.net
Marsha Hughes-Rease, and Leni Nazare
Our most critical and urgent SoActJust activity is a non-partisan faith initiative to engage our neighbors, educate our communities, mobilize voters, and rally around key ballot initiatives.
So you want to volunteer?
So you want to volunteer?
Volunteer roles of a diverse nature are available for all of these projects/programs and more. Simply contact the person(s) leading the activity(ies) of interest, and they will provide you with more details on how you can help. We are especially interested in recruiting future leaders for these projects and programs, because it is our goal to rotate leadership among active volunteers every 2 or 3 years. Newcomers are always welcomed. If you would like to participate in the Social Action & Justice Committee, have questions about related projects/programs or activities, or have a project or program of your own, please contact Annie Simpson at SAJChair@uureston.org
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