“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary, and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair, and disrespect.” ― Nikki Giovanni
Below are family-friendly social action initiatives, most of which coordinate with initiatives developed and supported by our wider congregation. As Albert Schweitzer reminds us, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." This is particularly true when raising children―let them see you do these things―better yet, do them together!
Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. ―From the Holocaust Museum, Washington, D.C. |
UU Social Justice Ministries
Our justice ministries focus on key priorities for our congregations and communities: Social Justice Agencies in Pittsburgh
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Second Sunday Political Action Potluck | 4:30 PMFamily-friendly social action activity! At our monthly Second Sunday Political Action Potluck, we 1) share a potluck dinner and enjoy each other’s company, and 2) contact our elected officials to share our opinions on important matters. For example, January's focus included education, electoral reform, and civil rights. More than 130 letters, postcards and personal phone calls went out to federal and state legislators.
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. ― John F. Kennedy |
Confronting RacismThe opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice. ― Bryan Stevenson View a series of three excellent videos on race, sponsored by the Ford Foundation and produced by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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Multi media that offers fresh perspectives on black identity, and fascinating insights on how to defeat racism.
Prejudice and Racism | Dr. Joy Degruy
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It is not possible, nor is it necessary, to know the outcome of our actions; therefore we act in faith. Faith asks not that we succeed, but that we try. We try because we yearn to live out our values. Conscience urges us on, for we have dreamed of a better, more just tomorrow. We care; therefore, we act. In acting, we risk having our hearts broken a thousand times; therefore, we are sustained by hope. That is the price those who cleared the way for us accepted. It is what living fully, deeply, and with integrity demands ―Mark Morrison-Reed, The Selma Awakening: How the Civil Rights Movement Tested and Changed Unitarian Universalism
Khasi HillsCoordinators Karen Litzinger & Shelley Ross
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” |
Khasi Hills
For over a decade, First Unitarian Church has been supporting the Annie Margaret Barr Secondary School in Kharang in the Khasi Hills of India through the Sponsor-a-Student program and two small capital improvement projects. Currently we are helping to establish an Upper Secondary School, grades 11 and 12, to enable students to graduate locally from high school. Stop by during Social Hour through October 25 to browse photos and make a donation. These make wonderful end-of-year teacher appreciation gifts. Khasi Hills | Pen Friends Also, we have opportunities to establish Pen Friends for children. The letters from students in the Khasi Hills have just arrived. We have about 70 letters from 9th and 10th grade students. Pick up one or two this Sunday at Social Hour. In many ways, this is similar to our previous school sponsorship program since your child can develop a personal relationship with a Khasi Hills student. We generally ask that you write two letters in the coming year. Please be a Pen Friend even if you cannot donate....we need you! Questions? Contact committee chairperson, Karen Litzinger, 412-242-7045 A family-friendly activity that you can do together with your children and youth. |
“Past the seeker as he prayed came the crippled and the beggar and the beaten. And seeing them, he cried, “Great God, how is it that a loving creator can see such things and yet do nothing about them?” God said, “I did do something. I made you.” ―Sufi saying