Social Justice Updates

Bill Crowley, Social Justice Team Lead

Every Tuesday at noon there is a social justice action across the street from Sen. Thom Tillis’s office off WT Harris Blvd. near the Hickory Tavern.  We often have over 150 people with signs asking Sen. Tillis to have a town hall meeting with his constituents to discuss such important issues as immigration, healthcare, repeal of HB2, a $15 per hr. minimum wage, etc.  I have counted more than 12 people from the University, Salisbury, and Lake Norman gatherings.   Rev. Justin is often there to lead the prayer.

The Social Justice Team will be leading the Service Sunday at the University Gathering on April 30, 2017.  Two activities are planned.  First,  Animal Ministry will be collecting cat and dog food, labeling it, and preparing it to be delivered.  All hands can be on deck to support this effort.  Secondly, members of Animal Ministry, ADORE, Interweave, Moral Mondays, etc. will be available to talk to members of the congregation about their particular groups and how individuals can get involved in our activities.

We are very proud that we have started to include environmental groups such as Catawba Riverkeepers in our selections of recipients for half our plate collection.  Greenpeace has been selected for May.  We have recently had an uptick in members participating in our monthly meetings. Discussions are ongoing within the UU organization nationally regarding our possible participation in the Sanctuary Movement. Look for more to come on that topic!

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” —  Harriet Tubman