Programs

“The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come.” ~ Greta Thunberg

Social Justice is core to Unitarian Universalism. The work we do expresses our support for justice, equity, inclusion, and a healthy earth. Our work seeks to dismantle systems of oppression and harm, while acting in collaboration and love with those adversely affected by those systems.

Much of this work is done through small groups within the congregation, very often in partnership with local and state organizations, both faith-based and secular. We are always looking for additional group members and one-time volunteers.

Groups
If you are interested in joining any of our groups or simply helping out when you can, please contact the group’s leader:

• Immigration Group –  We participate in the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition which seeks radical immigration reform by working with and on behalf of those affected by our unjust immigration system. Contact Maureen O’Meara at Copy Email Address.
• Transgender Group – We seek to make MVUUF more inclusive for transgender folx and work to fight transphobia in our schools and state laws. Contact Rene Hick at Copy Email Address.
• Climate & Environmental Group – We are an informal group of congregants who want to connect MVUUF to local and national organizations doing the important work of fighting climate change. No meeting participation is required to be part of this team. Contact Maureen O’Meara at Copy Email Address.
• West Dayton Group – We have an on-going relationship with neighborhoods and organizations on the west side of Dayton, collaborating on infant mortality, early childhood education, food insecurity, and environmental justice. Contact Bob Lewis at Copy Email Address.
• The Castle Group – We provide and serve lunch on the third Monday of the month at this Centerville social club for adults with mental illness. We also visit throughout the month. If you would like to assist with lunch, contact Lynn Buffington Copy Email Address. If you would like to visit, contact Mike Fanelli at Copy Email Address.

Committee
In addition to supporting our groups, our Social Justice Committee has a lot going on:

• We organize congregational participation in annual community events like the Dayton MLK March, Dayton Pride, and Dayton Black Pride.
• We coordinate the congregation’s selection of recipients for the Sunday Sharing the Offering.
• We are exploring congregational climate crisis response with members and with UU Justice Ohio (UUJO) and UU’s for Social Justice.
• Along with our Settled Minister, Rev. Kellie Kelly, our committee promotes anti-racism through workshops, book discussions, speakers, and local witness at protests.
• Our Affiliated Community Minister, Rev. Alice Diebel, and others focus on democracy in collaboration with Miami Valley Votes.

We invite all congregants to attend our committee meetings (third Monday of the month at 6:30pm via Zoom), participate in events/actions, and help shape MVUUF’s social justice work. We need everyone’s voices. If you’re interested in getting involved and can’t attend a meeting or event, please contact Bill Ross at Copy Email Address or Lynn Buffington at Copy Email Address.