Animal Ministry
The UUAM Asheville Chapter became one of 46 official chapters in September, 2023 and has been active and growing ever since. Documentary films, ongoing service projects, plant-based cooking classes, and plant-based potlucks are regular activities, among others. We address the issues of animals farmed for food, wildlife, vivisection, and companion animal abuses. Our mission is to build justice and compassion for animals.
For AVL Chapter questions, contact Iris Williams.*
“To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. The more helpless the creature, the more that it is entitled to protection by man from the cruelty of man.” – Leonardo da Vinci
The Beginnings of the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry
In 1986, four friends in New York City who cared deeply about animals formed the core group of what was initially called Unitarian Universalists For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UFETA). In 1987, UFETA presented its first program at General Assembly. It was called Compassionate Consumerism. UFETA was influential in getting Global Warming and Ethical Eating approved as Study Action Items.
After much research, discussion and deliberation, in the fall of 2009, UFETA changed its name to UU Animal Ministry. “This new name reflects more truly our commitment to our congregations as we assist them in their faith development and their outreach regarding the inherent worth and dignity of all beings”.
For UUAM comprehensive history, programs, resources, board members, merchandise, monthly newsletter sign-up and more, visit uuam.org.
UUAM supports the UU Interdependence Value and Covenant Statement that was adopted at the 2024 General Assembly of UUA, as follows:
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality, and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
“Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my way of thinking, and in my way of life.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Chapter Activities
Plant-Based Food
To reduce animal suffering and negative environmental impact, UUAM promotes plant-based eating. To support people on this path, plant-based cooking classes are offered, and plant-based potlucks are popular with long-time advocates and newcomers alike. Restaurant meetups are fun gatherings where folks can get better acquainted. A Plant-Based Friendly Asheville Restaurant Guide is available here. (link #4 to the Guide document included on thumb drive))
Photos: Picnic at Haw Creek Park, December potluck at UU Asheville, and a lunch meetup at Pulp and Sprout!
Informative Programs and Literature
Documentary films, educational bulletin board displays, and tabling with animal rights literature remain constants in UUAM AVL Chapter efforts. The congregation and the community are invited to attend film screenings. Recent films included “The Smell of Money”, “Eating our Way to Extinction”, “Humans and Other Animals”, and “Eating for Tomorrow”. These important and informative films are now available for home viewing!
Ongoing Projects
Shelter Dog Transport Alliance
Almost every week, the Shelter Dog Transport Alliance partners with over a dozen county shelter systems that are experiencing overcrowding and are in need of valuable space. Dogs and cats who are at risk for euthanasia are safely transported to northern rescue partners where forever homes await them. For more information visit shelterdogtransportalliance.com.
A team of UUAMers support the Alliance on transport days by serving as dog walkers or puppy tenders. Transports take place in all kinds of weather—rain, shine, and brutal cold!
“Just knowing I’m helping them start over and lightening their fear and nervousness a bit makes me feel great. Please come out with family and friends and join UUAM members.” – Elise Caplan, UUAM Volunteer
Wildlife Support
Migrating Monarchs are endangered! To assist in their recovery, the UUAM AVL Chapter created a Monarch Habitat on the UU Asheville Campus in October 2023. Children from the RE program added the plant names with colorful painted rocks. Monarchs have been sighted resting on the milkweed. The habitat is currently maintained by the chapter. To continue our support of wildlife, a Bat Basics handout is available and a bat house was added to the campus in spring 2026.
Assisting our Local Shelters
In February 2024 the UUAM AVL Chapter sponsored a month-long drive for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. The congregation contributed blankets, rugs, leashes cat and dog food, cat and dog treats, and toys! Additional drives for other local shelters are planned for the future.
“The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than Black people were made for Whites or women for men.” – Alice Walker
Animal Haven of Asheville
UUAMers enjoy visiting and supporting our local 10-acre animal sanctuary in east Asheville. Animal Haven is a place where lost and abandoned animals can find food and shelter from the cruelties of life. Visitors are welcome and there is a bonus of a wonderful Thrift Store—shop or donate! Groups are given the opportunity for hands-on experience in animal care and feeding. For more information, check out their website at animalhavenofasheville.org.
“Thousands of people who say they ‘love’ animals sit down once or twice a day to enjoy the flesh of creatures who have been utterly deprived of everything that could make their lives worth living and who endured the awful suffering and the terror of the abattoirs.” – Dr. Jane Goodall
JOIN UUAM! TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE A FUTURE WHERE ALL BEINGS ARE TREATED WITH RESPECT, JUSTICE, AND COMPASSION!
