Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that?
We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a small team of congregants and our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principal which aligns with the work of liberation. An 8th Principle Team is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
Reaching Out to Those Affected by Hurricane Ian:
Donate to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund
Reminders & Opportunities for Action
Reminder #1: 20 Days until the election ONE day to the start of Early Voting. Make sure all your post cards are in the process of being ready for mailing. THANK YOU to all who are helping us reach our 2000 postcard goal!
Reminder #2: As we get closer to the election here is some language about staying non-partisan in our faith spaces. “We live into our UU values as prophetic, but not partisan advocates for issues and specific legislation that creates more equity, and affirms the worth and dignity of all people. (Example – advocating for Medicaid Expansion, fighting voter suppression, etc.). We work to hold elected officials accountable but never endorse political candidates. This is consistent with the work of our larger denomination. For more information see: https://www.uuthevote.org/prophetic-not-partisan-irs-rules-for-non-profits/
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION from our partner UU Justice Ministry NC
How will you contribute to safety, joy and fairness at the polls?
Become a Vote Protector with Democracy NC Vote Protectors serve as our “eyes and ears on the ground” at voting sites across North Carolina. They help voters who encounter problems at the polls and ensure that every polling place is running as it should — sounding the alarm when something isn’t right. On November 4th and November 5th (Last days of early voting) and November 8th (Election Day) Vote Protectors will monitor polling places in their communities flagging: long lines, problems with curbside voting or accessibility, voter confusion, misinformation and voter suppression. And as a vote protector, you will attend an online training, and receive a vote protector t-shirt, sign, and other materials. Sign up to become a Vote Protector Today
Become a Voting Rights Ambassador with You Can Vote! Voting Rights Ambassadors will assist You Can Vote staff with vote tripling and voter education at early voting sites around the state. Once you complete a VRA volunteer training, you can sign up for volunteer shifts at a You Can Vote Help Desk at an early voting site near you. Trainings will take place on October 22 from 10-11am and October 27 from 6-7pm and you can register here.
Carolina Jews & UUs Faith in Action Phonebank in Partnership with the New North Carolina Project Foundation. Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 from now through November 3rd. UU Justice NC is teaming up with Carolina Jews for Justice to co-host this weekly Get Out the Vote phonebank in the run up to the midterm elections. We’ll be calling voters of color across North Carolina empowering and equipping them to vote their values this fall! Register Here
OTHER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES:
Concerned about education in NC?
Watch this timely video produced August 29, and consider if this is an area of advocacy and engagement for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2ihL90I5GE
BeLoved Pantry Needs YOUR Support
https://uuasheville.org/uu-beloved-pantry-project/