Social Justice
The mission of the UUFT Social Justice Committee (SJC) is to support and encourage justice-making in the UUFT as a spiritual path.
We meet on the first Monday of each month at 7pm in the Emerson Library. Free child care is available with advance notice. Topics explored at meetings include ethical eating, criminal justice reform, equality for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, human rights, fair trade, racial justice, gender equity and more. We partner with community organizations to make progress on these issues, in addition to organizing our own projects. If you are interested in helping with one of our existing efforts or starting your own, please join us!
Our Ongoing Projects
Second Sunday Lunches
Please join us for our monthly Second Sunday Lunch and support a worthy cause! These monthly lunches are sponsored by the SJC and prepared by the Young Adult Group. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids and free for kids on laps. All proceeds go to a nonprofit organization nominated by any UUFT member and chosen by the Social Justice Committee. If you would like to nominate an organization, click here to download the nomination form. The menu is as follows (on “donated” Sundays food is provided by UUFT members):
- January: Taco Bar
- February: Hugs and Quiches! (Donated Quiches)
- March: Potato Bar
- April: Donated Lasagnas
- May: BBQ dogs & burgers
- June: Sandwich bar
- July: SJC donated treats
- August: Donated salads
- September: Pancake Bar Breakfast
- October: Donated Chili
- November: Pasta bar
- December: Donated soups
Fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate sales
We know that fair trade makes a difference for those who produce food. Fair trade products are sold at UUFT monthly. SJC also provides fair trade coffee and tea for members and visitors to enjoy on Sunday mornings. To learn more about fair trade and the products we sell, visit www.equalexchange.coop.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Supporters at UUFT join more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions as we coordinate support to act for justice on a wide range of issues. Letter-writing takes place on the second Sunday of each month. Learn more at www.amnesty.org.
Food Drive
SJC’s ongoing food drive supports the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment food bank, which serves hundreds of families each year who have been affected by domestic violence. Donations may be brought to UUFT at any time and left in the basket near the welcome table. Any nonperishable food is welcome but protein items, like canned meat, soup with meat, ravioli and peanut butter are especially needed. Learn more about families served by the YWCA at www.ywcatopeka.org.
Guest at Your Table
This annual fundraiser supports the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. The UUUNO promotes the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. Through targeted education, advocacy and outreach, they engage Unitarian Universalists in support of international cooperation and the work of the United Nations. Learn more at www.uu-uno.org.
Global Village Bazaar
The annual Global Village Bazaar in December features fairly-traded gifts from around the world from suppliers including Ten Thousand Villages, The Survivor Network, Equal Exchange and Heifer International. Products include hand-made jewelry, home décor, Christmas ornaments, baskets, sculpture, fiber art, coffee, alternative gifts and more. Fair trade products are produced to cause minimal environmental impact while providing artisans, usually living in impoverished areas, with new economic opportunities, fair wages and good working conditions. UUFT members also sell their wares to benefit local nonprofit organizations and social justice projects. To see some of the products usually sold, visit www.tenthousandvillages.com.
For more information talk to anyone from Social Justice Committee or contact SJC Chair Laura Burton.
Anti-Racism Team Talk Back
Here is your opportunity to express your ideas about racism and to discuss the subject with others:
http://anti-racismteam.blogspot.com/
Call for "Second Sunday Lunch" Beneficiary Recipients — Click here to download nomination form (in MS Word format)