Unitarian Church in Charleston Social Justice Program
Our Vision: To Become Social Justice Leaders in the Community
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Mission Statement:
To Lead the Activities of the Church in Promoting Social Justice:
• To engage on the church’s behalf in active efforts toward the pursuit of justice, love and truth
• To actively encourage those in our church who wish to be active in furthering social justice to bring their skills and abilities to bear on social justice issues
• To provide information, education, and inspiration about social justice needs and opportunities, and to keep the church membership informed at all times about ongoing initiatives.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th, 2012 in Gage Hall at 7:00 p.m. Subcommittees (action groups) meet as needed. Members and friends are encouraged to contact any of those in charge to become involved.
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Next Meeting – May 7th, 2012
Guest Speaker: Ed Dykman, CAISC
Gage Hall, 6:30 pm - 8:30 PM
Pizza will be served!
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE - Serves as an umbrella group that provides leadership, coordination and communication with the UCC congregation, committee members and the greater Charleston community. Our main focus has been to address issues related to social justice and social responsibility at the local and state level. Most of the activities are done by sub-committees/action groups who meet as necessary to meet their objectives. The Social Justice Committee meets three times a year: October, January and May. If you are interested in any groups below, contact leadership listed below.
Co-Chair: Diane Narkunas, dmntou@yahoo.com, 849-0726
Co-Chair: Suanne Ansari - 843 708-0982, sansari@smalawfirm.com
Vestry Liaison: Deb Mihal, sub73amazon@yahoo.com, 225-4184
ADVOCACY- The Social Justice Committee supports those who wish to improve their capacity and gain support to advocate for social justice issues locally and at state and federal levels. Contact: Donna Reyburn, donnadives@bellsouth.net, 768-2620. If you would like to have the Social Justice Committee consider your issue, please fill out this form and send to Donna -- Click Here for Advocacy Request Form!
COFFEE HOUSE/ SCHOOL PROGRAMS - Promotes educational equity for children living in poverty in the Charleston Tri-County area. Funds generated through monthly Gage Hall Coffee Houses support Charleston’s Mitchell School enrichment activities, which include enhanced math and science projects, as well as field trips for children in grades K-5. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in school activities. School Contact: John Narkunas, narkunas@bellsouth.net, 849-0726. Coffee House Contact: Mark Farnham, mfarnham@bellsouth.net; 216-0283. Click here for more information --SCHOOL PROGRAMS .
COMMUNITY OUTREACH GIVING – Donations from Sunday offerings are donated to two charities each year. The current project is Darkness to Light. Their mission is to prevent child sexual abuse in the Tri-County area. Donations are accepted year round for UCC Community Outreach Giving, but the church’s fall campaign will begin Sept. 18th. To nominate a non-profit organization for charitable giving support, go to the UCC Social Justice Website for a nomination form. Contact: Diane Narkunas, dmntou@yahoo.com, 849-0726. click here for more information: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEERING - On a recent survey, many members and friends indicated that they are volunteering or would like to volunteer in community organizations. Please contact Cathie Currin, afscathie@aol.com 971-0248 to request additional volunteers for the organizations where you help, or for additional information about community volunteer opportunities.
CRISES MINISTRY - Volunteers prepare and serve dinner at the Charleston Men’s Shelter on the first Wednesday of every other month, and prepare and serve breakfast at the Family Shelter the following morning. Contact: Catherine Townsend, ctownsend@D2L.org, 871-0051.
GREEN SANCTUARY- Group acts as the coordinating group for environmental activities within the church. In February 2009, the subcommittee secured Green Sanctuary accreditation for the church from the UU Ministry for Earth. Contact: Laura Moses, lauramoses@yahoo.com, 364-1976 or Nina Fair, ninafair@bellsouth.net, 762-4930. Click here our latest efforts: GREEN SANCTUARY
MEDIA REFORM SC – We believe that free, full, objective information is necessary for citizens to make decisions needed to sustain vibrant institutions & promote healthy, prosperous lives for everyone. If you are interested in joining this non-partisan group, Contact Faye Steuer,steuerf@cofc.edu, 884-7766, Steuerf@cofc.edu. See group’s website to learn more: http//mediareformsc.org.
Minutes of Last Social Justice Meeting -- click here
Learn about Welcoming Congregations!-- click here
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E-mail: SocialJustice@charlestonuu.org
UUA Social Justice Website: www.uua.org/socialjustice