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The Justice Work Still Unfinished — And We Are Ready

Advocate,

Two days left as we celebrate ten years of shared leadership. We have a couple more things to share, but we still need your help!

Today we turn toward the future — and the work for justice that remains unfinished.

The past decade has taught us that progress is rarely linear, and that setbacks often reveal where deeper commitment is needed.

Across the interconnected issues and policy domains that we care about as Unitarian Universalists, we see places where UUSJ's voice, partnerships, and volunteers will be essential in the years ahead.

Recent months, and years, have brought sweeping federal policy changes, Supreme Court decisions that weaken our rights and accelerate inequality and ecological devastation, and an emboldened movement hostile to the inclusive, diverse, and equitable society that we are working to build — creating new harms, especially for communities already facing disproportionate burdens.

We believe our faith tradition must continue to show up with humility, persistence, and partnership. We must show spiritual discipline.

This is long-haul work. It will require many hands.

How is H.R.1 an example of this phenomena?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) is a sweeping federal law passed in 2025. The package affects multiple areas central to our mission:

  • Immigration justice: expanded enforcement, reduced humanitarian protections, and increased surveillance
  • Economic justice: changes to safety-net programs and labor protections, exacerbating an unfair tax system
  • Climate and environmental justice: weakened environmental review processes and reduced support for frontline communities

For us, H.R.1 represents a significant setback — one that touches directly three of our four core justice planks. We would also contend, it has financed the assault on our communities that are challenging various governing norms, thus touching our fourth plank.

Undoing its harms and rebuilding a more just equilibrium will be a major part of our work in the years ahead. For these reasons, we have affirmed the Covenant For Our Future, which you can do also.

Want to learn more or engage? Join us for one of these three events:

So far, supporters have contributed $3,750 toward our $10,000 goal. Thanks!

Please join them!

Make your Day 8 gift of $10 to fuel the future of UUSJ's justice work.

Help us hit the mark!

 
 

Q: "Shouldn't Democrats make repeal of the big ugly bill a top priority for the midterms?"

A: "No question about it." - Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)

What Are the Recent Supreme Court Decisions Affecting Democracy?

Several Supreme Court decisions (2024–2026) have reshaped our democratic institutions and processes. These include rulings that:

  • Make it harder to enforce environmental and civil rights protections by limiting federal agency authority
  • Weaken voting rights, including oversight mechanisms once used to prevent discriminatory practices
  • Expand state-level discretion in election administration

These decisions have created new vulnerabilities in our democratic systems. UUSJ's volunteers and partners will continue to champion inclusive democracy and resist efforts that restrict participation or weaken accountability.

What Are the Anti-DEI & Anti-Gender-Parity Actions Referenced?

Across the country, a growing movement has targeted DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and equity initiatives in schools, workplaces, and public institutions.

These efforts have included:

  • Eliminating DEI offices
  • Restricting training on bias, equity, or inclusion
  • Rolling back gender-equity protections
  • Attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ students and workers
  • Hobbling research that investigates disparate impacts

These changes undermine the dignity, safety, and inclusion of marginalized communities.

 
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