Board of Trustee Search

The UUSJ Nominating Committee is seeking applications and nominations for election to the Board of Trustees. Nominees need not be current members of UUSJ but are expected to join if elected (dues are modest).

Progressive people of faith can be a powerful political force, and UUSJ is focused on raising the voice of Unitarian Universalism in the halls of power in the United States. UUSJ is seeking new Board members to help us strengthen our ability to ensure our values of justice, equity, and compassion are front and center with our legislators and national policymakers.

The Nominating Committee and current Board are interested in persons reflecting the diversity of the UU justice-making experience. Members of the UUSJ Board of Trustees may serve up to two terms of three years each before leaving the Board for two years.

We are searching for new candidates to join the Board as of July 1, 2023. Applications are due April 23, 2023. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should contact Chloe Emily Ockey, Nominating Committee Chair (nomination@uusj.org).

April Board Meeting
Friday, April 21
1:00pm ET • 12:00pm CT • 11:00am MT • 10:00am PT 

UUSJ’s spring Board of Trustees meeting will be via Zoom on Friday, April 21, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm ET. The agenda and related materials will be sent to Board members in advance. Board meetings are open to UUSJ members, who may request an opportunity to speak briefly in advance. For more information, contact: info@UUSJ.org

Expert Opinion Briefing:
A Climate-Smart Farm Bill with Jim Walsh of Food & Water Watch
Thursday, April 13
8:00pm ET • 7:00pm CT • 6:00pm MT • 5:00pm PT
RSVP here to get Zoom details

The Farm Bill presents a critical opportunity to advocate for a climate-smart agricultural sector that advances justice. We want and need a proposal that moves the agricultural sector in a sustainable and regenerative direction.

Jim Walsh of Food & Water Watch will speak with UUSJ about how we can use the Farm Bill to push the agriculture sector toward conservation, reductions in carbon emissions, and to protect land, water, and biodiversity from degradation. As convenor of the Alliance Against Farm Bill Offsets, Jim will highlight a vision for a proposal that resists carbon markets and offsets as well as unsustainable agricultural practices and dirty energy, often promoted under the guise of climate-smart agriculture.

Jim serves as the Policy Director for Food & Water Watch. In this capacity, Jim works with Food & Water Watch’s policy experts and national allies to develop and implement campaigns to mobilize the public and educate decision-makers on strategies that support the development of a better food system, a safe and livable climate, and safe and clean public water for all.

Food & Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all. It stands up to corporations that put profits before people and advocates for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment.

Act For A Climate-Smart Farm Bill
Action Alert

This year, as faith-based actors, we have an essential role in showcasing that faith advocates see a moral imperative for a proposal that shifts to a greener, more sustainable, regenerative approach. 

Please take action. Review our issue Handout, send a message using our online letter platform, and distribute an Action Poster so others can do the same. 

UUSJ will plan virtual Hill visits in relation to Earth Month, as staffer schedules allow. If you want to join those efforts, please let us know by filling out the meeting interest form HERE or reach out to advocacy@uusj.org this will help us detail engagement plans.

Faithful Farm Bill Briefing
Tuesday, April 18
1:00pm ET • 12:00pm CT • 11:00am MT • 10:00am PT
Register Here

UUSJ joins Interfaith Power & Light, the American Friends Service Committee, and others in sponsoring an event to lift the importance of pursuing a Faithful Farm Bill.

Our food and agriculture system is vulnerable to climate change and a leading contributor to the climate crisis. For too long, a few powerful corporations have influenced what farmers grow, often pushing farms toward conventional agricultural practices. Policies to end hunger and regulate agriculture in the U.S. must align with our goals to address climate change. The Farm Bill — an enormous multibillion-dollar bill passed every five years — presents an opportunity for faith communities to urge Congress to champion a climate-conscious, faithful transition in our food and agriculture system.

UUJEC: Changing Narratives about Growing Food
Jean Eells, PhD
Thursday, April 13
8:00pm ET • 7:00pm CT • 6:00pm MT • 5:00pm PT
To register for Zoom, Click Here
Or watch the webinar on UUJEC's Facebook page live; click Click Here

The soil we need to grow food and fiber is more dangerous than people realize! The steady degradation of soil worldwide is almost invisible due to widespread tillage practices that we now understand make the life of the microbes that support plants miserable. Who knew? Fortunately, renewal and resilience are possible, necessary, and urgently needed. This discussion will focus on steps everyone can take immediately to work the levers of change.

UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE)

An invitation to the Unitarian Universalist faith community to embody the transformational, regenerative power of Spring through sacred activism for Earth and all our relations. The complete calendar of various activities and ways to live and learn your values of Earthcare can be found HERE. 

UUMFE Earth Day Service
Thursday, April 20th
8:00pm ET • 7:00pm CT • 6:00pm MT • 5:00pm PT
Register Here

There are two ways to worship with UUMFE for Earth Day! 

• Receive the recordings for use in your congregation. Donations are requested; register Here
• Read our 2023 Earth Day Order of Service and contributor biographies Here! We can’t wait to celebrate this important day with you all. Thanks to Side with Love for their sponsorship.

Dialogue with Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt Before the Election
Meeting and Registration Information

Every election cycle, a series of presidential forums are hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Association so that UUs can hear from candidates. 

There is only a single name on the ballot for UUA President this June, and that creates even more of a need to hear from you—the people who collectively hold this faith—about what Unitarian Universalism means to you, your hopes and needs for our future, and how we can better live into our purpose and potential together. 

We hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to converse with Rev. Betancourt at the above-mentioned events.

Lay Of The Land For Democracy

In March, the Democracy Action Team held meetings with staff members in the House to discuss the following legislative areas and determine the prospects of these moving forward:

• Campaign finance: Democracy for All Amendment H.J.Res.13;
  and the End Dark Money Act H.R.142
• Voting rights: Restoring Faith in Elections Act, H.R.156
• Redistricting: CLEAN Elections Act H.R.157
• Transparent representation: TRUST Act, H.R.345 
• Any other potential democracy-related legislation

Meetings are ongoing during this intelligence-gathering phase.  Please let us know if you are a constituent of Representatives Terri Sewell (AL-7), John Sarbanes (MD-3), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), or Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8).

Staff were very positive and knowledgeable about the campaign finance reform bills in the previous Congress but were unaware of the bills introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania. Staff was willing to check on these Fitzpatrick-sponsored bills, get a sense of where those stand and report back.

We had frank conversations about the current situation in the House. Staff still consider it very early in this session of Congress, and, at least for now, the Freedom Caucus members are driving what is being discussed.

Offices supportive of UUSJ concerns are looking to thwart attacks on helpful legislation passed in the last Congress as they try to figure out what the Republicans prioritize over the next few years. They are looking for openings to bipartisan legislation.

Vote Frameworks Matter In The House

Recent meetings highlighted the key role of the House Committee on Rules. Is your representative a member? Check here and let us know; we want to connect with you. The Majority members are from IN, KY, MN, NY, OK-Chair, PA, SC, and TX (twice). The Minority members are from CO, MA-Ranking, NM, and PA.

Every piece of legislation goes through this committee, and rules are attached. The committee determines how a bill is considered on the floor and if it’s considered on the floor. There are four Democrats and nine Republicans on this committee, two of which are Freedom Caucus members. 

This vote framework means the minority is not in a position to block legislation from moving forward if the majority votes together.

Forging Forward For Afghans

The Immigration Action Team held meetings with two Congressional Offices on the Afghan Adjustment Act: Rep. John James (R-MI-10) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) as part of our effort to build bicameral and bipartisan support ahead of reintroduction during the 118th Congress, and even seek co-sponsors for the new version.

The Afghan Adjustment Act is a bipartisan bill that would give Afghan evacuees the ability to get a green card and was introduced in the last Congress. However, despite bi-partisan co-sponsorship, it was not included in the omnibus spending bill passed at the end of 2022. 

If you want to join future meetings on this topic, let us know at (Bob Shields steamboatl456@gmail.com)

Public Comment Push On Biden Asylum Proposal

UUSJ joined members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) in raising deep concerns regarding a new immigration policy proposed by the Biden administration entitled: Circumvention of Lawful Pathways (February 23, 2023). 

The Immigration Action Team submitted a Formal Comment opposing the proposal.  This policy would allow the Biden administration to continue turning back most people seeking protection at the US southern border, either to their home countries or to Mexico, unless they had already applied for asylum and were rejected in Mexico or another country through which they traveled on their way to the U.S. border. The policy would allow an exception for asylum seekers who wait in Mexico for many months while trying to obtain a limited number of appointments at the border. 

Frontline migrant advocates and humanitarian officials report that there are serious problems with this system, including a woefully inadequate number of appointments, failings of the technology used, and a nonfunctional asylum process in Mexico, resulting in most asylum seekers being left in dangerous, unhealthy conditions in squalid border settings. This is unacceptable to our faith tradition of respecting human rights and welcoming sojourners.

Ending Asylum Is Unacceptable: What To Do Instead

Regarding the border, President Trump and now President Biden have tried to alter immigration policies in ways that impact, and perhaps impinge, on the human right to seek asylum. These policies are understood to be inhumane and ineffective by communities and professionals grappling with their impacts. Many have offered witness to the immense chaos and suffering they have inflicted. 

#WelcomeWithDignity offers materials to consider alternatives:

• Ending Asylum Is Unacceptable: Expert Recommendations On What To Do Instead
• REPORTS: The Family Case Management Program: Why Case Management Can and Must Be Part of the US Approach to Immigration
• RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS: Alternatives to Immigration Detention: An Overview

The President Can Stop Willow

In March, the Biden Administration demurred from stopping the Willow Project in Alaska. The Administration claimed (Forbes) they could not deny the project because Conoco Phillips had a lease to the land. This assertion is not based on law. To learn more about Biden’s executive powers to stop fossil fuels, visit: https://bidensclimatepowers.org/

The People vs Fossil Fuels Coalition – of which UUSJ is a member – has long pushed for President Biden to use his existing authority to (1) stop approvals for all new fossil fuel projects and exports, (2) end fossil fuel production on public lands and waters, and (3) declare a climate emergency to more rapidly shift us off of fossil fuels. 

• Please help spread the word with this toolkit and call the White House comment line to urge the President to reverse his decision. Details and script guidance are in the kit.
• While calls are most effective at this juncture, you can also send a message: bit.ly/BidenStopWillow

Our Place in the Family of Things

Wednesday, April 5
7:30pm ET • 6:30pm CT • 5:30pm MT • 4:30pm PT
Information and Registration

Join Rev. Cathlin Baker, speaking on “Our Place in the Family of Things.” Through scripture, guided meditation, and contemplative practices, Cathlin will invite you into a new posture and relationship with the places you call home.  Cathlin's recent reflections and sermons have focused on connecting to the place where you live by listening to what the land and creatures are saying. Her hope for healing and justice for creation rests in believing that there is inherent wisdom to be gleaned from the very places where we live, especially if human beings humble themselves, finding their proper "place in the family of things," as Mary Oliver observes in her poem “Wild Geese.” Rev. Cathlin Baker is a minister in the United Church of Christ and serves the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard.

Conservation and Regeneration: Fostering Resilience in the Farm Bill

Tuesday, May 2nd
5:00pm ET • 4:00pm CT • 3:00pm MT • 2:00pm PT
Register here.
Learn how to reform our farm programs to support the diversified farm operations that contribute to resilient soils and a healthy environment while holding abusive corporations accountable.

President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Plan

The President released his Budget; see the official case statement from the White House Office of Management and Budget documents. 

In response, fair-tax advocacy shops are looking to: (1) enact Biden’s budget to make corporations and the rich start paying their fair share of taxes and use the money to invest in working families, (2) oppose cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, housing, nutrition, etc., (3) assert If Congress wants to reduce the debt then reverse tax cuts for the rich and corporations made over the last 40 years, and (4) oppose renewing Trump’s tax cuts that will add $3 trillion to the deficit.

• Fact Sheet: List of Biden’s Taxes & Investments in the 2024 Budget - ATF
• Revenue-Raising Proposals in Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Plan – ITEP
• President Biden’s Budget Charts a Needed Course Correction as 2025 Tax Debate Begins - CBPP
• Biden’s Child Tax Proposal Would Help Many But Presents Administrative Challenges - TPC

We Can Solve Hunger

"We can solve hunger, the proof is in our history," asserts MAZON, as it offers an innovative and unique approach to teaching the history of hunger in the United States with its newly launched virtual project, “The Hunger Museum.”

The virtual museum project aims to raise awarness that the Farm Bill is one of the most transformational pieces of legislation that Congress regularly reauthorizes, and it is up for renewal this year. Congress must protect and strengthen SNAP (food stamps) and other essential programs serving tens of millions of Americans annually.

SNAP Under Attack!

• Republican attacks on SNAP endanger America’s children and veterans - The Hill
• Republicans launch opening salvo against food aid - Politico
• Study: Latinos at higher risk of food insecurity than white counterparts - Axios
• GOP Wants to Cut SNAP, Food Stamps Benefits in Debt Ceiling Bill - Business Insider

Fair Farm Bill Campaign

Centering Equity in the Farm Bill
Tuesday, April 4th at 5pm ET
Register here.
Marginalized farmers and communities have long been denied participation in agriculture programs and policy development. Learn how to reform our food and farm system to make it fair and inclusive. 

Build Local, Eat Local: Supporting Regional Food Systems in the Farm Bill
Tuesday, April 18th at 5 PM ET
Register here.
A food system controlled by multinational corporations threatens our food supply and national security. Let’s rein in Big Ag’s power and create resilient local and regional food systems.