Opportunities for Congregational Involvement in UU Organizations
UU Mass Action
UU Mass Action is a statewide network of ministers and lay members
representing Massachusetts Unitarian Universalist churches and fellowships.
Its mission is to mobilize Unitarian Universalists individually and
congregationally to take action in support of Unitarian Universalist
principles for a more just, equitable and compassionate Commonwealth. [More]
Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
For
nearly 200 years, the UU Urban Ministry has been working side-by-side
with Boston's urban communities to create opportunities and instill hope
for a brighter future. The UUUM is a shared ministry engaging hundreds
of volunteers each year, including Unitarian Universalists from the
UUUM’s member congregations and the wider community. This ministry is
rooted in direct experience and service with those in Boston who are
struggling for better lives. We seek to build bridges of understanding
and mutuality so that people in various economic circumstances can work
together to effect change.
Current programming includes:
- Roxbury Youth Programs - After School (RYP): an after-school program for middle school and high school youth focused on helping students to develop the academic, interpersonal and leadership skills that will empower them to be leaders in their families, schools and communities.
- Roxbury Youth Programs - Weekend (Explorer’s Club): a weekend enrichment program for elementary school aged youth that promotes self-expression and exploration through hands on activities and field trips. Explorer’s Club provides opportunities for youth leadership and personal growth and serves to build community and nurture the mentoring relationships that develop between children and adult volunteer mentors.
- Renewal House: an emergency shelter that provides support and extensive services for adults and their children escaping from abusive living situations. In addition to supportive programs within the shelter, Renewal House offers English classes and other community outreach.
- United Souls: a support group and network for men in transition.
For more information about the UU Urban Ministry, visit their website at www.uuum.org. Representatives from the UU Urban Ministry are happy to come to your congregation to preach messages on various social justice themes. To find out more about volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, contact kwilkinson [at] uuum [dot] org (Rev. Kate Wilkinson), Coordinator of Congregational Outreach and Volunteers.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
A nonsectarian
organization that advances human rights and social justice in the United
States and around the world.
UUSC's mission and vision are guided by the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and the seven Unitarian Universalist principles that affirm the
worth, dignity, and human rights of every person. [more]
Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul
Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul helps people in the Gulf Coast region rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, their communities and their lives for as long as it takes. This is an all volunteer, multigenerational, non-profit, tax-exempt organization, started at the Winchester Unitarian Society. Long Haul has sponsored 16 week-long service trips to New Orleans, southern Louisiana bayou country, and Mississippi. YOU ARE STILL NEEDED! Volunteers are providing the lion’s share of help in the Gulf Coast recovery efforts and are deeply appreciated. Local faith based volunteer groups estimate only about half of the rebuilding work is done after more than 4 years. [For more information contact trinah2 [dot] 0 [at] gmail [dot] com (Trina Heinisch) or check out their website.]
