We Rise: Taking the Side of Human Worth and Dignity The Jewish nobel-laureate Elie Wiesel said, “I swear never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Unitarian Universalists are called by our faith to take the side of human worth and dignity. Our response to this call may take many forms, including social action. Indeed as the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert reminds us, “It is in our liberal religious bloodline to gather and organize ourselves as a prophetic church, a religious community that seeks to intervene in human history for the sake of social justice.” Social Justice Resources For those who feel called to take the side of human worth and dignity through social action and in keeping with our mission to, “Support and promote the principles of Unitarian Universalism…and inspire lives of passion, compassion and community.…for ourselves and for the larger world,” the Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church (BUUC) offers the following resources to help you connect, learn about, educate and engage with people and issues related to social action and justice. At BUUC: CESA or the Committee for Ecology & Social Action is an extension of the Green Sanctuary Committee, which began in 2004. The mission of a Green Sanctuary is to support an ongoing commitment to the Earth by striving to create sustainable lifestyle alternatives for our church, its members and the surrounding community. The Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church received Green Sanctuary Certification from the UU Ministry for the Earth on May 13, 2010. As the Committee for Ecology & Social Action, we have seek to broaden the range of our activities as a more comprehensive social action committee. Meetings: CESA meets monthly, please check Church Calendar or Events tabs at BUUCfor dates/times. Contact: Penny at [email protected] Unitarian Universalist Resources/Programs (To connect with the resources below click on the underlined link) UUA Social Justice We have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) advances human rights through grassroots collaboration. In more than a dozen countries throughout the world, UUSC fosters social justice and works toward a world free from oppression. UUSC’s innovative approaches and measurable impact — in promoting economic justice, bolstering environmental justice, and protecting rights at risk — are grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power, dignity, and rights. Standing On The Side Of Love Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) is an interfaith public advocacy campaign promoting respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Standing on the Side of Love confronts issues of exclusion, oppression, and violence based on identity. With the goal of creating beloved community, the campaign pursues social change through advocacy, public witness, and speaking out in solidarity with those whose lives are publicly demeaned. Unitarian Universalist Ministry For Earth Connecting and inspiring an active community of UUs for environmental justice, spiritual renewal, and shared reverence for our Earth home. UU Mass Action UU Mass Action believes that our faith calls us to change the world. Grounding in democracy, powered by hope, we organize and mobilize Unitarian Universalists to overcome injustice.
Other Resources Make your voice and help others make their voice heard by registering to vote. Registering to Vote in MA Note: The deadline to register to vote in any election or regular town meeting is twenty (20) days prior to the date of the election or meeting. The deadline to register to vote in a special town meeting is ten (10) days prior to the special town meeting.