SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY

Unitarian Universalism is a faith based on deeds not creeds. Our faith has a rich tradition of Social Activism including advocating for economic justice, immigrant justice, LGBTQ justice, voting rights, and human rights for the imprisoned including an end to solitary confinement. (https://www.uua.org/justice)


As a faith, we also address human rights and humanitarian crises internationally through our Unitarian Universalist Service organization.  (https://www.uusc.org)


Here in our Garden City Congregation, our Social Justice work has developed as a decentralized effort with many people sharing the leadership for the ministry. Our small, but fierce, congregation has been focusing on climate/environmental justice and the needs of the hungry and homeless.


Environmental Social Action is led by Peggy Lyons in collaboration with the Sierra Club. The Clean Energy for All Campaign (Formerly the Beyond Coal Campaign) meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Our Mission is to work collaboratively towards an inclusive, clean, green, 100% renewable energy community.


The campaign provides community education, lobbying, and support for the development of renewable energy, including the development of OffShore Wind off the coast of Long Island. Actions include meeting with legislators, calls/postcards/petitions about energy projects, testifying at energy planning and public commentary hearings, and participation in rallies, marches, and protests seeking a just transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy.


Feeding the hungry and providing for those in need are other areas of our congregational outreach programs coordinated by David Silver and the Religious Education Program. David coordinates a Breakfast Run several times a year, as well as support and cooking for the homeless at the Huntington Unitarian Universalist Congregation.


Additional efforts include an annual benefit concert, monthly Share the Plate donations, support of the Navajos in New Mexico through the October Pumpkin Patch, Clothing and Shoe drives, all led by different congregational members.