Local Response Network

The UCE Local Response Network (LRN) is a communication system that enables members of the UCE community to take immediate, short-term action on local social justice issues. 

LRN alerts UCE volunteers to opportunities such as attending city council meetings, marches, or rallies. The LRN supplements other UCE communication means, such as the weekly newsletter and specific social justice team postings.  Once notified of an opportunity, participants may determine if they wanted to engage, without obligation.   

There are two ways to engage with the Local Response Network:

Join the Network of Responders:

Sign up to receive LRN alerts. There is NO obligation to say “yes” to any particular invitation, and no long term commitment.  Joining LRN offers total flexibility, fits any personal schedule, and enables UCE members to take quick, short-term action on a wide variety of current, critical social justice issues right in our own community. 

Submit a LRN Alert Request:

Opportunities for alerts may be submitted to the Local Response Network Coordinator through either of these paths:   1. Submitted by Social Justice Council teams that are community engaging activities rather than internally focused activities; and 2. Submitted by individual UCE congregants, teams not on the Social Justice Council, or other non-UCE sources such as Community Renewal Society or Interfaith Action of Evanston. 

Submissions are evaluated for dissemination jointly by the LRN coordinator and the UCE minister overseeing social justice. Opportunities submitted for alerts are reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

• Grounding: Does it reflect the deeply held values and interests of people in our congregation?

• Accountability: Are we acting in relationships of solidarity with those most impacted, particularly those most marginalized? [also: do we know and trust who is suggesting this action?]

• Fit: Does it match our capacity to act effectively, and does it strategically build our capacity? [i.e. does it make sense for us to do this based on the congregation’s current energy and focus?]

• Opportunity: Is there an opportunity to actually achieve meaningful results?
• Engagement:  How does the opportunity require us to be engaged [i.e. from our computer at home or in relationship out in the community]?

To join the LRN team, submit an alert, or to learn more, contact Alison Issen through the REALM Membership Directory or at admin@ucevanston.org.