UCE Social Justice Organizing Events
UCE Organizing Team news and opportunities – CRS, Prison Ministry, UUANI, Green Team
The UCE Social Justice Organizing Team organizes for turnout at many UCE social justice events, including CRS, UUANI, Green Team, Prison Ministry, REAL Team, etc. Here are some news and events to know about:
CRS (Community Renewal Society) – On May 9th seven UCE members joined hundreds of others from Community Renewal Society for our annual mass trip to the capitol. We talked with legislators about the CRS platform items on employment opportunities for people with records, police accountability, and violence prevention. The expansion of employment opportunities bill HB2373 had passed the House and is scheduled to be voted on in the Senate on May 16, so is looking good!
UCE is working with five other nearby CRS congregations in Evanston, Glenview, and Glencoe to see how we can work together on local issues.
The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois will hold part two of “Radical Hospitality” soon at UCE, on welcoming returning citizens at church and partnering with them to transition into life outside of prison. We are setting up support circles and other re-entry support for returning citizens. To be involved with this project please contact Dale Griffin. We are holding covenant groups at Cook County Jail and have just been approved to do the same soon at the Logan Correctional Center, a women’s prison in Lincoln, IL, which is great news.
UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois held a workshop before the MidAmerica Regional Assembly, on “Talking the Walk” with Kathleen McTigue, Director of the UU College of Social Justice, and Scott Aaseng, Executive Director of the UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois), Over 50 people attended, and learned some things about putting our social action efforts into words that tie to our values. Contact Scott Aaseng to receive weekly emails that make it easy to join other UUANI supporters on timely advocacy on racial, economic and environmental justice, and more!
The Green Team and organizing team encouraged UCE participation in the April 22 March for Science and the April 29 People’s Climate March. Thanks to all who participated.
For more information on any of these please contact Dale Griffin or other participants. DaleCGriffin@comcast.net