May 21/22 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 2: Denial
May 26th, 7:30 pm & May 27th, 3 pm – Womansong Concerts “Love Your Mother (Earth)”, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 20 Edwin Place, $20. Get details and ticketshere.
Community Events May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer.
May 11th – Webinar “School Voucher Expansion Harms Students and Threatens Public Education Funding”7 pm. Get details and register here
May 13– Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America invites you to a Mother’s Day of Action walk 10am at Pack Plaza;RSVP.
May 20th– “Teaching Peace in a Violent World”, 1 pm. Get details and registerherefor this webinar from the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
May 22nd – “Voting Rights Through a Jewish Lens: A Conversation with NC State Senator Lisa Grafstein”,7 pm, offered by Carolina Jews for Justice. Get details and registerhere.
May 25th– Veterans for Peace offer “Peace Talks in WNC”, 7 pm,at 15 Overbrook Place. Get details here.
Next month…
June 4/5 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 3: Awareness to Action
June 12th – 18th – “Juneteenth Celebration” in Asheville. Get details about the events offeredhere.
June 15th– World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk, 5-7 pm, at Carrier Park. Get detailshere.
June 21-25 – UUA General Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA
June 25/26 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom linksunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 4: Resilient Coping
July 9/10 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 5: The Transcendent Response
UU Avl Events May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong,noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia <faithdev@uuasheville.org> for link)
May 7/8 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom linksunitapatterson@gmail.com); Introduction/Section 1: Trauma
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 21/22 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 2: Denial
May 26th, 7:30 pm & May 27th, 3 pm – Womansong Concerts “Love Your Mother (Earth)”, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 20 Edwin Place, $20. Get details and ticketshere.
Community Events May 5 – Asheville Rally to Support Trans Youth.5:00–6:30pm ET; Downtown Asheville. This event is being hosted by the Campaign for Southern Equality, Equality NC, Youth OUTright, Blue Ridge Pride, and Planned Parenthood of Asheville.Click here to RSVP on Facebook and learn more.
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer. May 13 – Safe Surrender Event; 1-3PM Gun Surrender; 4PMBlacksmith Demo; 15 Overbrook, Asheville
Next month…
June 4/5 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 3: Awareness to Action
June 21-25 – UUA General Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA
June 25/26 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom linksunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 4: Resilient Coping
July 9/10 – EAC Book Study: The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. In person Sunday, 9:30-10:45 am, 23 Edwin Parlor; Zoom, Monday 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com); Section 5: The Transcendent Response
UU Avl Events May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong,noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org for link)
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 26th, 7:30 pm & May 27th, 3 pm – Womansong Concerts “Love Your Mother (Earth)”, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 20 Edwin Place, $20. Get details and ticketshere.
Community Events April 27 – Dining Out for Life in support of WNCAP (WNC AIDS Project). Get detailsherehow you can participate and support this important work. ContactChris Winebrennershould you have questions.
April 29 – Peace Gardens is celebrating their 20th Annual Spring Fling. A full day (11AM – 5PM) of food, music, plant sales, art sales, and more. They are currently looking for vendors at $25 per table, as well as musicians, who will be paid for their performances. Contact info@urbanpeacegardens.org for more information.
Next month… May 6 –BelovedAuction (Justice Ministry Partner)
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer.
UU Avl Events May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong,noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia for link)
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 26th, 7:30 pm & May 27th, 3 pm – Womansong Concerts “Love Your Mother (Earth)”, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 20 Edwin Place, $20. Get details and ticketshere.
Community Events April 20 – Join Child for NC and others who are marching to support greater investment in child care in NC, 10 am, at Carrier Park. Get detailshere.
April 20 – “Transgender Issues: Legal & Cultural Competencies” with attorney, author and advocate Robyn Gigl, 7 pm, at Mullen and James Humanities Building, UNCA. Get detailshereincluding her brief biography and where to park. Free to all.
April 23rd – Earth Day Activist Party, 5 – 8 pm. Proceeds support the Southside Community Garden. Get details fromthis flyer. The event is at One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd, in west Asheville.
April 24th – Return of Moral Monday in Raleigh. Get details here from the NC Poor People’s Campaign.
April 26 – Join Partners in Health and Wholeness for the second through the fourth sessions of their Faith and Health series starting this day, noon. Get details here.
April 27 – Dining Out for Life in support of WNCAP (WNC AIDS Project). Get detailsherehow you can participate and support this important work. ContactChris Winebrennershould you have questions.
April 29 – Peace Gardens is celebrating their 20th Annual Spring Fling. A full day (11AM – 5PM) of food, music, plant sales, art sales, and more. They are currently looking for vendors at $25 per table, as well as musicians, who will be paid for their performances. Contact info@urbanpeacegardens.org for more information.
Next month… May 6 –BelovedAuction (Justice Ministry Partner)
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer.
SAVE THE DATE: April 26 Side With Love” Zoom Workshop: Facing the Apocalypse with a Smile; 4PM, Zoom. Led by Rachel Myslivy, Side with Love Climate Justice Organizer Everywhere you look the world is on fire! Sometimes you just want to scream at the top of your lungs, “Everything is bad! Do something! AAUGH!!!!” That urgency is real, and also maybe not the best way to communicate about the issues – or to take care of yourself! Come together to learn some ways to manage yourself and engage others as you effectively advocate for justice and work for a thriving world for all.
April 14 – UU Asheville Justice Movie Night via Zoom “8 BILLION ANGELS” explores the conflict between the size of the global population and the sustainability of our planet. Immersive, emotional and inspiring.
April 16 – Earth Day Service, 11am
April 16 – 8th Principle Panel and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong,noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia for link)
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
Community Events April 11 – 14– “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo Festival” at UNCA. Get detailshere.
April 14 – 23 – “Faith Climate Week” sponsored by the NC Council of Churches. Get details here.
April 16 – The Ethical Humanist Society has invited Dr. Dwight Mullen to speak on Reparations, 2:30 pm. Get detailshere.
April 22 – 23 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis formto express interest.
Next month… May 6 –BelovedAuction (Justice Ministry Partner)
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer.
April 14 – UU Asheville Justice Movie Night via Zoom “8 BILLION ANGELS” explores the conflict between the size of the global population and the sustainability of our planet. Immersive, emotional and inspiring.
April 16 – Earth Day Service, 11am
April 16 – 8th Principle Panel and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
May 4 – Embracing Discomfort Book Book Study: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong,noon, Sandburg Hall, bring a bagged Lunch; 7PM Zoom (contact Rev. Claudia for link)
May 7 – 8th Principle Voting Basics and Q&A – Childcare Provided; 12:30 p.m. in Sanctuary
Community Events April 11 – Pisgah Legal Services offers an “Immigration Lunch and Learn,”noon, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Get detailshere.
April 11 – 14– “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo Festival” at UNCA. Get detailshere.
April 14 – 23 – “Faith Climate Week” sponsored by the NC Council of Churches. Get details here.
April 16 – The Ethical Humanist Society has invited Dr. Dwight Mullen to speak on Reparations, 2:30 pm. Get detailshere.
April 22 – 23 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis formto express interest.
Next month… May 6 –BelovedAuction (Justice Ministry Partner)
May 9-10 – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Completethis form to express interest.
May 11 – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details fromthis flyer.
March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility. In this time when our state legislature (and legislatures across the country) are working to pass harmful laws against Trans people, we are called to powerfully affirm our belief as Unitarian Universalists that every body is sacred. And within and beyond the walls of our congregations, we must remind our transgender/nonbinary families that they are not alone. Check out this Love and Solidarity with Trans and Nonbinary People video blessing for all our siblings being targeted by transphobia and hate, and for everyone living out our faith by organizing, advocating, and mobilizing for justice. The video is a collaboration between the UUA and Foothills UU in Colorado.
What is the connection between the 8th Principle & Article II? One important question that has emerged in the conversation about the Article II revision is connected to the 8th Principle Project and what the hundreds of congregations who have adopted the 8th Principle should do if Article II is revised. We share a response from a foundational leader of the 8th Principle Project, Dr. Paula Cole Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYTsrGvExaw
CALENDAR
April 1st – 1-3 PM; Pack Square; Protect Trans Youth: Rally and Potluck
April 1st – A coalition of community groups are launching a neighborhood canvass and petition campaign to demand TDA Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) funds be used for affordable housing for service workers and for worker representation on the new LIFT committee. The campaign, slated to run through April and May, seeks to collect 2,000+ signatures of support to take back to the TDA (Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority) in June. It begins with a launch party and presentation at Different Wrld (701 Haywood Road) on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm. To RSVP, go here. More details on the campaign, the coalition, canvass dates and times can be found here.
April 11th – Pisgah Legal Services offers an “Immigration Lunch and Learn,”noon, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Get details here.
April 11th – 14th– “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo Festival” at UNCA. Get details here.
April 14 – UU Asheville Justice Movie Night via Zoom “8 BILLION ANGELS” explores the conflict between the size of the global population and the sustainability of our planet. Immersive, emotional and inspiring.
April 14th – 23rd – “Faith Climate Week” sponsored by the NC Council of Churches. Get details here.
April 22nd – 23rd – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Complete this form to express interest.
May 11th – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details from this flyer.
Immigration Justice: The National Immigration Law Center is concerned about President Biden reinstituting migrant family detention at the border. Go here to learn more and share your thoughts with the President.
LGBTQ Rights: In this segment from the PBS NewsHour, parents of transgender children and youth speak to efforts made by states to restrict the rights of transgender children and the toll it takes on them and their families.
CALENDAR March 27th – The Redress Movement offers a webinar, “Lessons from the Field: Research for Repair”, 3 pm. Redressing segregation begins with understanding segregation. Get details and register here.
April 11th – Pisgah Legal Services offers an “Immigration Lunch and Learn”,noon,at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Get details here.
April 1st – A coalition of community groups are launching a neighborhood canvass and petition campaign to demand TDA Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) funds be used for affordable housing for service workers and for worker representation on the new LIFT committee. The campaign, slated to run through April and May, seeks to collect 2,000+ signatures of support to take back to the TDA (Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority) in June. It begins with a launch party and presentation at Different Wrld (701 Haywood Road) on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm. To RSVP, go here. More details on the campaign, the coalition, canvass dates and times can be found here.
April 11th – 14th– “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo Festival” at UNCA. Get details here.
April 14th – 23rd – “Faith Climate Week” sponsored by the NC Council of Churches. Get details here.
April 22nd – 23rd – Racial Equity Institute training. Registration is now open for those interested. Complete this form to express interest.
May 11th – “Private Plunder of Public Goods: The Threat of Medicare Privatization and the Need for Single Payer”, a presentation of Dr. Susan Rogers, 7 pm, at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. Get details from this flyer.
Moms Against Guns Violence organized the 1st planning meeting for Wear Orange on March 28th. This year, there have been 130 mass shootings. Just this month there have been 38 mass shootings with at least 57 people killed and 133 wounded. After this week’s shooting in Nashville what are we called to do to advocate for common sense gun control? Participating in Wear Orange can be a way of mobilizing with people in our community who want to prevent gun violence.
If you are interested in attending future planning meetings or learning more about the local Moms Demand Action organizers email Lead Mary Graden.
Why participate in Wear Orange?
Friday June 2nd will be recognized as the 9th National Gun Violence Awareness Day, followed by Wear Orange Weekend June 3rd and 4th.
Everyone who believes we can and must solve the problem of gun violence in America, will take action and stand together in a bold statement of resilience and fortitude as we advance our efforts to prevent gun violence.
How Wear Orange Originated:
On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from the south side of Chicago marched in President Obama’s 2nd inaugural parade. One week later she was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. On June 2, 2015 on Hadiya’s Birthday, Wear Orange originated. Wear Orange is now observed nationally on the first Friday of June and the following weekend.
Sarah N. and Pip F. two of the Aston Park defendants, will speak about what it means to have community support and they will speak about recent, escalating anti-homeless information.
AN INVITATION FROM OUR FRIENDS AT CAROLINA JEWS FOR JUSTICE According to Mazon, a Jewish response to hunger, 1 in 6 children in North Carolina go hungry every day. This is a disgrace. Our Jewish traditions compel us to honor the dignity of every person, especially those who are vulnerable.
North Carolina advocates and community leaders are urging the North Carolina legislature to expand school meals this year so that every student can access free, nutritious breakfast and lunch in North Carolina’s public schools. School Meals for All NC would promote academic achievement and developmental well-being, eliminate meal debt and lunch shaming, and ensure that every child can succeed. It is a necessary step towards ending hunger in North Carolina.
Call to Action – Tell your State Senator and General Assembly Leadership – Thank you for reaching a Medicaid Expansion deal but DON’T connect it to the budget.
Call your State Senator & General Assembly Leadership
Hi, my name is ________, I live in _________ and I am a person of faith.
I am calling to express my excitement over the Medicaid Expansion deal that has been reached by Speaker Moore and Senate Leader Berger. This will change the lives of over 600,000 of our neighbors North Carolina and will have a transformative impact on our state’s economy.
But I also want to voice my deep concern that Medicaid Expansion is being tied to the state budget. I urge ______ to consider the impact that this delay will have on the people of our state.
Every day that goes by is another cancer diagnosis missed, another family that falls deeper into debt, another addiction that goes untreated.
Moreover, we are approaching the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which could cause an estimated 100,000 North Carolinians to lose their healthcare coverage on July 1st who would be eligible for continued coverage if we expand Medicaid today. Let’s make sure that they do not experience a gap in their coverage.
If the General Assembly agrees that this is the right thing to do, then do it now. Medicaid Expansion cannot wait for the passage of the state budget.
Call to Action – Tell your State Senator & Representative – Abortion Access is a Social and Moral Good. An Anti-Abortion Bill is expected to be introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly this week. Now is the time to activate our UU network to preserve abortion access in our state. UU Justice NC is inviting UUs across the state to write personal letters that will be hand delivered to your elected officials in Raleigh by a fellow Unitarian Universalist. This easy toolkit provides all the guidance, information and talking points you will need to take action.
Film & Conversation: Leaving Afghanistan, a one hour documentary about one family’s resettlement journey from Kabul to Canada. When? Friday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m., at the East Asheville Library (3 Avon Road) community room. Why? To connect with volunteers and supporters of the Afghan refugees who have been in the Asheville area for over a year. UU Asheville is one of the congregations that has sponsored an Afghan Family. Tea and cookies will be served. Please RSVP to
What are the NEXT STEPS BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the Indigenous Peoples who lived on and cared for this land before us?
Several members of the Black Mountain UU congregation attended the powerful and moving online workshop “Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change” in February, and they highly recommend attending one of the online sessions coming up soon.
Sessions are available on these dates:
Sunday March 12, 4:00 to 6:00 pm ET or
Saturday April 15, 4:00 to 6:00 pm ET
Created by the national project, Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples (TRR), this interactive workshop will help us to:
Learn the real history of our country through the voices of Native peoples, European colonists, and historians
Understand why this history matters to all Americans today
Interact and experience this history as you never have before
Learn to respect Native Americans’ rights, culture, and presence
Registration is limited to 60 participants, on a sliding scale from $20 to $50, minimum $5. Please register at: https://friendspeaceteams.org/trr
Please also let Rev. Claudia Jiménez know if you have registered for one of these sessions so we can plan a follow up conversation with the Black Mountain UU congregation.
Taking Action: Democracy NC and other groups are asking people to share their concerns about House Bill 40. They and others believe it will criminalize protesting on many levels. Get details and a way to take action here.
SAVE THE DATE…
Feb 25 – “Stand with Ukraine Peace Rally and Vigil”,2 – 8 pm,Pack Square. Get details from this flyer.
Feb 28 – Moms Demand Action Asheville holds its in-person meeting at First Baptist Church, 7 pm. Get details and sign up here.
March 2 – Screening of an important film on the death penalty, “Racist Roots”, 7 pm.Get details here for this free event held at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall on the UNCA campus.
May 6 – BeLoved Asheville is holding its second “Raise Another Home” Auction on May 6th. Get details for this event and how you can support it in this open letter to the community.
Urgent Call to Action – NC’s Don’t Say Gay BillSB49 the so called “Parents Bill of Rights” would ban curriculum on gender identity, sexual activity or sexuality in grades K- 4 and would require that school staff out children to their parents. This bill is moving VERY quickly through the General Assembly. Please call your State Senator and Representatives today and tell them to Vote NO on “The Parents Bill of Rights.” You can find their contact info here: https://ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators
The Dismantling White Supremacy Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 10 AM-Noon, via Zoom. Visit our event calendar for details. Next meeting is February 17 at 10am. Zoom
The foundational covenant of our denomination is changing. The Article II Report explains why and includes the revised covenant. Join the Revs to share your thoughts Feb 16 noon bagged lunch discussion, Sandburg Hall. New to UU Asheville? Learn about our on-going Anti-Racism Initiative
UUSJ Event with UUA President Rev. Susan Fredrick-Gray on Thursday, February 2nd at 8:00 PM ET. Rev. Frederick-Gray will offer her reflections on the 118th Session of Congress and will then take questions from UUs across the country. At the start of this new congress, it is time to renew our commitment to engaging at a federal level. This event is a fundraiser to support the incredible federal legislative leadership of our friends at UUSJ. Tickets are $25, but free tickets are available upon request. Register Here
If you are interested in racial justice and equity, the Western North Carolina Racial Equity Collective is hosting several virtual REI (Racial Equity Institute) workshops heading into the new year. Go to the following links to register and/or express interest: REI Phase 1 Workshop- Friday & Saturday, Feb. 3 – 4, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Three additional REI Phase 1 Workshops are being planned. Get details and express your interest by completing this form.
The Racial Justice Coalition has created a new webpage on its website that highlights two of its projects. Go here for an overview, but for specifics for each, go to the links for Every Black Voice and the Government Accountability Project. Each is open for people to support and join.
For nearly three years, our partners at UU Justice Ministry of NC have offered weekly Action Hours on Friday mornings. These hours address social justice issues impacting our state and country. Along the way, they have deepened relationships, grown as social justice organizers, and had a lot of fun! The organizer, Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson, offers a Friday Action Hour Weekly Email that includes a promo of the week’s actions, the Zoom link and the link to their Actions Google Doc. For those interested, click here to sign up!
Learning Corner: Listen to Rev. Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail
NC House Speaker Tim Moore wants to make House Rules Change to Override Vetoes without notice. The NC House rules have previously required advance notice that votes will take place to ensure all representatives are on the floor for crucial decisions. Speaker Moore wants to eliminate this window so that he can override Governor Cooper’s vetoes swiftly and without a democratic process. If Moore gets his way, crucial issues on personal freedoms and individual rights could be voted on without every representative present. (Action talking points created by DownHome NC)
– Hi my name is _____, I live in ____ and I am a person of faith.
– I am calling to express my deep anger and disappointment that Speaker Moore is attempting to change the NC House rules so that he can unilaterally and without warning call a veto override vote.
– This rule change undermines the functionality of our legislature and is a disservice to the people of our state. It is both juvenile and unethical that he is seeking the power to call a vote when a representative goes to the bathroom, is sick, or has a family emergency.
– North Carolinians deserve a transparent and accountable legislature where all of our representatives have a fair chance to represent us.
30 Days of Love 2023! Side with Love’s annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice, 30 Days of Love will go from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) through Valentine’s Day (February 14). This year’s 30 Days of Love is a love letter to our whole beloved community – families, religious professionals, partners and communities that embody our values and work for justice and liberation year round. Each week will feature a spiritual theme overlapping with one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities, and we’ll share an array of offerings to help nourish your spirit and give gratitude and affirmation. Learn More Here
BONUS DAYS (February 13-14) Blessings :: Liberatory Intersections
“Love Thy Neighbor” Expand Medicaid Postcard Campaign. In 2022, NC lawmakers came closer than ever to Expanding Medicaid to over a half a million people in North Carolina. In early 2023, The NC Justice Center needs our help to get this lifesaving legislation over the finish line! They are inviting us to send postcards to members of the NC General Assembly. When you sign up, you will receive a packet of pre-addressed postcards and stamps that you can mail directly to lawmakers, along with some talking points to get you started. You can expect your packet in late January. Sign Up Here.DEADLINE Sunday, January 15th.
“Love Thy Neighbor” Expand Medicaid Postcard Campaign. In 2022, NC lawmakers came closer than ever to Expanding Medicaid to over a half a million North Carolinians. In early 2023, The NC Justice Center needs our help to get this lifesaving legislation over the finish line! They are inviting us to send postcards to members of the NC General Assembly. When you sign up, you will receive a packet of pre-addressed postcards and stamps that you can mail directly to lawmakers, along with some talking points to get you started. You can expect your packet in late January. Sign Up Here.
UU Justice NC Friday Action Hour – This Friday, December 23, 11 AM and Save the Date: Year End Celebration – Friday, December 30th at 11 AM. Join UU Justice NC for this End of Year Celebration of all the work UUs have done this year to contribute to the movement for justice and liberation. Rev. Lisa will offer a detailed review of the major local, state, and national issues that our state network worked on in 2022. She will also give a preview of what we anticipate happening in early 2023. Join via Zoom:https://zoom.us/j/91029655107 and don’t forget to sign up for the reminder email by clicking here.
8th Principle Reflection Circles Schedule Come explore not only why the 8th principle matters but how it can transform our congregation. Below is the schedule for Reflection Circles that will be facilitated by members of the 8th Principle Team and the Anti-Racism Immigration Justice Action Group. Please RSVP to Rev. Claudia at faithdev@uuasheville.org
Jan 15 (MLK Service); Feb 5, and March 19: In person: 9:30 AM; 12:30 PM
Jan 19; Feb 8, and March 23 Zoom: 7 PM
Reproductive Justice Connection Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ) is doing important work to support access to abortion healthcare in our state. Is this an issue you care about? CJJ has invited us their meetings. Rev. Claudia would like to recruit an attendee who can share ways our congregation can partner with CJJ and other organizations who support abortion access. The goals of the monthly meetings are below:
Build trust and relationships within the group
Learn and collaborate with other organizations also mobilizing in this work
Share information gathered
Mobilize for action
The next meeting is via Zoom, Thurs, Jan 12, 7:00PM. If you can attend please contact Rev. Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org
CELEBRATING OUR WORK: Calling for Pictures – On Friday December 30th, our partner UU Justice Ministry NC will be celebrating the work of UUs across the state in 2022 during Friday Action Hour. (I hope you’ll consider coming if you don’t work at that time!) As part of that gathering, there will be an end of year slideshow showcasing the work of UU congregations across the state. If you have any pictures that you would like to contribute to that slideshow, please send them to Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson lisa@uujusticenc.org
Gathering in Sandburg Hall, September 9, 2022 to hear Rev. Garcia Sampson talk about UU Justice Ministry NC and UU the Vote. She inspired us to send out and additional 2000 postcards before the midterm elections.
The Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Asheville has created the RSAA Reparations Fund. Here is information on how people can learn and support this effort organized by the Tzedek Social Justice Fund.
HOMELESSNESS: Winter Safe Shelter is a collaborative effort of Trinity United Methodist, Grace Covenant Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, and Counterflow Asheville. They are seeking to serve and partner with our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The shelter is prioritizing intact families, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and LGBTQ individuals. They currently have raised roughly half the budget needed to staff the shelter through the winter and are seeking donations from the community. You can find more information about the shelter as well as a place to donate here.
EDUCATION: Every Child NC continues to offer an opportunity for faith communities and others to host a free docu-series titled “All Together” that is focused on education equity. Help educate voters about the Leandro Plan and North Carolina’s obligation to meet student needs. Get details and a way to register here.
IMMIGRATION: “Creating a pathway to citizenship has never been more urgent. Just over a month ago, a federal court ruled that DACA is unlawful, compounding the uncertainty that immigrant youth have been forced to live with for years.” The National Immigration Law Center is asking people to sign this petitionasking both NC senators to find a permanent solution for immigrant youth.
HOMELESSNESS: Winter Safe Shelter is a collaborative effort of Trinity United Methodist, Grace Covenant Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, and Counterflow Asheville. They are seeking to serve and partner with our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The shelter is prioritizing intact families, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and LGBTQ individuals. They currently have raised roughly half the budget needed to staff the shelter through the winter and are seeking donations from the community. You can find more information about the shelter as well as a place to donate here.
REPARATIONS: The Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Asheville has created the RSAA Reparations Fund. Here is information on how people can learn and support this effort organized by the Tzedek Social Justice Fund.
ELECTIONS: Common Cause NC is asking people to express their thanks to all the election workers and volunteers that came forward to administer the midterm elections. You can sign on here.
What has been happening with the recommendations from the Racial Justice Advisory Council – RJAC? They are not collecting electronic dust! The board has approved the recommendations and identified stakeholders responsible for making each of them happen. The Justice Ministry Council has been charged to be an accountability partner so that the recommendations are fulfilled. Currently, the top recommendations being worked on are
1. Education about the 8th Principle in preparation for the vote to adopt the 8th Principle at the June 2023 Congregational Meeting.
Stakeholder: 8th Principle Team and congregation. Please participate in the 8th Principle Learning Circles being offered by the various groups and committees of the congregation. Of course, that means lay leaders have said “yes” to hosting them. We need all of us to make this happen!
UPDATE: The congregational vote on June 4, 2023 was Yes! to adopt the 8th principal. Thank you to the 8th Principal Team for your hard work:
Ed Prestemon
Nancy Bragg
Nancy Clark
Jensen Gelfond
Jeff Jones
Carol Buffum
Our work continues to build Beloved Community within and beyond our four walls.
2. Identifying a consultant to provide an Equity Audit of our policies, procedures and governance model. This will apparently be the first time a UU congregation has such an audit. Yeah, UU Asheville!
Stakeholder: The board has asked board member Mary Alm and Rev. Claudia Jiménez, Justice Ministry lead, to identify, interview and recommend consultants who will provide proposals for board consideration. UPDATE:This proposal is on hold until our new minister arrives.
Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that?
We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a board-appointed small team of congregants working in partnership with our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principle which aligns with the work of liberation. The 8th Principle Team was formed and is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
What has been happening with the recommendations from the Racial Justice Advisory Council – RJAC? They are not collecting electronic dust! The board has approved the recommendations and identified stakeholders responsible for making each of them happen. The Justice Ministry Council has been charged to be an accountability partner so that the recommendations are fulfilled. Currently, the top recommendations being worked on are
1. Education about the 8th Principle in preparation for the vote to adopt the 8th Principle at the June 2023 Congregational Meeting.
Stakeholder: 8th Principle Team and congregation. Please participate in the 8th Principle Learning Circles being offered by the various groups and committees of the congregation. Of course, that means lay leaders have said “yes” to hosting them. We need all of us to make this happen!
2. Identifying a consultant to provide an Equity Audit of our policies, procedures and governance model. This will apparently be the first time a UU congregation has such an audit. Yeah, UU Asheville!
Stakeholder: The board has asked board member Mary Alm and Rev. Claudia Jiménez, Justice Ministry lead, to identify, interview and recommend consultants who will provide proposals for board consideration.
Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that?
We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a board-appointed small team of congregants working in partnership with our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principle which aligns with the work of liberation. The 8th Principle Team was formed and is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
We need your voice! Join us onDecember 5th, at 6pm ESTasUU the Vote Calls Georgiafor thefinal timebefore the Georgia Runoff Election Day. If you have never phone banked before, we will train you! The phone banking system is easy to use and you’ll have a great time calling with fellow UUs. Sign up below!
“It Ain’t Over!” UU the Vote Runoff Update Thursday, November 17, 2022 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM ET What is going on in Georgia? How can I get involved? What in the world is a runoff anyway? What about our Good Trouble Congregations? Sign up to hear the answers to these questions and more! Register Here
Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that? We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a small team of congregants and our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principal which aligns with the work of liberation. An 8th Principle Team is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
Change is coming to our denominational documents. The section that houses our UU Principles, sources, purposes and statements of belief and inclusion is being revised. Check out this document which explains the process and has a link to the proposed changes. As you read, I invite you to reflect on these questions: How does it make you feel? What do think about the recommended changes? What feedback do you have? There are opportunities to share your feedback via a a Google form. The form closes Nov. 28. I will be hosting a bagged lunch discussion to discuss the proposal in person Sunday, Nov. 27 (not Nov 30) at 12:30 in person and at 7 PM via Zoom. Details will be in the e-news. Please consider attending.
8th Principal Reflection Circle, TONIGHT November 9 Join members of the 8th Principal Team and Rev. Claudia for a conversation about the 8th Principle. Zoom link in the e-News or contact Rev. Claudia. We will address the following questions: What is it? Why now? What is exciting about the 8th Principle? What fears arise about adopting the Principle? How will we be changed in 5 or 10 years because we have adopted it?
Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that? We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a small team of congregants and our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principal which aligns with the work of liberation. An 8th Principle Team is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
