Social Action Committee

Social Action Committee Goals Activities Planned for 2010

The Social Action Committee reported to the program council the following goals for 2010.

How can you help?  As each activity will be listed in a timely fashion in the weekly church bulletin, consider what you may like to do.  Contact any social action committee member.  Let them know you want to be involved and they will help you to get on board! 

UUSC Responds

Whether it is responding to the emergency crisis in Haiti or advocating for climate change in Copenhagen, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is at the forefront, partnering with local organizations to affect change.  Thanks to the generosity of Cedars members we raised a grand $1,000 during the ‘Guest at Your Table’ campaign to support their work!

Kim and I traveled extensively in east Africa a few years ago and saw, firsthand, both the need and the spirit of African people.  We hold a special place in our hearts for this part of the world because of our connections made then, also because of Kim’s work with the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) in 1962-’64, in Tanzania. 

This on-going project in Uganda exemplifies how the UUSC listens to the community before engaging in action and works with local NGOs (Nongovernmental Organizations) who know the culture and customs. 

Uganda

Nineteen years of brutal war have left both physical and emotional scars in northern Uganda.  UUSC and partner ‘Caritas Gulu’ led a community dialogue to find four areas in which UUSC can help people rebuild their lives.  The community asked for:

These projects have given hope to a people scarred by years of war.

The UUSC focuses on four program areas: defending civil liberties, promoting environmental justice, advancing economic justice, and protecting rights in humanitarian crises.  If you would like to know more about their work, visit www.uusc.org.

− Judy Friesem and Kim Bush

Neighborhood Teams, Choir and Men’s Group Help Provide Super Suppers! 

Thank you to the following neighborhood teams and groups for participating in our Super Supper Activity this year: Fletcher Bay, Port Madison, East Winslow; Men’s Group, and the Choir!  Way to go folks.  This is a relatively easy way to roll up your sleeves and participate in social action!  We need to solicit for help starting January 2010.  Is it your team’s or group’s turn?  Please contact Carol Ann Davidson at 206-855-0629, if you can help out.  A member of the social action team is always on hand to help you organize and serve those that need this special meal.  Cedars serves Super Supper at the Eagle Harbor Congregational church in partnership with Kol Shalom the last Tuesday of each month.

Helen Nissani, chair

Super Suppers Continue to Grow

We are seeing a steady increase in the numbers of people coming to our Super Supper at the end of each month.  We now serve between 25 and 30 persons per meal.  It is our wish that all will be fed, and no one will be turned away hungry.  We are seeking to increase the number of volunteers that will bring food each month.  The Cedars Choir signed up six people to bring food and to help with set up and clean up in March.  Is your committee ready to step up and help?  Please contact the Super Suppers coordinator.

Our Mission:

“The Social Action Committee believes that a commitment to social justice is a natural extension of both our fellowship's mission statement and the Unitarian Universalist principles.  We further believe that integrated and coordinated social action is integral to the life and growth of our fellowship.  Our mission, therefore, is to identify and facilitate involvement in social action projects to which we can make a positive and substantive contribution.”