Justice Ministry
We no longer function as a committee, but as individuals, we bring diverse experiences with volunteer and professional service. We work to build connection with other folks who work towards points of awakening and the actuality of oppression. We bring a variety of talents and skills that we would like to share. Our common assertion is that we want to help create a better world for all our children and grandchildren based on our Unitarian Universalist Principles.
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
We will continue to explore opportunities for service and witness and engage the congregation in prioritizing our efforts. We will work towards forming alliances when possible and combining resources where movements intersect to include some of the following issues: Women’s Rights, Workers Rights, Prison Reform, Economic Justice, Environmental/Climate Crisis, Immigrant Rights, Voting Rights, Food Insecurity “FFIT”, Gun Violence, #Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ Rights, End Mass Incarceration.
How does First Parish promote justice, near and far?
SERVICE
Sunday offertory contributions support service organizations (eg. UUSC, SPLC), and Community Meals coordinated by Alicia Coderre and Adi Pandit. Church members help the Worcester Islamic Center’s quarterly Food Drive.
EDUCATION
WITNESS & ADVOCACY
Witness events will be announced as timely as possible. Advocacy opportunities are posted on the church website and the UU Mass Action website.
AIW Address 400 Years of White Supremacist Colonialism
Amen to Uprising: A Commitment and Call to Action
UU Mass Action is our primary local resource, so check their website and facebook pages for up to date opportunities. UU Mass Action June Newsletter
March for Our Lives – March 24, 2017 in WorcesTer
Facing Down the Legacy of Slavery
Habitat Build – Northboro 10.21.2017
Helping Local Refugees
The Ruth Rowan Award
UU Mass Action created this award in honor of our former board member, Ruth Rowan.
Ruth was a board member from 2014 to 2016. She became a member of First Parish Northborough UU in 1985. Ruth was an accomplished flautist and choir member who, for many years, has generously shared her musical talents during worship services and at many UU gatherings. Ruth was passionate about living her values and principles by taking action and engaging in social justice. It is in honor of her love of music and justice that we name this award for her.