Social Justice - Faith in Action

“My heart is moved by all I cannot save:
So much has been destroyed.
I have to cast my lot with those who…
with no extraordinary power,
reconstitute the world.”

~ Adrienne Rich

Ways you can ACT:

• Human Rights Ordinance Initiative for Mt. Pleasant
Several community members are working to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance for the City of Mt. Pleasant. As it stands now, it is perfectly legal for people to be fired, kicked out of their rental, or not accommodated in restaurants or hotels based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity (GLBT persons). While this is true of the entire state of Michigan, our intent is to have the Mt. Pleasant City Commission pass a nondiscrimination ordinance which would be inclusive of all groups, including GLBT people, in the areas of jobs, housing and accommodations, thus indicating Mt. Pleasant is a fair and welcoming community for all.
One of our primary efforts is to be able to show the City Commissioners that there is support for such an ordinance. Thus, we ask that if you are a resident of the City of Mt. Pleasant and/or do any business in Mt. Pleasant (shop, hair cuts, eat out, etc.), it would be helpful if you would sign our on-line petition indicating that support. Our website includes the actual proposed ordinance and our initial letter of support we presented to the City Commission on November 28.
If you would like further information about our efforts and/or would like to help, please feel free to contact Norma Bailey.
• Mid-Michigan Interfaith Coalition
The Mid-Michigan Interfaith Coalition (MMIC), an initiative begun by the collaborative effort of the UUFCM and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the UUFCM. This group was established in January 2011 as an inclusive interfaith coalition of both lay ministers and ordained clergy dedicated to relationship building and collaborative social justice work. For more information, please contact Dawn Daniels.
• Welcoming Congregation Initiative
• Commission on Aging - Gold Key Volunteer Opportunities
• Malawi Children’s Village
  The Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) is village-based program that is improving the current condition and future prospects of children who have been orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic in Malawi, Africa. MCV is located in the Mangochi district (in southern Malawi). The majority of these children are fostered by members of their village, but the children who are too young or too sick to be fostered are cared for at the Nursery/Nutrition Center located on the MCV grounds. Unfortunately this building burnt down last July and MCV needs help rebuilding it. All the children and their caregivers survived, but, the building was irreparably damaged. The children are temporarily lodged in the guest house and MCV is considering long-term possibilities. With our help, MCV can move closer to fulfilling the dream of a newly furnished Nursery/Nutrition Center. You can find more information here.
• Ten Thousand Villages
  The Mid-Michigan Fair Trade Gift Bazaar is hosted by the UUFCM each fall. This Ten Thousand Villages festival sales brings a global marketplace of fair trade merchandise to the Mount Pleasant community for a weekend. Staffed by friendly UUFCM volunteers who want to help members of their community find holiday gifts that are fair trade and from all over the world.
• Local Emergency Assistance
  We give substantial support to the John H. Goodrow fund. This fund is intended to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, medicine, gasoline, or other support to community members. Referrals to the fund and to other community aid are obtained by calling Listening Ear at 989.772.2918.
• Red Cross Food Pantry
• Standing on the Side of Love
  Sponsored by the UUA, Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. The UUFCM board recently passed a resolution endorsing our congregation’s affiliation with the SSL campaign and encouraging the WCC to integrate its LGBT resources into our programs. You’ll be hearing much more about this initiative and how you can get involved at UUFCM. In the meantime, learn more about Standing on the Side of Love.

“We exist to develop spiritually mature people who know that life is precious, and that what matters most is the love we give away. We exist to equip people for a significant ministry, and we help them discover and share the unique gifts and talents they have been given by the spirit of life... We exist to serve and bless the world. We exist to stand with those yearning for freedom, for basic human rights, for their voices to be heard. ...It’s not perfection that liberates, but commitment to purpose that can liberate the human spirit.”

~ Rev. Justin Schroeder, "The Purpose-Driven Church," February 27, 2011

“It is service to others that is transcendent. This has the capacity to make us no longer ordinary. To be a part of this community is transcendent. ... Every single interaction that you have can send out a message of hope.”

~ Ross Levin, “Spend Your Life Wisely,” February 13, 2011