Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge has received the UUA’s Green Sanctuary and Welcoming Congregation designations. Now we are asking how we—as a small, rural congregation—can have a greater impact on social and environmental justice through our conscientious acts. Joining with other congregations and groups is a way to amplify our voices and actions. In addition to magnifying our impacts, this could attract new friends and members to our congregation. Here are some ideas:
- Joining a state-wide UU legislative ministry that is being reactivated. Members of our congregation have participated in calls regarding this. Some of them traveled to Richmond in January to visit state legislative offices and talk about issues. In April, they will be presenting a service entitled “Advocating for a More Just Virginia.”
- Provide information on environment and social justice issues and pending legislation and how to contact elected officials and submit comments. Share talking points for important issues or hold letter-writing sessions occasionally after services.
- Acknowledge our history, such as adopting a land acknowledgment statement and finding ways to assist Virginia tribes in restoring the shad fishery, propagating native plants and seeds, and supporting other projects.
- Work to rectify historic and current injustice, through our votes and voices and participation in social justice actions, such as the Black Lives Matter vigils in Warrenton.
- Take actions that could reduce our carbon footprint and assist others in doing so. For example, researching grants and funding for solar installation efforts in our homes, our communities, and our sanctuary.
- Reach out via social media and to local newspaper religion sections, providing information on UUBRidge and UU principles and inviting people to attend our services and participate in activities.
As the Unitarian Universalist Association has refined the Green Sanctuary program, it has defined goals and invites all congregations to work toward them, whether or not they are seeking accreditation or reaccreditation:
- Mitigation: Reducing net carbon emissions and thereby the risk of severe climate change
- Adaptation and Resilience: Being prepared for increasingly severe climate conditions and weather events, including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Justice: Working in partnership with those communities that experience the greatest impacts of the climate crisis, who are often the least responsible and have the fewest resources to cope with changing conditions.
We have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing to interfaith state, national, and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils, and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.
Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally-driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues….We act in partnership with groups and communities most impacted by injustice on local, state, national, and international levels.
(Justice and Inclusion, Unitarian Universalist Association)