Social justice work is an integral part of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. We serve, we advocate, we educate and we donate. At UUCA, we have several ways you can make your membership meaningful and put your values into action.

Social Justice Council (Paula Massey, chair)

Five teams comprise our Social Justice Council. It is easy to join forces with like-minded Members and Friends. If you are ready to put your values into action, contact Information@UUAsheville.org with your information and the team of your interest.

• Economic Justice Team
• Human Rights Team
• Peace & Environmental Justice Team
• Racial Justice Team
• Share-The-Plate

Economic Justice Team (TBA)
We promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Projects include participating in the Interfaith Room in the Inn program (a shelter for homeless women) and funding and constructing the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith home. Additional projects will be added as the group assesses the needs in our community.

Human Rights Team (Cecil Bothwell and Nels Arnold)
We are dedicated to an awareness of how we are in relationship with others. The Human Rights Team advocates international human rights, criminal justice and civil liberties. Projects include People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, monthly lunches for Women at Risk, an alternative sentencing program, as well as work in the areas of restorative justice, jail and prison conditions, equal marriage rights, the reproductive rights of women, the separation of church and state,and end-of-life choices.

Peace and Environmental Justice Team (Amie Tanner)
We believe in the interconnectedness of all creation. Projects include sponsorship of the Western North Carolina Peace Coalition and addressing specific threats to peace as they arise. Ongoing activities include peaceful protests against the war in Iraq and educating for the creation of an equitable and sustainable future. We promote respect for the interdependent web of all creation of which we are a part. Projects included support for becoming a certified Green Sanctuary and promoting GreenPower. Ongoing work includes building a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness, generating commitment for personal lifestyle changes, and advocating for a sustainable community.

Racial Justice Team (Sandy Pyeatt)

Share-the-Plate (Vicki Jenest)

One way that our congregation participates in outreach and social justice work is we designate the first Sunday of the month as a "Share-the-Plate" Sunday. We donate all of the cash we collect during our offering as well as any checks identified for “Share the Plate” to an agency or project that serves the community or the cause of social justice. A committee of our Social Justice Council recommends the agencies or projects. Click Share the Plate to view upcoming and past recipients.

Social Justice Newsletter

If you would like to sign up for "The Flame", our monthly Social Justice Newsletter, please email SJCNewsletter@UUAsheville.org.