Social Justice Issues
The UUCSJS Social Justice Committee focuses on the topic of Sustainability and Environmental Justice.
We have been able to reach out to local environmental groups and join our efforts with theirs to make positive changes in our community. In the past year, we have tabled at several local eco-fairs, provided educational opportunities at our UU Center (which were always free and open to the public), written letters to representatives requesting their support with social justice and environmental issues. We have also continued our support for local peace groups, hosted our annual Iraq War commemoration, and much, much more. Committee members staff a table each Sunday after services in the lobby to provide the congregation with Fair Trade products and information about opportunities for social action.
Our Committee meets after service at 11:30 on the first Sunday of every other month. Between meetings we have telephone conference calls when needed. The focus of these meetings is to work on fine tuning and implementing the initiatives and goals we have set in the areas of Environmental Justice, Ethical Eating, Animal Rights, and Fair Trade, and more. We also evaluate and take on additional UUA congregational study/action initiatives and priority issues set by the UULMNJ.
Meet up with us on Facebook.
Other Social Action initiatives:
South Jersey Animal Advocates (SJAA)
Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry (UUAM)In Affiliation with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore (UUCSJS)
SJAA's PURPOSE/GOALS: To move beyond the celebration of the "interdependent web of existence" into practices in our everyday personal, social, economic and political lives that affirm species interdependence.
SJAA Details
UUCSJS ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SWAP & SALE
Want to Swap or buy small plants and seeds?
5th Annual Native Plant Swap & Sale
Plant Swap Q&A
Want larger container-grown native plants not generally available in local Nurseries?
Native Nursery-Grown Plant Sale Info (one page)
Native Nursery-Grown Plant Sale Order Form
Birdhouse and Native Tree/Shrub Books Order Form
Other ways we care for the earth:
UUCSJS BUTTERFLY GARDEN VOLUNTEERS
Members and friends of our congregation designed, installed, and maintain a butterfly garden at Patriot Lake in Galloway Township. Our garden, located behind the library and near the newly renovated playground, is a gem; it's alive with beautiful nectar rich flowers and butterflies from May through September to the delight of all that pass by.
Some additional materials to help garden in an environmentally conscious way are the following (link to pdf files):
How to Create a Butterfly Garden
Landscaping for Birds