Social Action

Many of our members are engaged in social action projects in their personal lives. In addition, we have a Social Action Committee that meets every month.

What Is the UUFRC Social Action Committee and What Does It Do? 

The UUFRC Social Action Committee endeavors to put into action our commitment to social justice in our community, nation, and world.  We identify efforts that we believe will promote social justice, take action on those efforts, and encourage members and friends to take action as well.  We meet once a month to exchange ideas and plan activities.  

What Sorts of Actions Has the Social Action Committee Become Involved In?

Our activities span a wide range of topics and formats, from participation of committee members in local and national actions, to sponsorship of speakers and films, to environmental cleanup, to collections for the less fortunate in our community. 

This fall, the Social Action Committee has already taken action to oppose the continuing war in Iraq and to support marriage equality. 

During 2006-2007, the Committee:

• Began a program of quarterly service projects intended to involve the whole congregation, including families and children.  Projects have included creek and park cleanups, work with Samaritan House on Christmas activities, and produce collection for donation to shelters for the homeless and those recovering from mental illness and substance abuse. 

• Began (at Rev. Julia Older’s suggestion) a program of donating our Sunday offering once a month to a different nonprofit organization.  The organizations are selected by committee member vote, and the congregation is encouraged to submit names of organizations that they support as well.  Recipients have included more than a dozen groups working for educational, social, and environmental causes. 

• Sponsored “The Road to Clean Elections,” a film narrated by Bill Moyers, and a discussion afterward led by Ira Fischer of the Yes on Prop 89 Committee.

• Sponsored “Clarence Darrow, A Search for Justice,” a one-man show given by actor Gary Anderson and highlighting the issues Darrow faced—many of which we still face today.

• Sponsored “Climate Change:  Science and Issues,” by Lisa Detloff, presenter for Al Gore’s climate change project, on the latest science related to climate change, and what we can do to help.

• Distributed more than 200 free compact fluorescent bulbs donated by the congregation and others to low-income people at the Fair Oaks Community Center.

• Collected toiletries for Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA).

• Helped our members recycle styrofoam, batteries, and printer cartridges. 

• Supported several rallies against the war in Iraq, which members attended.

• Sent a letter of protest regarding raids by the Immigration Police (ICE) to Redwood City Mayor Barbara Pierce.

Interested?  Have Ideas?  Want to Help?

If you have ideas for social action projects, or would like to help with our work, come to one of our meetings.  We usually meet after the service of the first Sunday of the month.  Check the Calendar of Events for more information.  Or contact the Social Action Committee Chairperson.