Social Justice

Unitarian Universalists work to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice. Since UU minister Theodore Parker, a 19th century abolitionist, first spoke these oft-quoted words, UUs have shown great courage and taken huge personal risks in order to “transform society according to the principles of justice, compassion, and love.”

At USNH, following this tradition, many express their faith through social justice work. We speak out against racism, tutor children, feed the hungry, stand-up for immigrant rights, support refugees, advocate to prevent gun violence and more.

Respecting Diversity

  • ANTI-RACISM/8TH PRINCIPLE

    Deepening congregants’ understanding of white privilege and systemic racism, and working with community groups to create racial justice.  antiracism@usnh.org

  • IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE TASK FORCE

    Providing practical support to refugees and immigrants through Junta and IRIS, and working with state and local advocacy groups.  irtf@usnh.org

  • LGBTIQ+ WELCOMING AND GAY PRIDE

    Welcoming and affirming LGBTIQ+ persons within USNH and promoting justice, freedom, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community locally, nationally and globally.  Welcoming@usnh.org

  • WOMEN EMPOWERED

    Creating a woman-centered, supportive environment at USNH, examining issues from women’s perspectives, and – as women’s rights are increasingly challenged – empowering women in the larger community.  womenempowered@usnh.org

Children and Youth

  • KIDS’ SERVICE TEAM

    “Having fun while doing good!”  Folks six and older learn to live UU values by making Thanksgiving pies for the hungry, preparing refugees’ homes … Join us.  KST@usnh.org

  • WAVERLY / USNH PARTNERSHIP

    Providing Pre-school reading experiences, school-aged tutoring, and fun activities in partnership with teens and adults at Waverly Townhouses in New Haven. Volunteers welcome.  waverly@usnh.org
    more…

Hunger and Homelessness

  • FOOD BANK

    Collecting non-perishable food items for members and friends of USNH. Remaining food is donated to Hamden’s Keefe Center food pantry.   foodbank@usnh.org

Peace and Well-being

  • PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE

    Addressing the gun violence epidemic by sharing information on gun violence prevention initiatives, and encouraging members to connect with like-minded gun violence prevention groups.  nogunviolence@usnh.org

  • ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

    Reducing the environmental impact of the congregation through sustainable use of the building, providing opportunities for congregants’ to reuse belongings, and through education and advocacy.  greensanctuary@usnh.org

  • HEALTH CARE REFORM

    Educating and lobbying for a health care system in Connecticut that covers everyone, eliminates health disparities, is affordable and sustainable, and is portable job-to-job.  healthcare@usnh.org

Partnerships: UU and Interfaith

  • UUSC Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

    Partnering with grassroots organizations to support workers’ rights, advance the human right to water, defend civil liberties, and care for those affected by humanitarian crises.  uusc@usnh.org

  • UU-UNO Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office

    Working within the United Nations to bring U.U. values to U.N. proceedings. Through the UU-UNO, Unitarian Universalists have a non-governmental organization seat in the UN.  uuuno@usnh.org