RVUUC is participating in an exciting UUA project to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th anniversary. It’s called: 40/40/40. UUs across the continent are expanding Earth Day’s 40th anniversary on Apr 22, 2010, to last 40 days, from Sun, Apr 18 to Thurs, May 27. How? By committing to small and large daily actions over the 40 days, for the sake of the Earth and all who live here. Some UUs are even taking small lifestyle changes for 40-day “test drives,” knowing that our personal choices affect many aspects of global environmental justice. When 40 percent of the people in a congregation make 40-day commitments, that congregation receives special acknowledgement from the UUA’s Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice Core Team. See 40 Sample Actions for adults, youth, and children at www.tr.im/404040 or create your own earth-friendly action.
RVUUC will kick off the campaign in worship and religious education on April 25 with a service on ethical eating offered by Robin Forest. Those who take the “40/40/40 Pledge” receive a sticker for their church nametag to help spread word of the campaign—and stir weekly conversations about how it’s going over the 40 days that follow. Some congregations will support participants and build community by hosting a special potluck or environmental justice event on day one, on Earth Day itself, or at the campaign’s midpoint. At the 40 days’ end, congregants gather to share stories—what they learned, what worked well and what did not, how their perspectives changed, and what comes next, as individuals and as a congregation.
Would you like to participate? RVUUC member (and member of the UUA Core Team for the Ethical Eating Study Action Initiative) Lucy Hitchcock Seck says "I am already making a list of the actions I plan to take for the 40 days. They include planting a vegetable/herb garden; no meat for 40 days; veggies from a local farmer’s market only; protesting with the Coalition for Immokalee Workers to get fair working conditions and 1 cent a pound for tomato pickers, etc." Eva Foster has agreed to be RVUUC’s liaison for the project. Speak with Eva or Robin if you would like to help organize some related events.In the legislative session that began on Jan 11, Washington’s Legislature faces the need to provide services for the most vulnerable in the state even as it deals with a $2.6 billion revenue shortfall. Our state legislative network, Washington UU Voices for Justice, will be working this session to minimize the impact of budget cuts on essential programs as it advocates for additional revenue sources.
WA UU Voices urges all UUs to join them in speaking out on the critical needs in this state by asking legislators to adopt a budget—a moral budget—that is just, compassionate, and equitable. WA UU Voices’ three legislative priorities for the 2010 session—restorative justice, environmental protection, and tax equity—reflect those values of justice and compassion. Want to be part of this vital advocacy work in Washington’s Legislature? Contact Carol McKinley and be a UU Voice for Justice!
Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign, sponsored by the UUA, that calls for respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. It promotes the belief that no one should be dehumanized through acts of exclusion, oppression, or violence because of their identities.
The Diversity Committee is evolving from a committee that meets monthly to a group that plans “Diversity Connections” meetings three times a year for the whole congregation. These meetings will be open to all, but we especially encourage at least one person from each committee to come participate in conversations about how we are addressing our commitment to diversity in our membership and the life of our congregation. The idea is to bring the discussion of diversity back into a more connected, inclusive forum and give us opportunities to identify ways we can support each other in our efforts. Email Rosemary with ideas.
History: The Diversity Committee has been dedicated to supporting all aspects of the congregation in its efforts to foster multicultural awareness, services, and membership. Projects have included working with the International District Housing Association to host English language talk-time groups for Vietnamese seniors as well as working with the Yesler Terrace Community Council to host a series of workshops to help community members understand how to get involved meaningfully in the democratic process. The Diversity Committee has recently spearheaded the congregation's year-long effort to work through the steps required to become an official Welcoming Congregation (GLBT-friendly) of the UUA. GOOD NEWS! In October 2008, RVUUC was notified by the UUA's Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Concerns that we are now OFFICIALLY a Welcoming Congregation!
A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community. Sustainable living is not about our material comfort (although these choices are an important part of the overall life style); it is about choosing to live in a way that nurtures life, builds relationships, and rejects material consumption as the sole determinant of happiness. The Green Sanctuary program is part of the UU Earth Ministry. What can we learn from other UU congregations about becoming Green Sanctuaries, and what steps can we take? If you're interested in exploring this topic, talk with Dick Burkhart.
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