FAMILIES for JUSTICE

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FAMILIES for JUSTICE
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1.WHY THIS THEME?

• When we think of Social Justice, we think of
  disparity, those who have and those who dont.
• How can we best ease these disparities,
  particularly in these times of economic hardship?
• This theme argues, with our friends the Bahais,
  (the UUs of Islam?) that The family is the
  workshop of civilization.

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1.WHY THIS THEME ? (cont)

• UUs in general and First Church in particular
  have always been at the forefront of accepting
  and including families of all kind, even when it
  was illegal (ie interracial marriage). We
  recognize that a just society is composed of and
  supported by strong, functioning families that
  are based on respect and love, and that are given
  the tools to thrive.
• We intend to build a SJ program with the purpose
  of celebrating (C), supporting (S) and engaging
  (E) that basic structure, the Family ( with a big
  F, meaning with an extended definition, and
  beyond our walls).

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2. Possible discussion/education topics

• Discussion/forum on definition of family to
  possibly include topics such as same sex couples,
  arrange marriages, surrogate parents
• Discussion/forum on the meaning of family values
  in our faith
• Forum about factors contributing to the break
  down of families, and what we can do about it
  (ex drug laws?)
• Training for Benefit Bank
• Training for OWL program

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3. Potential Actions/Projects

• Advocacy UUPLAN (S) (http//uuplan.org/about.htm
  l), advocacy at city level, join project HOPE
  with the Lutheran Church across the street (S)
• Join the Standing on the Side of Love campaign
  (C,S,E) ((http//www.standingonthesideoflove.org
  )
• Become a Benefit Bank site (S) (http//www.thebene
  fitbank.com/node)
• Offer OWL classes (S) on ongoing
  basis(http//www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curric
  ula/ourwhole/)

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Potential actions/projects (cont)

• Organize clothing drive for the Career Wardrobe
  (http//www.careerwardrobe.org/) (S,E)
• Engage the RE students in the social justice
  programs (intentional mentoring) (S,E)
• Create and produce a play with and for children
  about a social justice theme (could invite
  children from the 2 day care centers in the
  Church) (C,E)
• Organize a photo exhibit of the different
  families in our congregation then maybe the
  following year, a video contest in the city about
  families. (First Unitarian movie contest) (C, E)

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Potential actions/projects (cont)

• Paring new parents with seasoned ones (within the
  church) (S)
• Monthly service days (with RE participation)
  (S,E)
• Establish a relationship and participate in food
  collection for Philabundance (S,E)
  http//www.philabundance.org/
• Continue to support existing programs that
  contribute to the support of families Books
  through bars (http//www.booksthroughbars.org/) ,
  Rebuilding Together (http//www.rebuildingphilly.o
  rg/) , Center for Literacy, Achievability
  (http//www.achieve-ability.org/) (S,E), Winter
  Shelter (S, E)

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4. Estimated Resources and Time Obligations

• Each Action/Project will probably require the
  strong commitment of 2-3 leaders and 10 regular
  members
• UUPLAN should have a committed group of at least
  4-5 members
• Some projects will be short term (a play, a photo
  exhibit), other will be on going (HOPE, Benefit
  Bank)

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5.Estimated Monetary Need Possible costs
depending on programs selected by Task Force

• Publicity (posters, supplies)
• Hospitality
• Volunteer Costs
• Transportation
• Technology Materials
• Property Consideration
• Educational Materials
• Speaker Costs

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6. Estimated Facility Need

• We will reserve some areas of the existing First
  Church facilities on a weekly or monthly basis.
  For example OWL program, lecture series, BENEFIT
  BANK, etc.
• Use of Griffin Hall/kitchen if collaborating with
  Lutheran Church on HOPE ??

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7. Potential Funding Sources

• First Church 2009-10 Budget (500)
• UUA Grants
• Specific Fund Raisers (could include admission
  fees, bake sales, T-shirt sales)
• Future year grants
• Non monetary resources from UUA for support of
  families http//www.uua.org/members/families/inde
  x.shtml

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8. Measurable Goals/Objectives(2010)

• At least 50 of Church Congregation is involved
  in First Churchs Social Justice in at least one
  aspect of program.
• Each RE class has been involved in at least one
  SJ action during 2009-10.
• At least 3 Service Days during 2009-10
• Conduct at least one OWL curriculum for specific
  youth age group or adult age group.
• At least 1-2 First Church members committed to
  direct involvement in UU PLAN (UU Pennsylvania
  Legislative Advocacy Network).