HUU Social Justice Committee

Let yourself and not your words preach for you. ~ Henri Frédéric Amiel ~

The Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee supports the congregation’s work toward the two aspects of our mission: service and activism; acts of kindness and engagement to build a better world. The committee welcomes new members! Contact Wendy Wintermute.

What We Do

We are a small congregation with a large mission to work for social justice. While many of us are involved in individual efforts, we can accomplish much by working together, with other members of the congregation, as well as with local, state and national partners. We are pleased to support any in the congregation in their social justice-related work. We invite you to join in this work.

The Social Justice Committee meets after the service on the 4th Sunday of every other month. We also exchange information about events and opportunities through our email list. 

Local Partnerships

• Dana Offerings are taken on the third Sunday of every month to benefit a local service organization. The Buddhist term Dana (DAH-nuh) signifies the practice of giving. Recent recipients include Open Doors Shelter, Blue Ridge Free Clinic, Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, New Bridges Immigrant Resource Center, Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project, and Our Community Place. Do you know of an organization that should be on this list – or one that deserves a second DANA donation? Please let us know!  Contact: .
• Friendship House, an ecumenical program hosted by Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, offers weekly free meals to the community. HUU volunteers to serve these meals several times a year.  Contact: Nancy Barbour
• Interfaith Association of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County includes members from Christian, Islamic and Jewish congregations. Monthly luncheons introduce members to issues and organizations committed to addressing community concerns. "By their common origin in God, all peoples are one. Seeking to better understand our interrelatedness and to manifest love and justice, we covenant together to embody in our community God's peace through our faith traditions."  Contact: Linda Dove
• Valley Interfaith Action is a coalition of 26 interfaith congregations working together to effect systemic change in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham community. Each year or two, Faith in Action representatives vote to take on a new campaign. The current campaigns focus on access to transportation and childcare.  Contact: Irvin Peckham.
• Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy,  based in Richmond, is an interfaith group that advocates effectively on many social justice issues which align with UU principles. VICPP provides analysis and opportunities to advocate for policies for consideration by the Virginia General Assembly. Contact: Wendy Wintermute

UUA Social Justice

The Unitarian Universalist Association provides resources to support local congregations in our social justice work.

• Side With Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. The Action Center is a place where we unite in work towards a world where we all thrive. All are welcome to join. Subscribe to get updates.
• Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice has as its mission to advance equitable national policies and actions, aligned with UU values, through engagement, education, and advocacy. Action Alerts provide information, talking points, and quick connections to contact elected officials on pressing issues. The Democracy Action Team lists current Democracy Actions & Events, as well as resources. Sign up for Action Alerts.
• Unitarian Universalists Service Committee is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates.
• Welcoming Congregations, of which HUU is one, have committed to become more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people, educating themselves through a series of workshops.