YUUR Voice in Trenton: Summer 2015

 

Congratulations to Rev. Alison Miller (Morristown), the President of the UULMNJ Public Policy Network, who led the Sunday service at the 2015 General Assembly in Portland! UUA President, Rev. Peter Morales commended Rev. Miller’s work with UULMNJ in his introduction. Watch the sermon.

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July 25, 2015 Million People’s March Against Police Brutality, Racial Injustice, and Economic Inequality. Begins at 12:00 noon at the Lincoln Monument at the intersection of West Market Street and Springfield Avenue in Newark, NJ. Come march with other NJ Unitarian Universalists behind our UULMNJ Black Lives Matter banner. UULMNJ is a co-sponsor of the event. Register and be counted!March button

Two important pieces of legislation were passed by both houses on June 25, 2015. S2381/A3723 would allow drug court participants to complete or “graduate” from drug court programs while using medication-assisted treatments to conquer their addictions. Bill A4218 would require dangerous domestic abusers to turn in their guns before they have the chance to do more harm. Both of these bills await Governor Christie’s signature. Please email the governor with the above embedded links or call the governor’s office at (609)292-6000 today and urge him to sign these pieces of legislation.

Next year’s calendar is being set. Mark your personal and congregational calendars now!

  • September 12, 2015: Training and strategizing for task force leadership and congregational liaisons at the UU Church at Washington Crossing in Titusville.
  • October 17, 2015: UULMNJ Issues Conference in Summit.
  • March 12, 2016: 2nd Annual NJ MUUsic Festival in Lincroft.
  • April 16, 2015:  UULMNJ Plenary and Annual Meeting in Cherry Hill.

Young Adult Advocacy And Training Steering Committee Forming! UULMNJ is looking for young adults to serve on a steering committee forming this summer.  The steering committee will help plan and implement our Spiritual Leaders Advocacy and Training Program.  Board member Ethan Anderson (East Brunswick) and summer intern Amanda Phillips (Somerset Hills) are coordinating the program.  If you or someone you know is interested in serving in this exciting and creative process for socially concerned young adults, please let us know.  Contact Amanda at intern@uulmnj.org

UULMNJ Dismantling Racism Task Force is forming this summer as well.  We are currently gathering names of people who would like to help guide UULMNJ’s response to racism.  If interested, please contact Rev. Craig at director@UULMNJ.org.

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UULMNJ has joined NJ United for Marijuana Reform. At the 2015 Spring Plenary the Board released a statement supporting marijuana legalization. This is a bold step for a faith community. UULMNJ does not endorse the recreational use of marijuana, just as it would not endorse the recreational use of tobacco or alcohol.  The UULMNJ position is based on the concern for social justice. The current drug policy laws and the resulting incarcerations for minor drug possession adversely affects life opportunities for many young people, and especially young black men. Read the UULMNJ statement on Marijuana Reform. Read more.