News and Alerts

#GivingTuesday Spotlight: Criminal Justice Reform

UU FaithAction NJ is fortunate to have two passionate new leaders of the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force: first-time Co-Chair Claudia Sanders, and former Board Member, long-time volunteer, and Chair, Tom Moran. Both are drawn to the work because the safety and humane treatment of those incarcerated can positively change lives and impact society as whole, and they enjoy working with a robust coalition of partner organizations.

When asked about their priorities, Moran says, “Being a presence in the regulatory space, making sure laws passed are being implemented, is one way we can make a difference.”

Summer Intern Reflection

By Taylor Epps, Criminal Justice Reform Summer Intern


My experience working as an intern for UU FaithAction NJ has been eye-opening.

When I started my college career, I never intended to receive  a master’s degree, especially not in Nonprofit Management, but it was the route I ended up taking. After my first semester of studying nonprofits, I knew I wanted to incorporate this type of organization into my career field.

postcard front example

Reproductive Justice Task Force Launches Postcard Campaign

Coming to a UU congregation near you—our Reproductive Justice Task Force has launched a Postcard Campaign for Reproductive Equity, and we need all-hands-on-deck to distribute, sign and stamp postcards!

Postcard campaigns build a steady, strong voice to back a stagnant piece of legislation.  The Reproductive Equity Act (S2918/A4350) is a top priority of reproductive justice advocates across the state.  To move this legislation forward, we don’t need an urgent, one-time action: we need a steady, incessant stream of support.

Criminal Justice Reform

Special Report: Heat in NJ Prisons

Newly appointed Department of Corrections ombudsperson Terry Schuster released a special report on “Heat in NJ Prisons.” For several years, there have been reports of extreme temperature — heat in summer and cold in winter, within the prisons. For incarcerated persons, this constitutes a form of “cruel and unusual punishment.”

Send a message to Gov. Murphy, your NJ state legislators, the Commissioner and the Department of Corrections and the Ombudsperson to let them know that it is imperative to take action now.

"Stronger Together" UU FaithAction NJ Fall Issues Conference

2022 Issues Conference Registration

Registration is now open for the 2022 Issues Conference.

The conference will take place on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-2pm at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (and online via Zoom). This year’s theme is “Stronger Together” which recognizes that, to be most effective, the work of UU FaithAction NJ needs to be grounded in the work of UU Congregations across the state. At its heart, the Issues Conference is about accountability between our organization and the congregations that make this work possible.

Glad for my caravan of hardy “fools”

How does your congregation share joys and concerns?  In UU communities large and small, I have seen our hopes and lamentations lifted up from the pulpit, or popcorn-style from a roving microphone, or silently carried up with tealight smoke.  As children in Religious Education we would share in a circle, the Big Milestones and Big Worries nestled right up next to the “small” milestones and “frivolous” joys.

NJ @ GA Gathering – Today at Noon! 🕛

Did you attend our multiplatform UUA General Assembly this year?  Do you live in Jersey, or are you a member/friend of a New Jersey congregation?  Join us today, June 30th, 12-1PM for our NJ @ GA Gathering!

For our many virtual attendees, this our chance to have that ‘caught you in the hallway moment’ and meet for lunch!  We will share our GA highlights, as well as what we’re still digesting.