Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ

Ending Solitary Confinement in NJ - A Talk at the Ethical Culture Society in Maplewood
2019-04-07 07:00 - 08:30 (America/New_York) | Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, 516 Prospect Street, Maplewood, NJ, 07040
What is it like to be confined to a small cell for 23 hours a day, months and years on end, with minimal sensory stimulation and little or no human contact? How does it affect the brain and one’s psyche? Justice Rountree, a survivor of solitary confinement, and Tricia Idrobo, a UUFANJ activist will speak about solitary confinement in New Jersey jails and prisons, its detrimental effects on individuals and the community, and initiatives to restrict solitary confinement, including bills A314 and S3261 in the NJ legislature. There will also be an opportunity to “virtually” experience a solitary cell.

Governor Murphy: No More Fossil Fuel Projects!
2019-04-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Forest Road Park Building, 160 Forest Road, Fanwood, New Jersey
Come learn about the fossil fuel moratorium! On April 9th at 7 pm, the Empower NJ team will be holding an informational overview of this critical campaign & what you can do to help make the moratorium a reality!

2019 Plenary
2019-04-13 06:00 - 11:30

Empower NJ Earth DAY fORUM
2019-04-22 15:30 - 17:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
A coalition of environmental groups that are part of Empower New Jersey, along with Indivisible Princeton, will host an educational forum focused on state-wide energy issues beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, N.J. Members of the public are invited to attend this free event.
The speakers include leaders of major statewide environmental organizations. They will discuss the dozen new fossil fuel projects proposed throughout New Jersey, including the PennEast Pipeline and the Williams’ Northeast Compressor Stations and proposals by the coalition to combat these projects, including proposals for a moratorium on fossil fuel development and a complete ban on fracking.
Speakers include:
• Amy Goldsmith, N.J. State Director of Clean Water Action, who will discuss Empower New Jersey and campaign overview.
• Doug O’Malley, State Director of Environment NJ, who will discuss environmental issues related to fossil fuels.
• Jeff Tittel, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter, who will discuss the status of the Penn East and NESE projects.
• Matthew Smith, senior organizer of Food and Water Watch will describe how citizens can take action.
• Rev. Bob Moore, of Princeton Community Peace Action.
Empower NJ is a coalition of over 50 environmental, citizen, faith-based, and progressive groups in New Jersey that are calling on Governor Murphy to enact a moratorium on all new fossil fuel projects in New Jersey until there are rules in place to achieve our 100% clean energy goals. The organization has been sponsoring informational forums throughout New Jersey. More information is available at www.empowernewjersey.com.
In addition to Indivisible Princeton, co-sponsors include Princeton Coalition for Peace Action, the Princeton Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, and UUCP’s Ministry for Earth.

Voter Suppression and Criminal Justice Reform in NJ
2019-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | The Historical Lydecker Homestead, 228 Grand Avenue, Englewood, 07631
Come hear Speakers Chané Jones and Ron Pierce From The New Jersey Institute of Social Justice talk about Voter Suppression and Criminal Justice Reform in NJ.
Why are almost 100,000 New Jersey citizens denied the right to vote? Why does New Jersey have the worst record of any state in the nation in the disproportionate criminalization of people of color?
SUPPORT NJ Bill A3456/S2100 to restore voting rights to those on Parole, Probation or when incarcerated and join 16 other States in the U. S. and the majority of other democratic countries.
Speakers Bios: https://www.njisj.org/about_staff
Sponsored by: The UUCP Racial & Social Justice Team
Co-Sponsored by: UU FaithAction NJ and Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County

2nd Annual New Jersey Human Rights Film Festival
2019-05-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-05-11 19:00 - 21:00 | UU Society of Ridgewood, 13 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, New Jersy

Presentation- Update on Southern Reliability Link (SRL) and SJ Gas Pipeline-impacts
2019-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, New Jersey, 08753
New Jersey Natural Gas has begun their construction of their Southern Reliability Link (SRL) in Burlington and Ocean County despite still being involved in ongoing litigation. SRL is 28-mile gas pipeline that will destroy environmentally sensitive land in the Pinelands and threaten communities along the route in Burlington, Ocean, and Monmouth Counties. SRL will create irreversible harm to wetlands, streams, as well as damage important open spaces, and threaten one of the largest sources of fresh drinking water on the east coast. The proposed SJ Gas Pipeline is another unnecessary and destructive pipeline that would cut a 22- mile scar through the Pinelands. South Jersey Gas plans were to build their pipeline to connect into the B.L. England plant however since the plant will not repower with natural gas, there is no need for the SJ Gas pipeline. Both Pinelands pipelines must be stopped. That is why it is more important than ever that Governor Murphy puts a moratorium on new fossil fuel projects.
Where: The Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753
When: Monday, May 13th from 7:00 pm 8:45pm
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2405196033058514/
Empower NJ Website: http://empowernewjersey.com/

Conversations on Race—The Invention of Race
2019-05-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Seton Hall University Center, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
This year’s conversation will be led by Dr. Nell Irvin Painter, professor emeritus at Princeton and author of New York Times bestseller The History of White People in which she discusses both the invention of race and the frequent praise of “whiteness” for economic, scientific, and political ends.

Interfaith Partners in Action for the Earth
2019-05-19 14:00 - 18:00 | Temple B’Nai Abraham, Livingston, New Jersey
It’s time to reconnect. To celebrate. And to plan to make an even bigger impact in the coming year.
Join us for the 2nd Annual GreenFaith Action Day on Sunday afternoon, May 19, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston.
Over the past two years, the GreenFaith community in New Jersey has been making a difference!

Through Electric Vehicle Blessings in Newark and Paterson, we’ve raised awareness about the need to accelerate the use of electric vehicles in the state and to make clean transportation accessible to everyone.
We’ve opposed the proposed Meadowlands natural gas plant.
We’ve pressed the state to divest its pension funds from fossil fuel holdings.
We took more than 50 faith leaders from Newark to Netcong on a tour of the Block Island Wind Farm and then released a multi-faith statement calling for an aggressive state policy to support environmentally responsible, labor-friendly offshore wind development.

We have GreenFaith Circles in Central Bergen, Raritan Valley, Hunterdon / Somerset, Summit, Essex, a new Circle launching in Newark, and Circle exploratory efforts in Monmouth and Moorestown. We are on the move!
Join us on May 19!
On May 19, we’ll gather to celebrate our successes, to learn about the issues, and to plan to make a bigger impact in the coming year.

We’ll learn about the Green New Deal, and how GreenFaith can support a climate-jobs-justice agenda.
We’ll hear an update on the future of electric vehicles in the state. With 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions coming from transport, EV’s are hugely important.
We’ll enjoy some skills training and a vegetarian meal.
We’ll come together in prayer for our precious planet and our work to protect it.

NJ Black Issues Legislative Conference
2019-05-23 | Thomas Edison State University, 11 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey

Introduction to Representing Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Matters
2019-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Lowenstein Sandler LLP, One Lowenstein Drive, Roseland, New Jersey
Within the past three years, more than 150,000 unaccompanied children have come to the United States risking a harrowing journey without a parent or legal guardian; often to escape abuse, mistreatment or persecution in their countries of origin. Once in the United States, the majority must face immigration proceedings without a lawyer. KIND is a movement of pro bono lawyers and volunteers committed to providing fair, competent and compassionate legal counsel to unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States.
This training will provide an overview of the basics of removal proceedings for children and an introduction to appearing in Immigration Court. Legal remedies, including asylum, special immigrant juvenile status and victim’s visas, will be discussed. Participants will be prepared to take on the representation of an unaccompanied immigrant child under the supervision of a KIND attorney.

NJ Spotlight Roundtable: Affordable Housing in New Jersey: What's Next?
2019-05-31 08:00 - 10:30 | RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, New Jersey, 08619
More than 250 New Jersey municipalities have finalized with the courts and housing advocates plans that detail how many affordable homes they are allotting within their borders and where these units could be built.
Not all of the proposed developments will happen. Towns are not obligated to build all the housing, they simply need to allow for its construction. It’s not clear how many may be built as there is no longer a state agency overseeing the process.
This year, for the first time in more than a decade, a New Jersey governor has proposed depositing the full amount of fees received — about $60 million — into the state Affordable Housing Trust Fund in recognition of the need for more affordable housing.
At this NJ Spotlight roundtable experts will look briefly at the history of the affordable housing issue in New Jersey — from the Mount Laurel decisions to the current court process — and dive deeply into:

Where we are today regarding the state’s need for more affordable homes
How many more municipalities need to draft plans and how many units are planned?
How many homes are actually likely to be built? Where and when? Who’s going to pay for them?
What are the prospects of the state retaking control of the process?

Attendees may submit questions for consideration in advance of the event as part of the registration process.
Opening remarks:
Peter Reinhart, Director, Kislak Real Estate Institute, Monmouth University
Panelists:
Staci Berger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
Christiana Foglio, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Community Investment Strategies
Assemblywoman Holly T. Schepisi, Assistant Republican Leader, Member Joint Committee on Housing Affordability, Member Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity, Member Housing and Community Development Committee
Kevin Walsh, Executive Director, Fair Share Housing Center
Additional panelist to be named.
Moderator:
Colleen O’Dea, Editor at Large, NJ Spotlight

Faith and Climate Webinar Series – Juliana vs the United States (The Youth Climate Suit)
2019-06-04 13:15 - 14:45
In this webinar, hear from panelists involved in the case and learn where the trial is headed.
The webinar will be moderated by David Hales, President Emeritus of College of the Atlantic and Chair of Climate Action for the Parliament. It will feature the Parliament’s lead counsel in its amicus curiae filing, Howard Learner of the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Brenda Ekwurzel, Director of Climate Science for the Climate & Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.Sponsored by the Hanley Foundation
June 4, 2019 – 1:15 to 2:45 PM EDT

NJ Spotlight Roundtable: Improving Energy Efficiency in New Jersey
2019-06-05 08:00 - 10:30 | Hilton Garden Inn Hamilton, 800 U.S. 130, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, 08690
Few disagree with the proposition that energy efficiency is a win-win-win: For utilities, for their customers, and for the environment. And yet increasing energy efficiency in New Jersey is proving to be a challenge.
Why is New Jersey, once a leader in energy conservation, now in the middle of the pack among states in convincing customers to use less electricity and natural gas? The conservation incentives are clear: Customers save money, utilities purchase less fuel, and pollution levels harmful to the public and that contribute to climate change are reduced.
A new state law aims to spur greater energy conservation in New Jersey by putting the onus on the state’s electric and gas utilities. Is that the right model? How to best to guide the state’s energy efficiency practices? What regulatory changes are needed to improve New Jersey’s conservation efforts?
Find out at this NJ Spotlight roundtable.
Attendees may submit questions for consideration in advance of the event as part of the registration process.

Opening remarks:
R. Neal Elliott, Senior Director for Research, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Panelists:
Stefanie Brand, Director, New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel
David M. Daly, President & Chief Operating Officer, Public Service Electric & Gas Company
Isaac Gabel-Frank, Vice President, Gabel Associates
Eric Miller, Policy Counsel, Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey
Additional panelist to be named.
Moderator:
Tom Johnson, Energy Reporter, NJ Spotlight

The Green New Deal: Exploring the Possible
2019-06-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Fairleigh Dickinson University, Hackensack, Dickinson Hall, Wilson Auditorium, 140 University Plaza Drive, Hackensack, N.J., 07601
t has been some time since we were in contact. You were very interested in information on environment and energy issues and came to several NFRPP programs. Perhaps you recall our program with the wonderful Jim Hansen at Bergen Community College and Kevin Trenberth at the Ridgewood Library and other important programs at Ridgewood High School (and other NJ high schools, colleges)and Fairleigh Dickinson University. In any case we wanted to get back in touch because we will be conducting a major educational event covering the ideas, vision, opportunities that may be possible with the recent Green New Deal resolution.

We recognize that a resolution is not legislation but the important thing is to have a discussion and see what is feasible and how to make progress. We have had decades of contention around climate change and the solutions. As a result, not much has been accomplished. With this New Green Deal resolution, we can put aside our differences, bias, fears of change and explore what the possibilities for legislation might be. This is an opportunity. This is not the time to obstruct and deny. It is a time to share, dialogue and see what can be done.

We invite you to attend the NFRPP upcoming program on June 6th 7:30pm at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack. More information below.

We are working with outstanding experts. We encourage you to bring all your questions and get them answered. We encourage you to share this with your networks, fans, friends, customers, you get the idea. Yes, this notice is early. June 6th may seem far off but please mark your calendars.
For those of you who represent products, services, education, advocacy – NFRPP will provide tabling opportunities. While the program will start at 7:30pm, we will have an “open house” that will start at 6pm. If this is of interest please contact info@nfrpp.org.

Also, if you have lost touch with us, please re-new your acquaintance with Network for Responsible Public Policy (formerly North Jersey Public Policy Network). Visit our web site and see what we have been doing. www.nfrpp.org . We’d love to hear from you.

Students Demand Action - National Gun Awareness Day
2019-06-07 16:30 - 18:00 | The Unitarian Society, A Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 176 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, 08816, United States

CleanWater Action NJ Annual Conference
2019-06-08 09:00 - 14:00 | The Wardlaw + Hartridge School in Edison, NJ
This annual interactive, educational event brings together New Jersey residents, community and organizational leaders, scientists, policymakers, business thinkers and students who are focused on protecting water and creating more resilient, sustainable and healthy communities. This year’s focus on “Unity & Action NOW” directly aligns with our history of fighting for a community-minded green workplace and environmentally-driven redevelopment projects. Join us on June 8 at The Wardlaw + Hartridge School in Edison, NJ for a historical movement of environmental justice, social justice, criminal justice collaboration and action! Hurry to register before June 1 for the early bird special at www.cleanwater.org/conference2019
This year’s panel of experts will focus on how best to unite environmental, social justice and multi-issue organizations to ensure positive results and shared successes on critical campaigns such as clean water for all, environmental justice, climate change & green energy jobs, reducing waste and plastic pollution, and more!

LGBTQI+ Global Treatment: A Canary in the Coal Mine
2019-08-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Church Center for the UN, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York
Join the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office for a panel discussion about how the prosperity and inclusion of a country’s LGBTQI+ population serve as an indicator of that country’s overall health as a nation. Further details to follow; please mark your calendar now.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Church Center for the UN
10th Floor Conference Room
New York, NY

Contact UU-UNO Program Intern for Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Human RightsAnthony Torres with any questions.

Temporary Housing Needs Meeting
2019-09-22 13:00 - 15:00
First Friends and UU FaithAction are hosting an open meeting to discuss Temporary Housing Needs.

Beacon's Immigrant Justice Team, UUFaithAction and 1st Friends training
2019-09-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Beacon (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit), 4 Waldron Avenue, Summit, 07901, United States
The presentation will introduce individuals and/or congregations to the need for Temporary Housing and or Transportation for Immigrants released from detention. Temporary Housing may involve picking a released detainee up from detention, feeding them a meal, housing them overnight, and then taking them to catch a Greyhound bus to another destination. Another option is a bit longer, for the detainee/ person who has been granted Asylum,and /or and is staying in the area. It involves housing them for for 1-3 weeks until they are placed with refugee service agency. Congregations or individuals might be willing to offer this support. Transportation and activities in all cases would be coordinated with 1st Friends.

Do You Know What’s In Your Water?
2019-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair, 67 Church St, Montclair, NJ, 07042, United States
Do You Know What’s In Your Water?
Please come to hear more about this very important issue!
Topic: Do You Know What is in Your Water?
Details: A speaker from Clean Water Action will address the state of our water in Essex County and how it relates to Social Justice Issues
When: September 25, 2019, 7 PM – 8 PM
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street in Montclair, in the Rotunda.
Sponsor: The Environmental Committee of the League of Women Voters
Leader: Ron Pate, 973 965-7578, ronaldjamespate@gmail.com
If you have questions, ask Ron.

Murray Grove Celebration
2019-09-27 10:00 - 2019-09-29 14:00 | Murray Grove

Speaking Truth to Power
2019-09-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF RIDGEWOOD,
PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE
113 COTTAGE PLACE, RIDGEWOOD, NJ
SEPTEMBER 27, 2019
7:30 P.M.
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
Emigrants, Immigrants and Refugees: Their Dilemma…and Ours
Join Judy Manton* for a presentation focusing on the complex issues of immigration based on her interactions with the Latin American community throughout her career. Judy will discuss how people are affected by emigration and immigration and the experiences of guest workers, asylum seekers, refugees, and detainees. She will report on how the situation at the US/Mexican border has changed since 2015 and will also discuss orderly legal migration and successful asylum seekers and their resettlement.
*Judy Manton, has taught “Cross-Cultural Perspectives” at Fairleigh Dickenson University for 28 years. She has taught English as a Second Language to adult immigrants both in New York City and at Bergen Community College. Judy directed a migrant worker program in Iowa. Currently, she is the director of a summer training program for Teachers of English in various parts of China.
“The ‘Push’ Factors behind Emigration: Honduras
Last November Judy joined a delegation to Honduras sponsored by The Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice and hosted by Foro para La Vida, an umbrella group of 17 organizations of activist women, who have witnessed narco-trafficking, rape by police and the military, and land seizure by big business. Their struggle in speaking truth to power against their illegal government will be another main focus of the presentation.
CO SPONSORED: Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition, Northern NJ NOW and USR Council
Child care available with two (one) week’s notice. For reservations, contact Jeannie Nametz at usr.dre1@gmail.com

Jericho Walk for Maria
2019-09-30 08:30 - 09:30 | Federal Immigration Court, 97 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, United States
There is a Jericho Walk, organized by the American Friends Service Committee, on September 30 at 8:30 am. This is to show support and solidarity for an immigrant mother, Maria, and her two children, as Maria reports to ICE. We first brought the plight of Maria to your attention on May 28 when we organized a rally in Newark for her benefit. Maria has been required to report to ICE every month, since late last year, and she brings her children everytime.
The walk begins at 8:30 am on September 30 outside of the federal building located at 970 Broad Street, Newark, NJ.
We urge anyone who is able to show up and demonstrate the community’s backing of Maria and to accompany her to her ICE check-in. Bring people from your congregation and other friends. It is extremely important that ICE understands that many people in this state support immigrants like Maria and hold ICE accountable for treating them fairly.
We are also looking for someone willing to be the point person for this Jericho Walk, who will coordinate UUs and friends interested in going that morning and write something for an action alert. Anyone who is willing to do this, contact the FaithAction office, (908) 376-6535 or admin@uufaithaction.org. We hope to have a strong sea of UU supporters!

National Solar Tour
2019-10-05 - 2019-10-06 | Find on Web Site
See what it’s like to live solar. Solar homes, businesses, schools, and more will be opening their doors and answering your questions about what it’s really like to generate your own electricity with solar panels during the National Solar Tour. Find an event near you and see for yourself!

Women of Faith Conference
2019-10-29 17:30 - 21:00
This conference is hosted by the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council and Community Access Unlimited. Location will be announced closer to the time of the event.

Better Angels Debate on Guns in America
2019-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Beacon (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit), 4 Waldron Avenue, Summit, 07901, United States
Better Angels Debate on Guns in America: Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 7 – 9 PM, Summit, NJ

You are invited to a Better Angels Debate on Guns in America to be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 from 7 – 9 PM, hosted by Beacon UU Congregation in Summit and the Summit NJ Better Angels Alliance.
A Better Angels Debate is a different kind of debate in which a group of people bring their views, and think together about a difficult question. There are no winners or losers. The purpose is to express your views AND listen to others’ views. More information about Better Angels Debates, including a video, can be found at www.better-angels.org/debates/.

We use a modified parliamentary procedure, which helps us speak respectfully and listen carefully to each other. A specific issue on the general topic of guns in America will be chosen through this registration process, phrased in the form of a Resolution. At the debate, participants will express their thoughts For or Against the Resolution. It is also okay, actually encouraged, to express doubt or nuance, and even to change your mind. At its best, this debate is a collective search for greater understanding about an important issue through a vigorous, passionate airing of views, without descending to personal attacks.
There are three goals here:
– To better understand our own views
– To better understand opposing views
– To form stronger relationships with those around us.
After the debate adjourns, we’ll take a few minutes to share what we found surprising, and what we enjoyed.
We hope you find this intriguing and will decide to contribute your thoughts to this exchange of ideas. If you do plan to attend, complete this registration form, including the survey (do not complete the survey if you do not plan to attend). This debate format works best with a moderate number of participants, so attendance will be limited to 45 people, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to come, register soon.
The debate also works best when the group is divided on the issue, with half in favor of, and half opposed to, the resolution. The survey is intended to see which of the following Resolutions: a) interests people most; and b) splits opinion closest to 50%-50%. For each of the Resolutions we are considering, we will ask:
– your level of interest in discussing the resolution.
– your position (agree, disagree, neutral) on the resolution.
The survey closes Friday, October 18, at midnight.
We’ll send an email during the week of October 20 to let you know which resolution we’ll be debating, and ask you to confirm that you will attend. Then we will follow up with any last-minute instructions.
If you have any questions about this event or Better Angels, email: betterangelsworkshop712@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest!

* Required

Intersections - Ending Gender Violence, Finding Anti-Racist Solidarity
2019-11-13 20:00 - 21:30 | UU Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey

Dismantling the Racism Machine, An Interactive Performance
2019-11-15 19:30 | Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
This Friday evening The Racial Justice Committee of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood will have an event, “Dismantling the Racism Machine, An Interactive Performance”. We are very excited to welcome Meta Theater . We think it will be an interesting and thought provoking event.

MTC’s performances are original and written from the lived experiences of cast members.
Cast includes women inside/outside the prison walls, as we rehearse weekly at a women’s
prison in New Jersey. They work within a Transformative Justice model, and utilize this model
to discuss issues and write work.

Karen Gaffney, author of Dismantling Racism will be at the performance.
