Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ

Beacon's Immigrant Justice Team, UUFaithAction and 1st Friends training
2019-09-22 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | New Jersey
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.

“Value to the Soul: Voting Rights as a Human Right” Ron Pierce, NJ Institute for Social Justice
2019-12-01 09:00 - 10:00 | UU Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 West Front St., Lincroft, NJ, 07738, United States
Join us at 8:45 am for coffee/tea and bagels. Dialogs begin at 9 am.
Our Dialog series provides a forum for intellectual pursuit and rational thought as integral to our spiritual journeys at UUCMC. We welcome suggestions for speakers and topics. The series runs from October through May.
The right to vote preserves all other rights; it protects from a tyrannical system of government. Generationally silencing communities of color with a variety of techniques has led to segregated schools, segregated housing, segregated neighborhoods and segregated houses of worship. If we take away peoples’ voices, we remove their ability to be productive and they become bargaining chips as they did in the eighties and nineties as Get Tough on Crime rhetoric led to more oppressive laws with greater sanctions to gain a few extra votes, at the expense of the human dignity of those we would not allow a voice.
Ron was incarcerated for 30 years. Through the NJ Step program, he earned college credits, and after parole, received a Justice Studies degree from Rutgers. The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice employs him as the Democracy and Justice Fellow. He has a passion to help lower the recidivism rate by working to change policies that create barriers formerly incarcerated individuals encounter while trying to reenter society. He has written articles, co-written a play, and has spoken in many places.

Accompaniment Training
2019-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Temple Ner Tamid, 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield, 07003
Monday, December 02, 2019 at 07:00 PM
Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ

Accompaniment Training

The New Sanctuary Coalition (NSC) accompaniment program recruits and trains volunteers to accompany people facing deportation to their immigration hearings and ICE check-ins. This provides moral support to the person facing deportation and enables volunteers to hold immigration authorities accountable. Standing in solidarity with migrants facing deportation also demonstrates to immigration judges, ICE officers, and government attorneys that there is a community mobilized against their deportation.
The Immigration Accompaniment Program helps support families who are going through the immigration process in 3 ways:

PROVIDES A SUPPORT STRUCTURE to strengthen those caught in immigration proceedings

KEEPS FAMILY MEMBERS INFORMED at every step of the process as their loved ones move forward

HOLDS LEGAL OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE for providing accurate information and serving due process

It is a concrete way to extend sanctuary for the most vulnerable among us. Sanctuary is not a physical entity but the spaces wherein all of us can breathe freely and in dignity.
We are building a movement that cares and protects the other, not matter where they are from or who they are.
How does it work?
Training consists of grounding the immigration system’s present moment in its historical and political context, framing our work through NSC’s founding principles, delving into the specifics of what our accompaniment work accomplishes, and outlining strategies for allyship in light of current threats to migrant communities.
Once you’re trained you become part of the accompaniment program. You’ll learn about upcoming accompaniments and can sign up for time slots and locations that work for you. You’ll also leave with resources, information and thought partnership for building a stronger network of allies in your community.

You must pre-register here.

NJ Water Works Conference 2019
2019-12-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, 2 Albany Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901
The fifth annual Jersey Water Works Conference will bring together more than 300 state and local decision-makers, practitioners and stakeholders to amplify the importance of addressing New Jersey’s water infrastructure, explore national models for innovative solutions and celebrate the work of Jersey Water Works and its members!

Key Note Speaker:
George S. Hawkins, Esq.

Founder and President
Moonshot Missions

George Hawkins launched his innovation-focused enterprises Moonshot LLC and Moonshot Missions after stepping down as CEO and General Manager of DC Water, where he served for 11 years. George helps agencies identify and adopt strategies to deliver better service and lower cost

George’s wealth of knowledge in water, infrastructure, and environmental issues allows him to serve many roles in the water sector, including:

Member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the White House
Advisor to Xylem, Inc.
Executive in Residence for XPV Water Partners
Board member of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and the US Water Alliance, and
Professor of Practice for American University.

George also served as Director of the DC Department of the Environment and held positions with the US EPA.

“Drivers’ Licenses for the Undocumented” by Alejandro Jaramillo
2019-12-15 09:00 - 10:00 | UU Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 West Front St., Lincroft, NJ, 07738, United States
Currently there is a proposed state law: it would create two types of driver’s; licenses: one compliant with the federal Real ID Act, and one strictly for driving that would be issued to immigrants without legal status, certain senior citizens and others who lack documentation. The proposed bill would allow immigrants living in the country without legal status to acquire a state driver’s license. The data would be confidential and not shared outside the state agency. Meanwhile, more than half a million immigrants live in fear of being deported and separated from their families for driving a car in New Jersey.
Alvaro works with Cosecha New Jersey, which is a state chapter of a nationwide group which advocates for immigrants’ rights.

“DRAWDOWN – Useful Responses to the Climate Emergency "
2020-01-12 09:00 - 10:00 | The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth, 1475 Front Street, Lincroft, 07738, United States
UU Congregation of Monmouth County Sunday Morning Dialog presents Jan Dash, PhD. Editor, World Scientific Climate Encyclopedia (2020)
Climate change is the outstanding survival and ethical issue of our time. DRAWDOWN contains many ways to mitigate climate change, using rigorous modeling, many of which you can use! DRAWDOWN is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals linking climate action to social justice. The talk will discuss the recent DRAWDOWN conference at Penn. State.
Jan Dash works hard to help mitigate climate change to provide a livable world now and for children. He promotes Climate Risk Management as motivation for climate action. Jan was a physics professor and a finance quant / risk manager. He is a member of UUCMC.
Light breakfast served at 8:45. Dialog at 9:00 AM Our Sunday service is at 10:30

2020 Vision - 2019 Review; UU the Vote Watch Party
2020-01-12 14:30 - 17:00 | UU Church at Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, 08560
Please join UUCWC’s Faith Action Ministry next Sunday afternoon to review & celebrate all that we did in 2019 (it was a lot!!), and gather inspiration for putting our faith into action in 2020. Then, at 4pm, we will watch the online launch/webinar of the UUA’s big 2020 campaign, “UU the Vote”, a program to get UUs involved in protecting voting rights and increasing voter turnout in Nov. 2020.

Remembrance Vigil at Beacon
2020-01-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Beacon (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit), 4 Waldron Avenue, Summit, 07901, United States
Please join us for a Remembrance Vigil in the Sanctuary – MONDAY JANUARY 13, 7:30 to 9 pm
For VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE – Children at SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY, NEWTOWN CT Dec 14 and at STONEHAM DOUGLAS HS , PARKLAND FL, Feb 14

AND ALL OTHER VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE
̶ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ̶

Rev. Dr. Robin will lead the program, which will be presented by both the GVP committee and the Racial Justice Committee. The Brady Campaign against Gun Violence has agreed to be a co-sponsor.
So far, we have confirmations from these participants:
Karen Kanter from Brady-United Against Gun Violence, explaining NJ’s new “Red Flag Law” (aka Extreme Risk Protection Order or ERPO);
Beacon’s own Charlene Walker, representing Faith in New Jersey and its “Live Free” campaign to end urban gun violence;
A 2 or 3-minute modern dance piece by GVP activist and dance professor Heather Harrington;
Lisa Reznik of Summit Film Society will introduce AIMING FOR SAFETY, Beacon’s 7-minute film showing George Faison’s suggestions to end gun violence;
A 2 or 3-minute GVP song performed by Andy Roth;
Candle lighting

Racial Justice Speaker Series: Brandon McKoy
2020-01-17 19:00 - 20:30 | UU Church at Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, 08560
“America Will Be: Fulfilling our Nation’s Promise Through Targeted & Equitable Policy”
Come hear New Jersey Policy Perspective’s President Brandon McKoy explain the impact of centuries of racism on federal, state and local policy. This legacy racism has created implicit and explicit bias in our government policy and programs that keep many people vulnerable and disengaged. We have the opportunity to change the paradigm through government policy and budgeting that support equity and inclusion for all. This program is sponsored by the Racial Justice Ministry of UUCWC and is open to the public.

True Justice Film
2020-01-18 12:30 - 16:00 | Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 W. FRONT STREET, Lincroft, NJ, 07738, United States
Film and discussion to support EJI
Bring a bag lunch!

NJ Maternal Health Day: A Conversation To Improve Maternity Care With The Voices of Students, Staff and Community Partners
2020-01-22 14:30 - 17:00 | Montclair State University , University Hall, Room 1020, Montclair
Free event , light refreshments served. All are welcome.
This will be a space for community building, sharing stories and resources in the intersectional topics of maternal health in NJ. If you are part of a group or agency that has handouts, we will have designated space for has any flyers/ handouts or resources to share at our resource table for the event, so please bring them! Being mindful of communication in case of inclement weather, we are asking all to use this free registration link in case of any correspondence before hand. Thanks for sharing flyer and link with your team!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/montclair-state-maternal-health-123formoms-on-jan-22-2020-tickets-78999141559

Imprisoning a Generation
2020-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | UU Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey

"Was the NJ Legislature and Governor Lame during Lame Duck?"
2020-01-27 09:00 - 10:00 | UU Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 West Front St., Lincroft, NJ, 07738, United States
UU Congregation of Monmouth County Sunday Morning Dialog presents: Amy Goldsmith, NJ State Director, Clean Water Action
Find out how the NJ Energy Plan, Plastics and Electric Vehicle bills turned out. With a new legislative session just starting and administrative commitments made but not fully realized, there are many more opportunities in NJ to achieve clean energy, water, and environmental justice as the federal campaign season moves into full swing.
Amy oversees all New Jersey programs for Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund. Earlier, Ms. Goldsmith directed Clean Water Action/Fund’s New England campaigns around water, solid waste, Superfund and Boston Harbor cleanups. From 1989-1992, Amy served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Nuclear Referendum Committee.
Light breakfast at 8:40, Dialog at 9, Sunday service at 10:30

"Give Us the Ballot" with Ari Berman
2020-03-04 19:00 - 20:30 | UU Society of Ridgewood, 13 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, New Jersy

The Green New Deal: A Resolution for Creating Political Will to Save Habitable Earth
2020-03-22 13:15 - 15:00 | Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960
Please join the Green Earth Ministry as we host a presentation of The Green New Deal: A Resolution for Creating Political Will to Save Habitable Earth.
The program will feature Dr. Marian Glenn, Professor Emerita of Biology at Seton Hall University in South Orange and a founding faculty member of Seton Hall’s Program in Environmental Studies and Prof. Daniela Gioseffi, an American Book Award Winning author of 17 books and eco-feminist, on March 22nd at 1:15 pm at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road Morristown, NJ 07444

NO Annual Meeting today (Please see June 6th for rescheduled event)
2020-03-27 20:25 - 2020-04-25 00:00 | New Jersey

"NJ Teens Talk About Racism" leadership conference
2020-05-19 09:00 - 13:30 | Fairleigh Dickinson University, Hackensack, Dickinson Hall, Wilson Auditorium, 140 University Plaza Drive, Hackensack, N.J., 07601
RESCHEDULED! NOW BEING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 19 2020
Where: FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY, Madison, NJ, ​Wilson Auditorium

“Teens Talk About Racism” annual teen leadership conference

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Teens Talk About Racism (TTAR) is a leadership conference for youth who want to create strategies to understand and stand up to racism in their schools and communities. TTAR brings youth leaders together to collaborate and lead school diversity work. Through activities that foster empathy and dialogue, students learn to recognize thought patterns that may be barriers to respectful communication. Moving from a place of deeper understanding, students return to their campuses to create action plans for a more inclusive school culture.

Restorative Justice Working Group
2020-07-15 11:00 - 12:30 | NJ, United States
A planning meeting following the “Until We Reckon” common read to strategize around restorative justice practices here in New Jersey. Under the auspices of the Criminal Justice Task Force. For more information please contact the organizer, Tricia. I. at pfressidrobo@hotmail.com

NJ Legislation Navigation training
2021-02-17 15:00 - 17:00, 2021-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | NJ, United States
A one-part, stand alone training offered by Criminal Justice TF co-chair, Anne Houle. How to research pending legislation, committee meeting information, etc. using the NJ state legislative website. More info. forthcoming
