Social Justice Committee Web Information

The purpose of the Social Justice Committee is to inform and educate the congregation and the public about social concerns, to find ways and means to rectify social injustices and to take action for social change in accordance with Unitarian Universalist Principles.

The many projects of the committee provide opportunities for members and friends of the UUC to put our Unitarian Universalist principles into action. In addition to the programs outlined below additional projects are initiated as needed. The committee meets the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 A.M. in the Westwood Room in the Octagon.

Social Justice Programs

Religious Community ServicesThe UUC is a member of the Council of Congregations who supports the projects of Religious Community Services. The Social Justice committee coordinates fund raising and volunteering for RCS. RCS projects include a domestic violence shelter, a food bank and a transitional housing program.

Adopt A School in Khasi Hills, India Members of the UUC sponsor a Unitarian school in the Khasi Hills of India. Individuals and families have adopted students in the school by contributing funds to pay for books, uniforms and other educational expenses. Twice a year letters are exchanged and friendships are built across the ocean.

The Mitten Tree Each December requested presents are purchased for children whose lives have been impacted by AIDS. Children’s wishes are fulfilled through this program.

Guest At Your Table The UUC actively supports this fund raising project for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee from Thanksgiving to the end of December. Money is collected in small “Guest At Your Table” boxes. This project reminds us of the needs of people all over the world. The UUSC is actively involved in economic development projects world wide.

Fair Trade Coffee Project Fair Trade Coffee is served during social hour after services, and, is for sale monthly. The Fair Trade Coffee Project supports the coffee farmers, who are working in farm collectives, in South America and Africa. By reducing the middleman costs more money is returned back to the farmers, thus insuring them a fair price for their coffee.

Split The Plate Once a month the Sunday offering is split between UUC and a charity chosen by the Social Justice Committee. If you know of a deserving charity, please contact a member of the committee or mail your suggestion to the UUC office for consideration.

Better World Fund This fund was established to assist people in need in our community and throughout the world. We currently give a grant to the Pinellas County Economic Opportunity Council enabling them to distribute funds to people in our community who are falling through the “cracks” of our social service system. This fund is also used to send emergency monies to other countries. Most recently emergency funds were sent to Niger for famine relief. Although contributions to the Better World Fund are accepted at any time, many members choose to make memorial contributions or bequests.

Donations to this worthy fund can be sent to UUC. Checks should be made payable to UUC with Better World Fund notated in the memo section.