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Inspired by Standing on the Side of Love’s efforts to re-envision Valentine’s Day, Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Alaska sends social justice valentines to those they feel are underappreciated in their community. Some recipients include their local office of children’s services, parking enforcement officers, teachers, and doctors. ( The Juneau Empire– 2.7.16)
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Auburn, New York, is displaying artistic renderings that respond to the theme of "Standing on the Side of Love." Although connected to the national justice campaign, the annual display is intended to express broader humanitarian sentiments and help those viewing the art to get to know the artists more intimately. ( The Citizen– 2.10.16)
More coverage:
“UU Fellowship to Consider ‘Standing on the Side of Love’” ( Pagosa Daily Post– 2.4.16)
The value of comprehensive sex-ed
Unitarian Universalist Association Program Associate for Our Whole Lives, Dr. Melanie Davis, is interviewed about the urgent need for comprehensive sexuality education at all levels of public school education. “We take the stance that we are sexual from birth to death,” Davis said. “We should bring up the subject early because even the tiniest kids have bodies that they’re learning about.” ( The Columbia Chronicle– 2.8.16)
More coverage:
“Changing the World with Comprehensive Sexuality Education” ( The Free Weekly– 2.11.16)
Banner thefts do not deter racial justice activism
In Reno, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada has had its Black Lives Matter banner stolen or vandalized eight times since it was first installed last August. The congregation has reported the incidents to local police each time, but the Reno Police Department has never contacted the church to follow up. ( MyNews4.com– 2.5.16)
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, displayed a Black Lives Matter banner outside its building in the hope of sparking discussion. It was stolen earlier this week, and although saddened by the act, the congregation’s interim co-minister, the Rev. Christian Schmidt, said that they are not surprised. ( CBS Philly– 2.10.16)
Last month, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, Massachusetts, took a successful congregational vote to display a Black Lives Matter banner outside the church. The decision was the culmination of more than a year of discussion and activity on racial justice and equality undertaken by both the church’s Racial Justice Task Group and its minister, the Rev. Tom Rosiello. ( The Beacon-Villager– 2.5.16)
At the urging of several members of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, New York, the congregation’s minister, the Rev. Craig Schwalenberg, invited St. Louis-area minister and activist the Rev. Julie Taylor to speak about her experience in the aftermath of the shooting of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The presentation was part of broader efforts by the congregation’s Black Lives Matter task force to educate people about the movement. The congregation will vote later this month on whether to display a Black Lives Matter banner on church grounds. ( The Daily Star– 2.9.16)
More coverage:
“Black Lives Matter banner stolen again from Reno church” ( Reno Gazette-Journal– 2.5.16)
“Our 'Black Lives Matter' banner was stolen, N.J. church says” ( NJ.com– 2.11.16)