‘Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible’: Side With Love Shares Tools for UUs Protecting Democracy

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‘Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible’: Side With Love Shares Tools for UUs Protecting Democracy

The online kit, designed for ready reference, has checklists on key topics, including spiritual care, security, forming partnerships, and social media.

Jeff Milchen
A large group of protestors--some in yellow "Side With Love" shirts, many holding signs--protest the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Unitarian Universalists protest the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade that ended the federal Constitutional right to abortion.

© Nancy Pierce/UUA

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As the landscape of U.S. politics and activism rapidly transformed early this year, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Organizing Strategy Team—the people behind Side With Love and other UU campaigns for justice—fielded inquiries from many UUs and engaged in internal discussions about how to meet the barrage of attacks against democracy and almost every UU justice priority. The discussions provoked in OST included:

  • How are we conveying visions of a world we are working to achieve while defending against existential threats?
  • How can we develop a durable narrative strategy and improve storytelling?
  • How can we teach UUs security practices that have become imperative in the face of repressive government actions?

Nicole Pressley, director of the Organizing Strategy Team, recalls being driven to “help show what accountable, effective, and strategic organizing could look like on this new terrain while providing guidance on handling the increased risks and threats many people were facing.”

OST members promptly started intensive work developing guidance to address those needs, reaching out to partner with allies from the UU College of Social Justice, India Harris of the Audre Lorde Project, and Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of North Carolina.

The “Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible” toolkit empowers people to combat the hopelessness that authoritarianism causes.

In just weeks, OST published a toolkit to help UUs become more engaged, effective, and safe in the struggle for justice: “Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible: Responding and Organizing in Authoritarian Times.”

This concise toolkit is designed for ready reference. It includes handy checklists of Dos and Don’ts on topics including social media, protests, security, forming partnerships, spiritual care, funding vital work, and more. Rather than being fixed in time, it is a living document that OST updates periodically to reflect recent shifts, obstacles, and opportunities.

The “Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible” toolkit empowers people to combat the hopelessness that authoritarianism causes. It is rooted in the belief that UUs will rise to meet the moment and make faith-based leadership visible nationwide. Pressley summed up her faith in UUs and her goals for the toolkit: “I want people to know that they’re both capable and responsible for the work required to get us through the enormous challenges we face.”

“Together we can build a future where love and justice reign.”

UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, in a January 23 message, stressed that the fierce love we center is “far more powerful than any faction, leader, nation, or creed” and urged UUs to respond with courageous action. “I encourage you to reach out to your local communities, support organizations that are long established in the fight for justice, and make your voices heard. Together we can build a future where love and justice reign.”

You can download the “Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible” toolkit as a Google Doc or pdf (including links to several other related resources) and find weekly OST Action Updates at sidewithlove.org/actioncenter.

Download: Dos & Don’ts for Sustaining Yourself While Striving Toward Justice

Want to get involved and protect your well-being? Follow these dos and don’ts for help!

You can download the poster or read the Side With Love advice below the image.

Do's and Dont's for sustaining yourself while striving toward justice list with advice from Side With Love and designed by UU World magazine.
© UU World

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Do focus on what you can do. Action is the antidote to fear and despair. Even small, coordinated acts build power.
  • Do say what you are for, not just what you are against. Affirming positive values builds energy and keeps us focused on achieving justice, not just stopping individual harms.
  • Do be reliable and follow through on commitments. Social justice work depends on trust—only promise what you can realistically provide.
  • Do become a more nimble institution. Set up procedures that allow your congregation to quickly authorize and distribute resources.
  • Do lead with shared values and assert them unapologetically. Ground your messaging in the principles that unite your community.
  • Do verify information before sharing. Spreading rumors can create panic and confusion. This includes rumors of ICE raids.
  • Don’t forget consent. Before sharing personal stories, images, or experiences, ensure you have explicit permission from those affected.
  • Don’t give up your power or use reactionary messaging. Avoid defensive framing—assert your stance confidently and with purpose.
  • Don’t let urgency override thoughtful planning. While timely action is important, rushing into decisions without assessing risks can lead to unintended harm.
  • Don’t expect recognition or credit. Social justice work isn’t about accolades—show up because it’s the right thing to do, not for validation.
  • Don’t engage with agitators or counter-protesters at an event. Confrontations can escalate and put participants at risk.
  • Don’t share fatalistic messages on social media. They contribute to despair and inaction.

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