You can make a difference in your community and in the world by putting Faith into Action!
“Justice is what love looks like in public.” – The Rev. Dr. Cornel West, Ware Lecturer at the 2015 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly
OUUC’s Faith in Action Ministry covers a variety of justice issues such as homelessness, international peace, right relationship, criminal justice, and environmental sustainability.
There are many ways you can be a part of justice initiatives at OUUC, in our community, and in the world. Please reach out to the designated contacts or talk to Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development.
Explore the Faith in Action Pathway:
Justice and Equality
Justice Not Jails
Justice not Jails works to reform the criminal justice system in Thurston County. We lobby local governments, educate the public, take on projects to help people involved in the justice system, and share information about justice system reforms here and elsewhere. Read more here.
Standing up to Racism
Standing Up to Racism addresses racism through education and activism and works with community organizations, including The Black Alliance of Thurston County, Full Circle United, Standing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), and Unity in the Community. Contact Rev. Carol McKinley.
Immigration
OUUC members offer a variety of support services for persons held at or being released from the federal Northwest Immigration Detention Center in Tacoma. Contact Frances Tanaka.
Welcoming Congregation and gender equality
Green Sanctuary and Our Earth Community
Homelessness and Hunger
Books, Brownies and Beans
Interfaith Shelter support
Community Kitchen
Food resources
To meet the needs of persons experiencing food scarcity, OUUC members support the Thurston County Food Bank with regular collections of non-perishable items at the Faith in Action Table in the Commons.
Peace and Right Relationship
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
Guest at Your Table
OUUC’s Adult Religious Education Classes offer many opportunities to learn about and respond to issues in the Native American, Muslim, and world communities
Public Advocacy
Washington State UU Voices for Justice, our statewide legislative network
Northwest UU Justice Network, an online calendar of justice events
Share the Plate
Most Sundays, half of the offering is given to a local organization that serves Olympia’s well-being in keeping with our UU principles. Contact Erik Felch.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
OUUC is an official member of these Partner Organizations:
Interfaith Works of Thurston County promotes social change through interfaith understanding and cooperation.
Washington State UU Voices for Justice educates on issues and maintains a strong UU presence in the State capital.
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY OUUC
OUUC supports these organizations through our annual operating budget and member participation.
Capital City Pride – OUUC has supported Olympia’s annual Pride Parade and Festival since its inception.
Community Kitchen – OUUC members prepare and serve a hearty dinner for homeless and less privileged folk who visit the Community Kitchen at the Salvation Army located on 5th and Plum Streets in downtown Olympia. They serve more than 100 meals each month. Contact Karmel Shields.
Quixote Village – A village of 30 tiny cottages and a community building that provides housing for chronically homeless adults. Contact Raul Salazar or Tim Ransom.
UU Justice Network – This online communication organization works to build a more just and sustainable world by bringing people together.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) – Through the annual Guest at Your Table fundraising and education program, we support the human rights right of Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).