Cluster – Hurricane season continues until November 30th.
The recovery work from Hurricane Ian continues. Houses of worship (religious buildings) are eligible, in some situations, for FEMA assistance after a federally declared emergency. Provided that the building provides a social service for the general public. Federal assistance may be used for debris removal, building repair or replacement, etc.
MUTUAL AID: On Thursday, October 27th, there will be a webinar about congregations and mutual aid organizing. Speakers will include Rev. Barbara Myers from the UU Mental Health Network and Rachel Myslivy, who is the Climate Justice staff person for the national UUA. (Rachel is also an expert on Green Sanctuary programs.)
The October 27th webinar will start at 8:00 pm (Eastern.) The home page for the Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) has information about the program links, the program speakers, etc.
DISASTER RESPONSE: Support for the Unitarian Universalist Disaster Relief Fund is encouraged. Development@uua.org Telephone: 888-792-5888.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (Long Island, New York) is involved with emergency services work in Puerto Rico, as part of the response to Hurricane Fiona. communications@uucsr.org
DEFEND DEMOCRACY: November 8th is Election Day. Help congregation members (and others) with voting.
UU the Vote is active in pro-democracy work. Information is available that your congregation can use. www.uuthevote.org
In Florida, several groups will be involved in poll-watching activities on Election Day. Religious groups are especially concerned about ADA regulations and the protection of civil rights. (Senior citizens and young adults with disabilities have been hit especially hard by voter suppression tactics.)
October 28-29 marks an important moment in the history of fascism and other anti-democracy movements. It was the moment for Mussolini’s march on Rome. The moment when fascism became “respectable” and powerful in politics.
The Sunday service for United Fellowship (Saint Petersburg) will have a Sunday service on October 23rd that provides information about fascism, anti-democracy movements, and resistance activities. The story of Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist resistance to fascism will receive some attention.
The UUA’s fifth principle affirms the use of the democratic process “in society at large.” It’s a very unusual statement for a religious organization and it helps to define and explain the Unitarian Universalists.