It is essential to our congregation’s mission and vision to embody our values. We aim for individual and global transformation, rooted in the inherent value and dignity of every individual and the interconnectedness of all existence.
Social Justice Drop In
3rd Sunday of every month ~ Zoom ~ 2 – 4 pm
Password required: SJUU
Join Shelly Rohe, Social Justice Coordinator, for the Social Justice Drop In between 2 pm – 4 pm. This is the time for First UU Social Justice Teams and congregants to meet to share updates, events, and get dialed in to our First UU community! Come for five minutes, an hour, or stay the entire time, this time is yours to share/learn how to get involved in First UU Social Justice!
Civic Engagement
The Civic Engagement subgroup is an extension of our Social Justice mission, putting our values into action through informed participation in our democracy. Guided by our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the interconnectedness of all life, we work to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts. This group focuses on nonpartisan activities such as voter registration, education on issues impacting our community, active memberships with ISAIAH and MUUSJA, and advocating for policies that reflect our UU principles. By participating, members help bridge the gap between personal values and collective action, fostering both individual growth and societal change. Congregants can join by attending Civic Engagement events, volunteering at voter outreach efforts, or contributing their skills to advocacy campaigns. Together, we amplify our voices for justice, equity, and compassion in public life. In doing so, we live into our mission of creating a more just and connected world.
Community Out Reach & Service
Community outreach and service are fundamental to our congregation’s mission, involving a range of organizations and volunteer opportunities that our members actively organize and support. We collaborate with local shelters, food banks, and social service organizations to address immediate needs such as hunger and homelessness.
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice efforts are integral to aiding the Building Our Future Team by offering ideas, expertise, and hands-on assistance for various sustainability projects, including plans to build a solar garden and participating in the UUA’s Green Sanctuary Program. The solar garden project is a community solar energy installation that allows multiple participants to benefit from renewable energy, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint and serve as a model for environmental stewardship.
Liberation Advocacy
Our Liberation Advocacy efforts focus on assisting and supporting asylees and others seeking immigration in Rochester, MN, and the surrounding areas through comprehensive and compassionate initiatives. At the heart of these efforts is the Immigration Justice Community, a dedicated group of caring, innovative thinkers committed to meeting the needs of asylum seekers. This community organizes various support activities, including legal assistance, housing, and emotional support, ensuring that those seeking refuge receive holistic care.
Team JEDI
Team JEDI’s mission is to extend radical welcoming to each person who enters our doors so that a beloved community is created and sustained. We will do this through our focus on Justice, desire for Equity for everyone, voicing our Diversity of lived experience, and dedication to Inclusion of all in every part of our church life. Join us and together we can add more items on the Social Justice Checklist from Team JEDI!
Do you have an organization, campaign, or great idea for a project? Fill out the form below and I will get back to you.
Shelly Rohe she/her
Social Justice Coordinator
justice@uurochmn.org
Hours: Wednesdays 2-6pm; Sundays 9am-12pm; by appointment