Social Justice

 

Social justice is a value deeply woven into the fabric of Unitarian Universalism, and made explicit in our seven UU principles.  At the UU Church of Canton, we put our principles and passions into action in many ways.

 

Our church’s social justice work seeks to help all members of the congregation live their values by providing information and education on issues at the local, national, and international levels, and offering opportunities for advocacy and action. Responsibility for community service and working for social justice is shared by all church members.

Ideas for and leadership of specific projects comes from inside and outside the Social Action Committee.

Social Justice News

  • Common Read ~ 11-15-15

    Mark your calendars for our upcoming…

    Election Finance Discussion ~ 11-1-15

    In this political season, the issue…

    November 1 SASO Supports Refugees

    Every day on the news we…

    • Upcoming Events

       

      Current Initiatives

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      UShare
      Healthy Food, Healthy Community

      Our congregational social justice project addresses food insecurity by growing food for local food pantries.

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      Church and Community
      Thrift Shop & Food Pantry

      An outreach organization of the Canton churches that helps lower income community members obtain food, clothing, and other essentials. Members of our congregation serve on the Board and volunteer in many capacities.

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      Campus Kitchens
      Monday Meals

      A collaboration between St. Lawrence University and the UU Church of Canton, serving a free will meal at the church on Mondays.

      Want to get involved in social action?

      Volunteer

      Shared Offerings

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      Our Social Action Shared Offerings – or SASOs – provide a way for our members and friends to learn about and support various local, national, and international organizations committed to justice work. All are invited to propose organizations or initiatives that they believe are effective and deserving of our support. Click here for a list of previous SASOs and a nominating form.

      Our current Social Action Shared Offering is dedicated to International Rescue Committee.

      Escalating Inequalities

      Examining, understanding, and addressing the “Impact of Inequalities in the North Country” has been a focus of our justice work since 2014. Learn more and find valuable resources here.

      Social Action Award

      Each year, we recognize a member of the community who makes a difference in our community with the Rachel Somers Grant Social Action Award.

      Social Action Volunteers Circle

      The Social Action Volunteers Circle provides varied avenues for congregation members to participate, as they are able, in social justice work, and meets the need for occasional volunteers to support on-going social justice commitments of our church.

      Chalice Lighters

      An important way for members of our congregation to connect and make a difference within our Unitarian Universalist denomination is through the Chalice Lighter Program  of the St. Lawrence District. The Chalice Lighter Program was created to extend Unitarian Universalist principles and faith by promoting growth of congregations within the St. Lawrence District.