Social Justice

The Climate Justice Task Force seeks to raise awareness of the growing threat to our planet of climate change. The mission reflects our UU belief in “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are apart.”
With a UU commitment to “inherent worth and dignity of every person,” we work to reduce the especially negative effects of climate change on the least powerful members of our community. The Taskforce works within the congregation and collaborates with community organizations toward mutual goals.

Objectives for 2010/11:
• Continued education and organization of the Congregation regarding the issues of climate change.
• Promote activism among our members, joining local and national efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• Raise awareness of the importance of ethical eating and food production as it impacts economic justice and the
environment.

For more information contact ClimateJustice [at] firstparishcambridge [dot] org

The purpose of the Immigration Task Force is to promote education and awareness of immigrant issues both locally and globally. In keeping with our congregation’s journey toward a multiracial, multicultural, justice-making future, and in affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person, we take action to support positive social change. UUs have consistently supported immigrant workers, families, and immigration reform, as evidenced by General Assembly resolutions from 1961. First Parish in Cambridge participates actively in the Standing on the Side of Love campaign which includes solidarity with immigrant families. Our congregation includes immigrant service providers, immigrant attorneys, and immigrants themselves.

Task Force Objectives for church year 2010-2011:
• Introduce FP to the different immigrant communities in Cambridge and Somerville.
• Educate congregation about current issues and legislation related to immigration reform.
• Make advocacy action opportunities available to congregation.
• Partner with key agencies serving/advocating for immigrants
For more information contact Immigration [at] Firstparishcambridge [dot] org

The Prison Justice Task Force mission is to remind ourselves, this church and the broader community of the plight of millions of our fellow human beings who are incarcerated, and to take active steps to ensure that their worth and dignity are affirmed, and they receive compassion and justice. We view this work as an affirmation of the Unitarian Universalist principles of the inherent work and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations; the goal of peace, liberty and justice for all, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are all a part. PEP members collaborate with community groups including Neighbor to Neighbor and Families Against Mandatory Minimums to work on changing legislation. In addition PEP sponsored after-church programs to educate the congregation.

Objectives for church year 2010-2011
#1 – Support prisoners through visiting and letter writing
#2 -- Participate in legislative campaigns regarding Mandatory Minimum Drug sentencing and CORI laws
#3 – Participate in legislative campaigns regarding the juvenile sentencing laws in Massachusetts
#4 – Outreach to other faith and community groups involved with prison programs
#5 – Provide programs to increase awareness of those incarcerated and become informed about our justice system

For more information, contact PrisonJustice [at] firstparishcambridge [dot] org

First Parish has been a Welcoming Congregation since 2002 and voted in the spring of 2004 to conduct public witness in support of marriage equality. Efforts included media outreach, letter writing campaigns and marching as a faith community in the Pride Parade.

Support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender rights are also part of the UUA Standing on the Side of Love, a public advocacy campaign that promotes respect for the inherent worth and dignity of each person. Individuals can join this public campaign of the UUA at
Standing on the Side of Love