Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, A Public Policy Network
“I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.” Marge Piercy
“Come build a land…where justice shall roll down like waters, And peace like an ever flowing stream.” From the hymn, We’ll Build a Land
Legislative Ministry in New Jersey
A Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry is being formed in New Jersey. The purpose of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, a statewide network of the 21 New Jersey Unitarian Universalist congregations, is to provide a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena. UULMNJ will engage in impacting social justice and public policy issues important to our state through Education, Research, Advocacy, Witness, and Service.
Charitable activity has traditionally been important in UU congregations. However, when poverty, environmental degradation, inequitable access to health care, and deficiencies in education are part of the structures of society rather than unforeseen exceptions, charity is not enough. Our faith calls us to challenge and change policies and structures that inhibit human development, harm the environment, and destroy communities. The research, education and structuring of our efforts will complement and expand the deeds of social justice service we already do within our local communities. An important component of the activities of UULMNJ will be to strengthen social justice programs at the congregational level, facilitate communication among congregations and serve as a source of information.
UULMNJ Seeks Part-time Coordinator
The network is looking for a half-time Coordinator/Executive Director. This person will play a key role in moving UULMNJ from the planning stage to the next level as an action-oriented organization. Please see the position description for more details. Application deadline is May 22, 2009.
Spring 2009 Chalice Lighter Call
The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, A Public Policy Network (UULMNJ) is honored to have been selected to receive the spring grant from the NY Metro District Chalice Lighter Program.
The purpose of this network of the 21 New Jersey UU congregations is to provide a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena. After surveying NJ’s UU congregations, the network has chosen the issues of Economic Justice, Health Care, Environment, and Emerging Issues of UU interest as this year’s focus of our advocacy program.
Another expected outcome is that the work of the network will raise awareness of Unitarian Universalism and the social justice work of UU congregations. We also believe that it will promote UU membership, one of the criteria of the Chalice Lighter grant, and strengthen congregational social justice programs.
Chalice Lighter funds will be dedicated to employing a part time director to facilitate communication among congregations and strengthen social justice programs, serve as an informational resource and guide our volunteer Congregational teams in advocating our UU positions. This will be an important step in the evolution of our organization. Please help us to publicize the Spring 2009 Chalice Lighter Call by posting our flyer.
The Unitarian Universalist Distrtict of Metropolitan New York encompasses 51 congregations across CT, NJ, NY, and PA. Their mission statement reads, “Guided by our living faith, the Unitarian Universalist District of Metropolitan New York exists to be a source of connection and transformation for our congregations and our larger world.” There are two Chalice Lighter Calls each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Part of the philosophy of Chalice Lighters is to help congregations think outside the boundaries of their immediate faith communities toward a more global vision of Unitarian Universalism. Part of this larger vision is congregations helping congregations.
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, A Public Policy Network (UULMNJ)
Purpose: The purpose of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, a statewide network of the 21 New Jersey UU congregations, is to provide a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena. UULMNJ will directly engage in impacting social justice and public policy issues important to our state through Education, Research, Advocacy, Witness, and Service.
Models: There are UU Advocacy Networks in nine other states (California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington), a three more are in development (New Jersey, Florida and Virginia). In New Jersey there are legislative offices sponsored by the Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries.
New Jersey Progress: A statewide Steering Committee met throughout 2008, creating an organizational structure, drafting bylaws, forming committees, and developing a budget and financial procedures. On February 7, 2009 a plenary elected the first Board of Directors and Nominating Committee, adopted Bylaws and a Budget, and announced the Priority Issues developed from a 2008 survey of NJ’s UU congregations. Those issues are Economic Justice, Health Care, Environmental Concerns, and Emerging Issues to handle actions of particular UU interest that may come to the fore. A part-time staff person will be hired and an advocacy program will begin mid year 2009.
Affiliation: In order to have a strong and vibrant organization, it is our hope that all New Jersey congregations will choose to be active participants in UULMNJ and affiliate with the organization. By signing the affiliation agreement, congregations agree to:
- Inform UULMNJ about issue priorities that are important to that congregation.
- Make one or more UULMNJ-defined priority issues part of the congregation’s social justice ministry agenda each year.
- Designate a UULMNJ Leader from the congregation.
- Encourage communication between UULMNJ and the congregation.
- Provide an annual contribution to UULMNJ, beginning in the fiscal year starting July 1, 2010, of $5/person (as a supporting congregation), $20/member (sustaining congregation), or $25/member (champion congregation), either from special collections, fundraisers, or budgeted items.
Strategies: UULMNJ will be pro-active around the mutually defined priority issues through research, education, communication, working relationships with other allies (faith-based and secular), providing training opportunities, utilization of media and e-advocacy opportunities, building a network of support, and advocacy. UULMNJ will work to facilitate communications among the NJ UU congregations and be a resource to encourage and strengthen their social justice programs.
Officers: Chair Rohn Hein (Cherry Hill), Vice Chair Rev. Susan Rak (East Brunswick), Secretary Lynne Quinto (Washington Crossing), Treasurer Elaine Nigam (Princeton).
For more information please contact us at
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