About UULMNJ
* The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey
* What will this Legislative Ministry do?
* Are there other examples of statewide UU legislative ministries?
* Task Focrces, Congregational Liaisons, Congregational Action Teams
* How we move from issues to action
* How can I participate?
* What financial resources are needed?
The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of 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.
What will this Legislative Ministry do?
UULMNJ conducted a survey of UUs from across the state. In response to that survey, Task Forces were formed to address concerns about Economic Justice, Health Care and the Environment. In addition, we have formed an Emerging Issues Task Force, currently focusing on Marriage Equality and Immigration Reform. Whether through research, education, media outreach, e-advocacy, or working with allies (faith-based and secular), the UULMNJ is building a network of support and advocacy. Our goal is to work with NJ UU congregations and be a resource to encourage and strengthen their social justice programs.
To quote from the California UU Legislative Ministry, the UULMNJ:
- is anchored in our UU faith, and informed by its history and principles,
- shares information and policy expertise, particularly from member UUs,legmin
- can inspire and mobilize coordinated action through a network of mutual support and accountability,
- trains new leadership, with special attention to involvement of youth and young adults,
- is celebratory, sustainable, and fun,
- raises the visibility of Unitarian Universalism and its values to policy makers and the larger community,
- collaborates with other faith ministries and groups on like-minded issues
Are there other examples of statewide legislative ministries?
The longest-running UU statewide advocacy network is the UU Legislative Ministry, California, and there are UU networks in at least 12 other states. Other religious organizations in New Jersey have established social justice and outreach offices and we are working together with them on several issues. They have been enthusiastic about our start-up and collaboration with us.
Task Forces, Congregational Liaisons, and Action Teams - Roles and Responsibilities
Task Force Chair:
- Cares passionately about a specific justice issue
-Recruits and supports members of the Task Force
-Receives requests for action from within the UULMNJ
-Responds to requests from allied organizations for collaboration and support
-Keeps track of the accomplishments of the Task Force
-Provides regular updates to the Director
-Communicates with the Director and the Public Policy Committee when planning and carrying out action items
-Coordinates monthly Task Force conference calls
-Attends necessary meetings of the UULMNJ a few times a year
Task Force Members:
-Have an interest in a specific justice issue
-Take an active role in planning and carrying out the work of the UULMNJ
-Participate in a monthly conference call
-Research issues and identify allies
-Keep track of changes in public policy that might affect their target issue
-Develop action plans that will be sent out to the congregations or other target groups
-Attend necessary meetings of the UULMNJ a few times a year
The Congregational Liaison:
-Wants to bring the work of the UULMNJ to their home congregation
-Distributes information from the UULMNJ to their congregation
-Recruits and supports a congregational Action Team
-Mobilizes the Action Team in response to requests from a Task Force
-Communicates to the Task Force what has been accomplished at their congregation
-Works with their congregation’s social action committee to coordinate efforts
-Attends necessary meetings of the UULMNJ a few times a year
Members of the Congregational Action Team:
-Are interested in supporting the work of the UULMNJ
-Commit to responding to requests for action from the Congregational Liaison
-Invite other members of their congregation to take part in specific action items
-Find creative ways to bring the issues addressed by the UULMNJ into their home congregation
-Participate in fundraising efforts
-Share their experiences and knowledge with the larger body of the UULMNJ through writing articles for the newsletter, participating in trainings and regional events, and letting us know when it’s time to celebrate a success or address a concern
How we move from issues to action
* Outline
* Flowchart
How can I participate?
Becoming an Affiliated Congregation is the best way to participate in the work of the UULMNJ. If you are a member of an Affiliated Congregation, contact your Liaison to get involved. If you are not part of an Affiliated Congregation, contact our Director,
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. UUs can become Friends of UULMNJ and their participation on task forces and committees is welcomed, with or without their congregation's affiliation.
What financial resources are needed?
As with any organization, the Legislative Ministry will rely upon congregations and individuals for financial support. Contact our Director,
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, for more information on making a donation, arranging for a special plate collection at your congregation, or other fundraising ideas.
Life matters;
People are precious;
Deed is more important than creed;
Love is the spirit of our church;
Existence is our gift;
Meaning is our quest;
Service is our prayer;
Freedom in community is our way;
Responsibility for others is our obligation;
Reverence for life is our practice.
In the love of beauty and the spirit of truth,
we unite for the celebration of life
and the service of humanity.
All the rest is commentary. Now go and learn it.
Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert
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