The Social Action Committee is an important part of UUCSH ministry and mission. You are welcome to attend our meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:15 pm. The meetings typically take place online. Scroll down to read about the many initiatives in which we’re involved. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

This committee has organized vigils and rallies at UUCSH as well as at the Somerset County Courthouse. We have planned group trips to New York and Washington, DC to march for various social justice issues. We have also collaborated with various organizations around the state to address social justice issues in New Jersey and around the world.  You are invited to ask questions, offer feedback, and participate in any or all of our activities and programs.

Social Action Initiatives

UUA Common Read – A Common Read invites participants to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time. It can build community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared experience, shared language, and a basis for deep, meaningful conversations. To learn more about our upcoming session, check out our calendar or email [email protected].

Community Course on Racism – The Community Course on Racism meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 7-9 PM. Meetings typically take place online. The class is free and open to individuals who are interested in learning about this topic. Dr. Karen Gaffney and Mr. Doug Anderson lead this very informative class which includes a lot of discussions as well. For those new to the class, Dr. Gaffney’s book is recommended to help new students learn the topics we will be covering. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with anyone from the Social Action Committee during coffee hour after our weekly Sunday service, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Welcoming Congregation – UUCSH is proud to have attained Welcoming Congregation status. In addition to making our own church environment LGBTQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) inclusive, we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person by our efforts to eradicate discrimination of gay, lesbian, and transgender people. Our work is ongoing.

Peace Site – We organize peace events in order to educate the community. Our list of events includes Sunday Services, book discussions, films, and collaborative events with organizations in our area. We work regularly with groups such as Coalition for Peace Action and The Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition.

Racial Justice and Multicultural Ministries – As described above, we sponsor a monthly and bi-monthly course on the history of racism and the ongoing repression of people of color in our communities. Read more.

Fair Trade – We support ethical wages and manufacturing by selling Cafe Justo Fair Trade Coffee and Fair Trade chocolates. Buy your tasty, fresh coffee (whole bean and ground), chocolate (seasonally) during — when else? — Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings.

Ethical Eating – We work to support and educate people about animal rights and the interconnected web of life. All the meals and snacks we offer at our events include vegan and vegetarian options. You may also want to visit our Facebook group, UUCSH Vegging Out.

Reel Perspectives – Reel Perspectives invites you to watch free films that increase awareness and understanding about current social issues. Each event in our Fellowship Hall includes free refreshments, a film screening and discussion. Upcoming films are noted in the UUCSH online calendar.

UUA and UUSC Initiatives – We promote and organize events around Unitarian Universalist Association programs such as the UUA Common Read each year. We also provide support to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) in their global outreach efforts.