We engage in social change campaigns through Issue Working Groups, which arise when groups of committed UUs organize around issues they are passionate about. The first UU multi-congregational organizing effort in our state focused on the affordable housing crisis, followed by working groups on economic globalization and Mideast peace. Over 200 UUs marched with thousands of others to the capitol in St. Paul, opposing the build-up toward war against Iraq. UU Voter Registration efforts achieved over 2,000 newly registered voters from under-represented communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul - and engaged UU youth and young adults in key leadership roles. Recently, UU door-knocking in strategic districts delivered more than 800 post-cards from constituents, helping to turn the tide toward a new renewable energy standard for our state. More than 300 UUs turned out to turn back a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. And, 300-400 UUs marched together on the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War, to bring our troops back home.
MUUSJAs current Issue Working Groups are UU EcoMinds, UUs Out For Marriage, UU Voting Rights, and UU Reproductive Rights: Sacred Choices.
- UU EcoMinds (established in 2005)—promotes lifestyles, policies and technologies that respect and sustain life. This year EcoMinds advocates for sustainable energy policies at the state and national level and promotes energy conservation at the congregational and household level. Coalition partners include Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy and Congregations Caring for Creation. Contact Chris at cburda@smm.org. EcoMinds website.
- UUs Out for Marriage! (established in 2006)—is working to head off a proposed Minnesota state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2006 by organizing UUs in congregations throughout Minnesota. Coalition partners are OutFront Minnesota and Faith, Family, Fairness Alliance. Contact Ralph Wyman at ralph-longfellow@earthlink.net.
- UU Voting Rights (established in 2006)—works to protect the right and access to voting for all citizens and to ensure that votes cast are counted and reported accurately. Contact Jennifer Thomas at jjthomas@skypoint.com or Carol Johnson at cjkjohnson@peoplepc.com.
- UU Reproductive Rights: Sacred Choices (established in 2006)—works to protect the legal individual rights of people to make decisions about their reproductive lives. They put the issue of reproductive rights within a UU theological framework that empowers UU's to defend reproductive rights and protect religious freedom. Contact Cathy Apostle at caquilt51@aol.com or Jody Beresford at spice777@aol.com.
