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Social Justice/Action Committee of 		BUF Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
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BUF Social Justice Committee
SJ PROGRAMS
The Social Justice Committee's theme for the year 2009-2010 was "Embracing Diversity." We tried to explore different ways to translate this into concrete action by:
  • building links with Muslim and Sikh (*) & (*) communities in Whatcom County;
  • being officially designated a "Welcoming Congregation" for LGBT individuals (even though we know that we already are!);
  • helping to develop social justice curricula for adult and children's education programs;
  • establishing an "Eliminating Racism" support group;
....and other initiatives, yet to be announced.

SOCIAL JUSTICE "WORSHIP" SERVICE
The Sunday Worship Service on Sunday, Apr 25 - was done by the SJ Committee!
The Social Justice Committee was "the preacher" that Sunday morning.

We prepared a rousing service - emphasizing three things -
  • the problems of injustice in our communities;
  • what we have been doing to achieve a better community, and
  • what you can do - and how to do it.
Here is the list of our activities - in both a table format, and the PowerPoint Slideshow which was projected on the wall at the beginning and the end of the service.

This is a participatory program - you can watch, hear, ask and do.

This was a marvelous Sunday to bring friends, who are interested in justice, or already involved in such programs and activities in the community.

We have our official Mission Statement (see above). But some folks simply say:

"Do Good"


SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Immigration Reform Pilgrimage

EVENTS:
SJ Events Calendar

(NEW! All-BUF Calendar) has been deleted.

A continuing program ----
     City Gate Apartments Needs -- Appeal:
Recently released prisoners who would otherwise be homeless, are housed at City Gate where they can get the support to reclaim their lives. City Gate residents need: ---
  • household items,
  • furniture (especially beds) and
  • supplies.
Joseph Nagle is Case Manager - coordinating with the Department of Human Services.
See: Pioneer Human Services.org   (Direct link to City Gate page.)
Email: joseph.nagel@p-h-s.com
Phone: (425)327-5477 - (an out-of-county number).

City Gate Apartments They received a grant to purchase City Gate Apartments downtown to provide 37 apartments and an on-site case manager for newly released inmates who would otherwise be homeless. Recipients must have had prior conviction/residency in Whatcom County. The Department is coordinating with multiple local nonprofit agencies to provide comprehensive services/treatment plans/case management.
Apartments are for single adults (some family visits allowed), and the typical stay is 12 months, though longer is allowed. The apartments are bare spaces, and what they are lacking are basic furnishings and household goods.

City Gate Door How we can help:-- We have a collections system for small household goods in the Church foyer, with a list on the basket of what is needed. Bob & Dorothy set this up.

Larger items will be donated directly. Joseph Nagle is the contact for larger items, coordinating the pick up/drop off of those items with the program.
(425)327-5477 or
joseph.nagel@p-h-s.com
Watch for more information on how you can help.











Social Justice Committee Banner, marching
Social Justice Committee Banner, marching
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