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Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse

Springfield, Vermont

SOCIAL ACTION

The Meetinghouse has a “share the plate” program where each month we take a collection for an organization that is alignment with our principles.  Examples include the Art Monastery Project BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Fund, Black River Action Team  (BRAT), Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP),  Equal Justice Initiative (Bryan Stevenson’s organization), the Springfield Family Center and the World Food Program for Syrian refugees.  We also collect non perishable goods for the Family Center Food Shelf and donate  items for local students and people who are incarcerated in the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.

Our congregation has a commitment to work on Climate Change and Environmental JusticeOur connection with the land and the web of life are so important -- we're committed to make ours a "regenerative church."  We've been enriched by our films and books which have expanded our understanding on climate and justice. Along with some folks from Mountain Valley Climate Action 350.org in Chester, we discussed the Climate Church, Climate World work of Jim Antal.  We deepened our understanding of the crucial need for native trees and plants to support ecosystems, in Nature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy. Over the years, we developed the Kids Pollinator Garden and reduced the amount of mowing done on the Meetinghouse grounds to provide food and habitat for pollinators. Now we're excited to undertake a plan to increase native plants on the property, consulting with an Ecologist/Landscape Designer, a step toward becoming part of the Home Grown National Park movement! 

Our Worship Committee has also kept Social Justice in the forefront, with topics such as “Nurturing Native Wisdom,” "We are a Gentle, Angry People" with Vermont poet Rajnii Eddins,  "Racial Amity: A Friendly Way Forward!”  with Rev. Mellen and Ahmad Abdel-Mawgood,  “Race Amity” with Dr. William “Smitty” Smith and “Radical Abolition” with historian Jane Williamson.  Many were coordinated with book groups, discussions and/or film showings.



INFO RE: FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM SEVCA

 
Posting this message on behalf of SEVCA and 3SquaresVT - please spread the word!
 
Food is a basic need. We are ready & willing to help with applications for 3SquaresVT benefits, which can help you put healthy food on the table. Applying for 3SquaresVT is also a path toward economic independence; by receiving & spending your benefits, you help yourself & your community. The money you spend at the grocery store helps grocery store owners & clerks pay their own rent, their utility bills, & put food on their own tables.
Let us help you apply. Give us a call at 800-464-9951 & listen to the auto-prompt for your local family services office or please contact the Springfield office at 802-460-1553 for more information or assistance with completing an application.
Their office hours are 8-4:30