Social Action Ministries

Social Action Mission Statement

The mission of the Social Action Ministry is to disseminate information, promote participation by the congregation in local and worldwide projects, and endorse political involvement, in accordance with UU principles.

Contact the Social Action Ministry

On-Going Social Action Projects

The following represent on-going projects that are sponsored and supported by VUU Church. Timely and "of-the-moment" opportunities to volunteer and speak out are made available throughout the year. On September 23, 2007, VUU Church was proud to participate in a national speaking tour of Darfuri refugees. Nearly 90 people listened as refugees shared their stories of tragedy and hope. To learn more about this crisis, and how you can help, please go to http://www.uusc.org/drumbeatfordarfur/index.html or http://www.savedarfur.org.

Opportunities to Volunteer

Chandler Christian Community Center

Chandler CCC is this year's (starting July 1, 2007) designated VUU charity garnering 5% of each church fundraiser and the "first Sunday" plate offering. Chandler Christian Community Center is a non-denominational organization that provides emergency food and clothing for people in crisis in the Chandler community. The Center is located in downtown Chandler and is the only food bank in the area. Services include food distribution, clothing distribution, back-to-school drives, job services through AZ Women's Education and Employment, ESL classes. Volunteers may sort and package food, distribute food boxes, provide office assistance, serve on the board of directors, organize fundraising, assist with classes. Project Contact: Lloyd Harrell

Paz de Cristo:

Members volunteer one Friday each month at Paz de Cristo, which provides meals to homeless and near-homeless individuals and families. Volunteers are asked to prepare and serve meals, and provide clean-up after the meal. Hours of service generally are between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Project Contact: Barb Quijada.

Unlimited Potential:

This organization provides education and other support to immigrant families in Phoenix. These include GED classes, pre-school, and support for families in crisis. Members may serve on the board of directors, act as mentors for women entering community college and/or the work force, lead hikes for families, or volunteer in the office. Donations of children's toys and books, as well as children's and adult clothing also are accepted 2-3 times a year. Visit the Unlimited Potential website. Project Contact: Daniela Mueller.

ShoeBox Ministry:

This project provides toiletries and other comfort items to the homeless and near-homeless. Members can donate items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes, or small luxuries--as well as shoeboxes--to hold them. Assistance also is needed to assemble the boxes and deliver them to Paz de Cristo. Project Contact: Dorothy Schultz.

KnitWits:

Members who knit or crochet (or want to learn!) are needed to make quilt squares. These squares are joined to make small and large quilts, which are then donated to care centers, hospitals, and at Paz de Cristo. Members also can donate yarn. Project Contact: Neria Ryder.

Green Sanctuary:

A working team has formed to lead the church toward becoming a "green sanctuary”one that meets the requirements outlined by the UU Ministry for Earth. A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community. More information can be found at the Green Sanctuary website. Project Contact: Rob Smith.

Support of Charitable and Service Organizations

Chandler Christian Community Center

This year, VUU is donating 5% of all fundraising proceeds to Chandler Christian Community Center to support Chandler families in crisis and the larger community.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC):

VUU fully supports the UUSC, founded over 65 years ago to rescue victims of Nazi persecution. Within the past year, the congregation has increase its membership and monetary contributions. With these donations, the UUSC has provided support to the Afghan Women’s Network for job training, two organizations in Iraq that provide basic health care needs for children as well as skills training for women, the Darfur Peace and Development Organization in the Sudan, relief for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the National Immigration Project in the United states that responds to abuses of civil liberties and immigrant rights. Information on UUSC membership and its projects can be found at www.uusc.org or at the church.

Guest at Your Table:

The church participates each year in Guest at Your Table, an international hunger assistance program sponsored by UUSC. This year, members donated nearly $7000. Project Contact: Marilou Coy and Linda Horton.

Member Education

VUU Peace Group:

VUU Church has an active peace group, which sponsors periodic video presentations as well as provides information on the peace movement in America. For additional information, see the Veterans for Peace website. Project Contact: John Henry.

Arizona Institute for Peace Education and Research (AIPER)

This local organization sponsors monthly seminars and presentation on peace and justice issues. VUU Church is a member of AIPER.

Information on various organizations and issues is available in the church sanctuary at the Social Action table and bulletin board. In addition, the Social Action Ministry periodically sponsors issue forums and video presentations.

More Help Is Needed!

The Social Action Ministry can always use organizers for issue forums, as well as more volunteers for on-going projects. Please contact the Ministry if you are willing and able to help.

Additional Social Action Opportunities