Coming in January: “Cracking the Codes” workshop – Sat., Jan. 7, 1–5 pm. The entire congregation is invited to attend this Confronting Racism conference spearheaded by the LFDC with thanks to UUCB’s World Peace Committee for financial support. UUCB members and friends attending will engage in talking about the system of racial inequity and implicit bias, prompted by stories in the “Cracking the Codes” film. This intensive training leaves people with new questions and the inspiration to engage in change. Hold the date and pass the word. Snacks as well as childcare will be provided. In preparation for this event, you can download the Conversation Guide for Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity at www.world-trust.org. $10 donation suggested. (No one turned away). Questions? Call 510-356-3496.
Social Justice Council (SJC) – In an effort to welcome additional people interested in attending Council meetings, we will be alternating days of the week: next dates will be Sun. Dec. 11 and Wed. Jan. 11. Then we’ll review this schedule. The potluck dinner is at 6 pm; meeting usually starts at 6:35 pm, Fireside Room. All are welcomed!
UUCB Donating to Support Standing Rock! Asked to match the $500 first donated by the Social Justice Council, the ministers and the UUCB World Peace Committee, the congregation more than matched the first $500 (exact amount to be shared soon!). Donations will continue to be collected in December at the Social Justice Table.
Winter Warmth Clothing Drive is in December. Please go through your closets, or buy new items, to help clothe GRIP Family Shelter residents for the cold and wet winter months. Bring your items to church during the first three Sundays in December. A “mitten tree” and a basket to collect your items will be at the Social Justice Table in the Social Hall. Questions or comments? Contact Ray Westergard.
Literature, Film & Drama Contingent (LFDC) of the Confronting Racism Project – Review of the LFDC Meeting on November 6, 2016: In Whistling Past the Graveyard, the precocious nine-year-old narrator, Starla, took us on a journey that got many of us thinking about how racism, bias and bigotry is established in the psyche, and how exposure, contact and involvement to and with the “other” is the best remedy. Our discussion of Susan Crandall’s book was intimate, moving and meaningful. We also reviewed the powerful and painful movie The Birth of A Nation and the play It Can’t Happen Here. On Dec. 4th we will listen to a recording of Margaret Mead and James Baldwin: A Rap on Race. All are welcome to attend (contact Camille Parker for more information).
“Bring Your Weight in Food” Drive: A number of Social Justice Council members, along with several UUCB youth, helped to create this successful event benefiting the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry.
Good Neighbor donations in December will be shared by the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano.
Good Neighbors 2017: Twenty-two nonprofits were nominated by congregation members. Social Justice Council members voted and the 2017 Good Neighbors will be: January: Berkeley Food Pantry; February: Alameda County Community Food Bank; March: WriterCoach Connection; April: YEAH!; May: Planting Justice; June: Developing Indigenous Resources (DIR); July: Bay Area Community Land Trust (BALT) and CCISCO; August: UU Justice Ministry of CA; September: Read-Aloud; October: GRIP; November: Richmond Emergency Food Pantry; December: Berkeley Food and Housing Project.
Social Justice Sponsored Project Applications
Each year the UUCB Social Justice Council presents proposals for “Sponsored” social justice projects to the congregation for its approval at the May annual congregational meeting. A sponsored project is one that may receive congregational support in the form of resources, such as worship time, funding, etc. Congregants are always free to pursue “affiliated projects” that are publicized by the church but lack official sponsorship. For the second (church) year in a row, the sponsored project has been “Confronting Racism.” It has held several very successful events, plans to hold more, has put out educational materials, formed discussion groups, etc.
To apply for sponsorship of your project, you need to gather a group of members who commit to devoting time and energy to the project, and you must complete an application for submission to the Social Justice Council. Applications are available from SJC Council Co-Chair Norie Clarke. The completed application must be submitted by March 1, 2017.
More Opportunities to DO Social Justice
Volunteers Needed: to “Read Aloud” with elementary school children in Richmond and San Pablo. Contact Judy Sam.
Volunteers Needed: at GRIP to prepare and serve lunch to hungry and homeless people at the Souper Center in Richmond. Monthly, fourth Tuesday – contact Ray Westergard.
Ceasefire Walks: Friday nights in Richmond at 7 – contact Jane Eisenstark to carpool.
Vigil for Incarcerated Immigrants: First Saturdays, 11 – 12 pm. Advocate and stand in solidarity with those at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond at 5555 Giant Highway.
Interested in being on the Social Justice email list? Contact Jane Eisenstark.
