We harness the power of love to confront and transform systems of oppression and build a world where all people can thrive through organizing, education, and mobilization. Side With Love Action Team is how we at First Unitarian Universalist Church Rochester practice Social Justice.
Environmental justice efforts are integral to aiding the Building Our Future Team by offering ideas, expertise, and hands-on assistance for various sustainability projects, including plans to build a solar garden and participating in the UUA’s Green Sanctuary Program. The solar garden project is a community solar energy installation that allows multiple participants to benefit from renewable energy, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint and serve as a model for environmental stewardship.
The Civil Engagement subgroup is an extension of our Social Justice mission, putting our values into action through informed participation in our democracy. Guided by our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the interconnectedness of all life, we work to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts. This group focuses on nonpartisan activities such as voter registration, education on issues impacting our community, active memberships with ISAIAH and MUUSJA, and advocating for policies that reflect our UU principles. By participating, members help bridge the gap between personal values and collective action, fostering both individual growth and societal change. Congregants can join by attending Civil Engagement events, volunteering at voter outreach efforts, or contributing their skills to advocacy campaigns. Together, we amplify our voices for justice, equity, and compassion in public life. In doing so, we live into our mission of creating a more just and connected world.
Since 2001, First UU has been a certified Welcoming Congregation. We have worked hard to make sure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are full members of our faith communities. Being welcoming means striving for radical inclusion and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.