Social Justice Programs

Here at UU Sarasota we believe strongly in putting our faith into action. Our church has a long history of involvement in the local community and has long embraced partnering with and supporting national and international advocacy agencies. We offer many opportunities to participate in social justice initiatives through petitions, letter writing campaigns, fundraising and peaceful gatherings to voice our concerns on current global and local issues of social justice. Bring your passion and your energy and join us!

Our Share-the-Plate Collections: Each month we donate one of our Sunday offerings to an organization which is helping our neighbors in this community, or one helping our global neighbors. For a listing of our recent gifts made through this program, click here.

	ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK We collect for the All Faiths Food Bank and have several special Sunday food collections where we fill extra barrels for the food bank.
	ALSO OUT YOUTH (Advocacy Leadership Support Outreach) Our financial contribution to ALSO helps to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
	BETHESDA HOUSE We volunteer each week in the food bank at Bethesda House, a day center committed to providing services to persons with AIDS, HIV positive persons, their caregivers, friends and guests with compassion, dignity and respect.
	BICYCLES FOR THE HOMELESS We support this program through donations, and a member of the UUCS is on their board. BFTH repairs, equips and distributes bicycles to the homeless and near homeless through social service agencies in Manatee and Sarasota.
	CHILDREN FIRST We volunteer and raise funds for Children First, a private, charitable, non-profit organization that serves over 600 of Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children, birth to five years of age, and their families.
	CHILDREN'S GUARDIAN FUND We volunteer with and donate to The Children’s Guardian Fund which provides support to children and teens in the foster care and court systems. We are particularly engaged with one of these programs, Next Step, an all volunteer organization established to create a safety net for aging out foster care youth by providing them with a collaborative trio of mentors from the fields of mental health, law, finance, education, business and community.
	DISASTER ASSISTANCE In partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, our church is a quick responder to local, national and international disasters.
	FARM WORKERS SUPPORT We advocate and educate about issues concerning safe working conditions, fair wages and discrimination.
	GENESIS HEALTH CENTER We continue to expand our relationship with this volunteer health services center which serves the working poor and uninsured population of the Newtown area by providing professional, clerical, and financial support.
	GREEN SANCTUARY As a UUA certified Green Sanctuary Congregation we encourage lifestyle changes and motivate community action on environmental issues.
	HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Church members participate in building projects and provide refreshments at work sites. We are very pleased, also, to have been a lead congregation in sponsoring a Habitat house with area congregations through the Gulfcoast Affirming Interfaith Network.
	HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) We collect clothing and supplies for the families involved in the HIPPY program.
	INTERWEAVE (SARASOTA CHAPTER) Committed to reducing prejudice against the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities, Interweave provides education, promotes friendship, political awareness, and fosters opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance among people of different sexual orientations.
	PLANNED PARENTHOOD Church members volunteer in the clinic and provide mailing and other office support for the local Planned Parenthood affiliate. Additionally, we participate in support rallies and annual fundraising efforts.
	RACIAL JUSTICE AND DIVERSITY UU Sarasota is deeply committed to being a radically inclusive, diverse and just community and we are committed to eradicating racism and oppression outside our walls.
	SARASOTA HOUSING AUTHORITY We have volunteers who serve on the Sarasota Housing Authority’s Resident Interests Committee. We advocate on behalf of the low income residents and provide direct assistance as needed.
	SOUTHWEST PEACE AND JUSTICE COALITION UU Church of Sarasota is a cosponsor for area peace-making events, holds panel discussions and events at the church, and helps the coalition with outreach and advertising.
	SUNCOAST PARTNERSHIP TO END HOMELESSNESS We work with the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, and serve the homeless in our community through direct service at the Salvation Army Service Center serving food twice a week, raising funds and supplies for Resurrection House, serving as volunteers with Bethesda House, and advocating for support for homeless services and shelter.
	TRANSITION SARASOTA Our church is a member of Transition Sarasota, a network of individuals and groups building more sustainable, just, and conscious community from the bottom up. We show films, have discussion groups and engage in and encourage sustainable living practices.