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!

	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.
	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 donate a table for farm workers at the Sarasota/Manatee Farm Workers Supporters fundraising dinner and many of our church members attend.
	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 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 be 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 participated in support rallies and support annual fundraising efforts.
	PUBLIC HOUSING ADVOCACY We work in the community to raise awareness and to find solutions to problems at the Janie Poe Public Housing Development, advocating for the maximum number of low-income rental units to be included in the redevelopment of the county public housing developments.
	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.
	SERVING THE HOMELESS Volunteers serve dinner and lunch one day a week and collecting toiletries and cell phones for the homeless at the Salvation Army Community Services facility.
	SOUTHWEST PEACE AND JUSTICE COALITION UU Sarasota is cosponsor for area peace-making events and helps the coalition with outreach and advertising.