We at First Parish Bedford are many things: a diverse group with different ways of following our spiritual path. Still, as members we share a heritage of humanism and a mandate to seek personal growth through social action. We are committed to helping people realize their inherent worth and dignity and strive to reach out into the world where we can learn and participate in positive change.
Are you looking for some ways to find fulfillment through social action? Below are some suggestions for getting started.
First Parish in Bedford Environmental Justice Committee (EJC)
The Environmental Justice Committee (EJC) at First Parish is a group that focuses attention on projects related to environmental and climate change issues and encourages volunteer participation. The EJC takes action such as:
- Sponsoring long-term efforts to limit the use of cars
- Developing religious education activities for youth and adults
- Developing resources to support change
- Creating worship opportunities and fostering a spiritual connection to the Earth
- Supporting efforts to live sustainably
Contact: Corinne Doud & Ginny Steel, Co-Chairs
First Parish in Bedford Immigration Justice Team (IJT)
The Immigration Justice Team (IJT) at First Parish is a group dedicated to promoting the just and compassionate treatment of immigrants and refugees through direct action, education, and advocacy. The IJT takes action such as:
- Providing clothing, food, and shelter for migrant families
- Helping new immigrants navigate the immigration process
- Coaching adults on how to find a job
- Working with local officials to ensure local immigrant children can attend school
- Advocating for more affordable emergency housing
Contact: Cecile Mercado, Chair
First Parish in Bedford Social Responsibility Council (SRC)
The Social Responsibility Council at First Parish is an elected council tasked with acting on behalf of the First Parish community to fund social action projects that express UU values. Parishioners are encouraged to get involved by proposing recipients for this funding, whether it’s an organization or project you are involved in or one that you are aware of and find inspiring, has a particular need for support, or could benefit from expanded awareness of its work. You can view a list of past recipients here.
Contact: Moriah Tumbleson-Shaw, Chair
Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere
Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere is a coalition of state and local organizations that have joined together to make a stand against the expansion of private jet capacity at Hanscom by Massport & Runway Realty Ventures, which has enormous cumulative costs to the climate and the vulnerable many. Private jet expansion is antithetical to the urgent calls from UN climate scientists, US Climate Goals, and our MA Climate Goals.
Contact: Corinne Doud
UU Mass Action
The mission of UU Mass Action is “to organize and mobilize UUs in Massachusetts to confront oppression.” Their website lists many opportunities to live our shared values through regional teams, issue teams, and monthly action hours. Current campaigns are:
- Indigenous Rights
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Decarceration and End Solitary Confinement
- Immigrant Justice
- Economic Justice
All of UU Mass Action’s work is grounded in racial justice, and they are in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
Contact: Cecile Mercado
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
This group fosters an ongoing relationship between First Parish and the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) in Roxbury, which provides education, service, and advocacy for underprivileged populations in Boston. The team encourages active participation by parishioners in a variety of UUUM programs. Volunteer opportunities are available in both ongoing programs and one-time events, including:
- Rice Sticks and Tea Food Pantry: a culturally sensitive food pantry for immigrant and refugee Asian families
- Renewal House: a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence
- Roxbury Youth Programs: tutoring, leadership, and recreational activities for youth from elementary school through high school
Contact: Cecile Mercado & Bob Schmalz, UUUM delegates
UU Service Committee (UUSC)
The UU Service Committee (UUSC) is a cutting-edge human rights organization with four program priorities:
- Economic justice, including issues of globalization and living wages
- Civil liberties
- Environmental justice, especially the right to water
- Human rights consequences of natural and human-caused disasters, such as the 2023 cyclone in Burma and the ongoing war in Ukraine
UUSC offers opportunities for personal engagement in all these issues, as well as work camps that give first-hand experiences in the US and worldwide. Parishioners of all ages have participated in UUSC initiatives in fair-trade coffee and chocolate as well as the rebuilding of New Orleans. Because UUSC’s headquarters are in Central Square, Cambridge, we have unique access.
Side with Love
Side with Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. Side with Love is the Organizing Strategy Team of the Unitarian Universalist Association and all are welcome to join.