Our Unitarian Universalist Principles and values give us firm faith grounding to be productively engaged in civic life for the good of all. When we respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person, participate in the democratic process, and work towards peace and harmony in both our private lives and the public sphere, we can make a difference in the life of the communities where we live, work, or belong.
Of course, there are challenges to face before reaping the rewards! How do we best channel our enthusiasm and vision? How or where to best share our knowledge and skills, or learn new ones? Where and how can we have the most impact or influence?
Sometimes staying informed of the issues at hand can be the challenge, given the realities of information overload and competing demands for our time and attention. Sometimes being well-informed of the various issues and injustices needing just solutions is the challenge. Trying to choose which of the multiple needs and urgencies to attend to and address can be overwhelming and lead to paralysis. What's a person to do?
I notice that when I experience this, whether the setting is congregational life, the community where I live, or a special interest group in which I'm involved, I find it helpful to remember to follow my "calling" -- you have one, too, whether you use that word or another. What is it that calls to you or attracts your attention? What interests make you come alive and feed you? These are the places that seed the possibilities for your greatest impact.
Not to worry -- you don't have to solve everything! Just as on any team or in any ensemble, others are there with you, playing their positions. I'll meet you there. Together, collectively, progress advances.
***********************************************************************************************************
Here are some options on my radar for bringing your UU values into the public sphere:
Questions for your State Senator? Coffee & Conversation with Senator Pete Harckham
Saturday, February 8, 3-4 pm, John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 East Main Street, Shrub Oak
Inaugural meeting: Sustainable Putnam, a new community organization envisioning an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and economically responsible Putnam County.
Agenda includes development of a mission statement and selection of initial projects.
Saturday, February 8, 12:30-2:30 pm, Mahopac Public Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room
SAVE THE DATE! 2020 Westchester Social Justice Forum: Building the Movement for Social and Ecological Justice
Sunday, March 29, Noon-6 pm (Opening plenary at 1 pm)
Eastview Middle school, 350 Main Street, White Plains, NY
General Admission $20, discounts available
Advance registration required, https://www.westchestersocialforum.org/register
Opening plenary with Democracy Now! co-host Juan Gonzalez, the Peace Poets and Soul Fire Farm, workshops on organizing for social and ecological justice, and a culminating celebration.
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
~~~~~~~~~
Of course, there are challenges to face before reaping the rewards! How do we best channel our enthusiasm and vision? How or where to best share our knowledge and skills, or learn new ones? Where and how can we have the most impact or influence?
Sometimes staying informed of the issues at hand can be the challenge, given the realities of information overload and competing demands for our time and attention. Sometimes being well-informed of the various issues and injustices needing just solutions is the challenge. Trying to choose which of the multiple needs and urgencies to attend to and address can be overwhelming and lead to paralysis. What's a person to do?
I notice that when I experience this, whether the setting is congregational life, the community where I live, or a special interest group in which I'm involved, I find it helpful to remember to follow my "calling" -- you have one, too, whether you use that word or another. What is it that calls to you or attracts your attention? What interests make you come alive and feed you? These are the places that seed the possibilities for your greatest impact.
Not to worry -- you don't have to solve everything! Just as on any team or in any ensemble, others are there with you, playing their positions. I'll meet you there. Together, collectively, progress advances.
***********************************************************************************************************
Here are some options on my radar for bringing your UU values into the public sphere:
Questions for your State Senator? Coffee & Conversation with Senator Pete Harckham
Saturday, February 8, 3-4 pm, John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 East Main Street, Shrub Oak
Inaugural meeting: Sustainable Putnam, a new community organization envisioning an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and economically responsible Putnam County.
Agenda includes development of a mission statement and selection of initial projects.
Saturday, February 8, 12:30-2:30 pm, Mahopac Public Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room
SAVE THE DATE! 2020 Westchester Social Justice Forum: Building the Movement for Social and Ecological Justice
Sunday, March 29, Noon-6 pm (Opening plenary at 1 pm)
Eastview Middle school, 350 Main Street, White Plains, NY
General Admission $20, discounts available
Advance registration required, https://www.westchestersocialforum.org/register
Opening plenary with Democracy Now! co-host Juan Gonzalez, the Peace Poets and Soul Fire Farm, workshops on organizing for social and ecological justice, and a culminating celebration.
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
~~~~~~~~~
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