The mission of the UUFT Social Justice Committee (SJC) is to support and encourage justice-making in the UUFT as a spiritual path.

We meet on the first Monday of each month at 7pm in the Emerson Library. Free child care is available with advance notice. Topics explored at meetings include ethical eating, criminal justice reform, equality for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, human rights, fair trade, racial justice, gender equity and more. We partner with community organizations to make progress on these issues, in addition to organizing our own projects. If you are interested in helping with one of our existing efforts or starting your own, please join us!

SJC Events

Sunday, March 4: Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate Sales
Before and after the 11am service

Monday, March 5: SJC Meeting
All are welcome!
7pm - 8:30pm

Sunday, April 1: Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate Sales
Before and after the 11am service

Monday, April 2: SJC Meeting
All are welcome!
7pm - 8:30pm

Sunday, April 15: Million Fag March Sign Making Party
Materials provided, bring your creative and positive slogans!
After the 11am service

Saturday, April 28: Million Fag March
Corner of 10th and Gage Park
March begins at 2pm

Sunday, May 6: Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate Sales
Before and after the 11am service

Monday, May 7: SJC Meeting
All are welcome!
7pm - 8:30pm

Our Ongoing Projects

Fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate sales

We know that fair trade makes a difference for those who produce food. Fair trade products are sold at UUFT monthly. SJC also provides fair trade coffee and tea for members and visitors to enjoy on Sunday mornings. To learn more about fair trade and the products we sell, visit www.equalexchange.coop.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Supporters at UUFT join more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions as we coordinate support to act for justice on a wide range of issues. Letter-writing takes place on the second Sunday of each month. Learn more at www.amnesty.org.

Food Drive

SJC’s ongoing food drive supports the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment food bank, which serves hundreds of families each year who have been affected by domestic violence. Donations may be brought to UUFT at any time and left in the basket near the welcome table. Any nonperishable food is welcome but protein items, like canned meat, soup with meat, ravioli and peanut butter are especially needed. Learn more about families served by the YWCA at www.ywcatopeka.org.

Guest at Your Table

This annual fundraiser supports the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. The UUUNO promotes the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. Through targeted education, advocacy and outreach, they engage Unitarian Universalists in support of international cooperation and the work of the United Nations. Learn more at www.uu-uno.org.

Global Village Bazaar

The annual Global Village Bazaar in December features fairly-traded gifts from around the world from suppliers including Ten Thousand Villages, The Survivor Network, Equal Exchange and Heifer International. Products include hand-made jewelry, home décor, Christmas ornaments, baskets, sculpture, fiber art, coffee, alternative gifts and more. Fair trade products are produced to cause minimal environmental impact while providing artisans, usually living in impoverished areas, with new economic opportunities, fair wages and good working conditions. UUFT members also sell their wares to benefit local nonprofit organizations and social justice projects. To see some of the products usually sold, visit www.tenthousandvillages.com.

Million Fag March

Each year SJC and fellow UUFT members participate in the Million Fag March in Gage Park. This event is designed to counteract the Phelps' message of hate by promoting love, equality and unity. SJC organizes a sign-making party for members prior to the march which is usually held in early May. Come "stand on the side of love" with SJC and UUFT. For more information visit: http://millionfagmarch.com/

Why I Got Involved in the Social Justice Committee

"I decided to become more active on the Social Justice Committee after volunteering for the annual Global Village Bazaar. Traditionally held on the 1st Saturday of December, this event encourages conscious gift giving for the holidays by offering fair trade products from Ten Thousand Villages, Equal Exchange and Bead for Life. This year's GVB will be on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am to 3pm. Come browse, shop or volunteer with the SJC!" — Jamie Crispin

For more information talk to anyone from Social Justice Committee or contact SJC Chair Jamie Crispin.

Judi Salyer and Kimberly Daugherty are smiling because they are selling fair trade coffee and chocolate!

A young worker on the procession line during a volunteer day at Harvesters Food Bank.

Good times and converations during the Social Justice Social.

UUFT members contributed over 140 hours of volunteer time at Harvesters Food Bank in 2012.

Fair trade items for purchase during the Global Village Bazaar 2011.

David Schaeffer checks out customers during the Global Village Bazaar.