Michigan UU Social Justice Network

Supported all eligible voters’ right to vote without hindrance
Made 106,000 calls; organized 2 national UU the Vote phone banks, calling Michigan voters
Organized poll watching for Feb, Aug, and Nov elections; 39 shifts for Nov election
Educated voters in 12+ congregations about our state’s new election laws
Educated voters in 4 treatment centers and homeless shelters
Co-sponsored 2 candidate forums at the Genesee County Jail for eligible voters
Participated in election protection coalition. Made ballot cure calls/texts after the election.
Signed on in support of the Michigan Voting Rights Act

Hosted three “Decolonize Your Mind” webinars featuring Native speakers
Built connections with Native justice leaders and connected them with congregations & fellowships for speaker/sermon events
Participated in a water walk on Belle Isle organized by Native partners

Published the monthly newsletter, “Welcome In!”
Signed on to Equality Michigan’s statement opposing a Catholic group’s lawsuit that seeks to overturn the 2023 conversion therapy ban law. Supported legislation enabling transgender Michiganders to more easily change their name on state IDs, which passed in December.
Gave talks/sermons on LGBTQ+ topics to support Welcoming Congregation efforts

Hosted speakers from Soulardarity, Interfaith Power & Light, Protect the Porkies, CRAFT, & Clear the Air Coalition to educate about environmental concerns across Michigan
Supported proposed water affordability legislation
Signed on to Palisades Environmental Scoping Comments, written by Beyond Nuclear, opposing the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant near South Haven and Benton Harbor Economic Justice
Participated in a coalition promoting paid leave legislation
Participated in Michigan Liberation’s End Cash Bail initiative, including congregational support for the Michigan Black Mamas Bailout program
Co-sponsored a webinar about the harms of cash bail and what to do about it
Signed on in support of Congress extending its budget for replacement of stolen SNAP benefits

Facilitated Interfaith Reproductive Justice Coalition meetings
Submitted testimony supporting Michigan Family Protection Act, ensuring legality of parent-child relationship when fertility treatments are used & decriminalizes paid surrogacy
Signed on to a proposed amendment to a federal bill to end child marriage