February 23rd, 2020 by MUUSJN
Call Our Senators & Your U.S. Representative
1-202-224-3121
Click HERE for List of Michigan Members of Congress
Urge Them to Say NO To President Trump’s Unfair, Cruel Federal Budget!
President Trump’s FY 2021 budget, introduced this month, is unfair and it’s cruel. It funnels more tax cuts to the wealthy, expands Pentagon spending over the next 10 years, and makes deep cuts in programs that benefit poor and middle income families. This budget provides a blueprint for Trump Administration priorities:
- Trump’s first round of tax cuts are due to expire in 2025. His second round of tax cuts, described in his 2021 budget, would begin in 2026 and would boost the cost of his tax giveaways from $1.9 trillion over 10 years to $3.1 trillion over 13 years (2018 – 2030), The richest 1% will get tax breaks averaging $24,000 per year compared to an average of $460 a year for the lower 60% of Americans. (Source: “Trump’s Groundhog Day Budget”, Americans for Tax Fairness, 2/11/20. Click HERE for more information.)
- This budget preserves the pentagon’s FY 2020 $741 billion spending at current levels. However, it uses some of its Overseas Military Operations “slush fund” along with cuts to 50 pentagon medical facilities, to cover other expenses such as the proposed “Space Force”, maintaining “readiness accounts” and a 3% military pay hike. After 2021, pentagon spending will rise 2% a year. (Source: “Highlights of President Trump’s 2021 Budget Plan”, Washington Post, 2/10/20. Click HERE for article.)
- The President’s cruel cuts to domestic programs would increase income disparities, particularly for people of color. Here are highlights to proposed domestic spending cuts:
- $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, which will lead to millions of people losing their health care. Medicare cuts would chiefly be to reimbursement for hospitals and other health care providers, rather than Medicare recipients, according to the Washington Post article;
- $180 billion in cuts to food and nutrition assistance (“Food Stamps”) affecting millions of needy people and $1.7 billion in cuts to school meals for low income children;
- $170 billion cut to student loan programs, which put college out of reach for many Americans;
- $75 billion in cuts to two disability programs mostly serving low-income populations struggling to survive: Social Security Disability Insurance and and Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- Cuts to public housing of 43% and eliminating housing vouchers for 160,000 low-income families;
- Slashing funding for federal departments and agencies: Environmental Protection Agency (27%); Housing and Urban Development (15%); Transportation, including infrastructure (13%); Labor (11%); Health and Human Services (9%); and Education (8%).
(Sources: Americans for Tax Fairness & the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (Click HERE for “Trump Budget Would Increase Hardship and Inequality”, CBPP, 2/10/20)
Call your U.S. Representative and your Senators and tell them:
- The Trump administration’s proposed 2021 budget is unfair and cruel;
- It extends massive tax cuts for the wealthy;
- It expands Pentagon spending over the next 10 years; and
- Cuts essential benefits for millions of Americans;
- Vote NO on this budget!
Thank you for taking action. The Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network has 3,000 activists throughout Michigan. Please take a stand for social and economic justice!
February 3rd, 2020 by MUUSJN
National & State UU’s Planning to Get Out the Vote
Click HERE for “UU the Vote” Resources from the Unitarian Universalist Association
The Michigan UU Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) Board of Directors voted to make Get Out the Vote (GOTV) a priority during 2020. Voting is not just political, but a moral action. UU’s uphold the right of every person to have their voice heard. Elections have consequences for our environment, for people of color, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants and low income families.
The national UU organization, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), launched an ambitious campaign called “UU the Vote”. This email provides an an update on what the UUA and what MUUSJN are doing to encourage people in our communities to understand what’s at stake and assist people to get ready to vote in 2020.
The UUA is holding a webinar at 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 6th on IRS non-profit regulations and electoral work. An attorney will discuss how congregations can act boldly on behalf of our values while remaining compliant with 501 (c) 3 regulations. The author of “The Real Rules”will answer commonly asked questions about civic engagement and electoral work. Click HERE to register and for more information.
On January 28th, 28 people from 12 Michigan UU Congregations got on a MUUSJN UU the Vote conference call to share what they’re doing and to learn about MUUSJN and UUA plans. Here are highlights from this call:
- Susan Leslie, UUA Advocacy and Witness Director – Susan provided background on its “all hands on deck” UU the Vote campaign that includes: voter registration and mobilization; combating voter suppression; “open door” congregation policy that indicates UU’s would make their space available to community organizations doing GOTV work; holding values based issue conversations; and providing space for weekly spiritual sustenance for people doing the work. Over 770 people, including 29 people from Michigan, got on this UU the Vote webinar. Susan said $500 Get Out the Vote grants are available to UU congregations from the UU Funding Program.
- Scott Reilly, Chair of a MI ACLU People Power group that meets at Northwest UU Church in Southfield, told about his group’s campaign to sign up 8,000 people to get their names on a “Permanent Absent Voter List”. When put on this list, clerks will send an Absentee Ballot application prior to each election on an ongoing basis. Click HERE for a copy of simple sign-up form. This tool can be used on Sunday mornings or at public meetings. Michigan’s new “no reason” absentee voter policy makes this possible. To contact Scott go to: GOTVmetrodetroit@riseup.net or go to his website: www.gotvmi.org
- Denise Hartsough, member of People’s Church of Kalamazoo and leader with the League of Women Voters (LWV), reported that local LWV’s have grants to do voter education. She said that the LWV has been a good partner with local groups that want to do GOTV.
- Carrie Hatcher, a member of the UU Congregation of Ann Arbor, told about a WAVE project that allows individuals to learn about voting habits of their neighbors. She suggested the value of having personal conversations (“deep canvassing”) with people who may be turned off to voting as a way to help them see the connection between voting and affirming their values.
- Julia Pulver, a member of Birmingham Unitarian Church who is running for State Senate, told about GOTV plans at her congregation that include: to “Beyond Voting” conferences that will include speakers on current events topics and, in the Fall, programs with candidates talking about the views on issues. Julia and Jane O’Neil are coordinating these activities that will be open to the public. They hope other UU congregations will collaborate with these activities.
- Randy Block, Director of MUUSJN, said the Network is working to support GOTV actions in all Michigan UU congregations. He’s partnering with three organizations to encourage LGBTQ communities to vote: the Human Rights Campaign; LGBT Detroit; and Inclusive Justice. Randy hope funding will become available for MUUSJN through the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM) and other sources to do GOTV activities in Michigan.
The next MUUSJN GOTV conference call will be held in March. To get on a list for this call or to share your GOTV ideas and questions, email randyblock@yahoo.com or call/text 248-224-5572
January 29th, 2020 by MUUSJN
Tell Key U.S. Senators:
Allow Witnesses & New Testimony During Trump Impeachment Trial
Senators Susan Collins – Mitt Romney – Lisa Murkowski – Lamar Alexander
Call Senators to Vote for Witnesses at Impeachment Trial
The truth matters. That’s why it’s important that the U.S. Senate trial include space for witnesses and new evidence. Please call the following seven Republican Senators. Urge them to vote that new witnesses be allowed to testify at President Trump’s impeachment trial. Those Senators are: Romney, Murkowski, Collins, McSally, Alexander, Gardner and Capito. (Leaving a message on all their phones took me less than 10 minutes.)
The vote on allowing witnesses and allowing new evidence to be heard at the trial could happen this week. Recent polling (by SurveyUSA) documented that 71% of Republicans, 81% of Independents and 93% of Democrats agreed that Mitch McConnell should call new witnesses during the trial. Click HERE for more information.
Even if you aren’t a resident of their state, please call the following Senators and say:
- Thank you for being open to hearing the truth;
- After you’ve heard both sides at the impeachment trial, please insist on calling for witnesses relevant to this case;
- Allowing the search for truth is important for our country’s democracy;
- It allows the Senate to meet a standard of fairness that can be understood and accepted by most, if not all, Americans.
Calling after hours is fine. Just leave your message. Numbers matter.
Call each Senator’s Washington DC office:
- Mitt Romney at 202-224-5251. Press #1 to leave a voice mail comment on an issue. Press #5 to speak with a staffer.
- Lisa Murkowski at 202-224-6665. Press #3 to speak with a staffer or leave a voice mail.
- Susan Collins at 202-224-2523. Press #1 to leave a voice mail comment on an issue. Press 0 to speak with a staffer.
- Cory Gardner at (202) 224-5941. Press#1 to leave a voicemail comment on an issue. Press #3 to speak with a staffer.
- Martha McSally at (202) 224-2235. Just leave a voice mail (no other options offered).
- Lamar Alexander at (202) 224-4944. Just leave a voice mail (no other options offered)
- Shelley Moore Capito at 202-224-6472 Just leave a voice mail (no other options offered).
Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network is a statewide network of 3,000 people that includes activists from many faith and humanistic perspectives. The “Free and responsible search for truth and meaning” is one of Unitarian Universalists’ seven principles. Click HERE
January 13th, 2020 by MUUSJN
Call Our Michigan Senators:
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: 1-202-224-4822
Sen. Gary Peters: 1-202-224-6221
Tell Them — Stop War With Iran!
Join International Day of Action Protests on Jan 25th
Two Michigan Locations So far: Ann Arbor – noon in front of the federal building
Traverse City – 1 p.m. Traverse City Open Space (Grandview Parkway & Union Street)
Expect more locations. For more information, click HERE (provided courtesy of Code Pink)
WE WON ONE: Round 2!
The Michigan UU Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) joined many peace, justice and faith organizations, to urge the U.S. House of Representatives to adopt a War Powers Resolution to reign in #45’s ability to declare war on Iran. The House voted 224-194 on January 9th to adopt this Resolution. Now the Resolution (Senate Joint Resolution 63) goes to the Senate. It directs the President to remove U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran no later than 30 days after the Resolution is enacted absent a declaration of war by Congress.
Even though there has been some recent de-escalation of tensions, the President’s continued economic pressure and his reckless use of our Country’s military force, could set off a war between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. Constitution states that only Congress has the power to declare and authorize war. The U.S. Senate now must step up to its responsibility to adopt a War Powers Resolution. We need thoughtful diplomacy to prevent war in the middle east.
MUUSJN calls on activists to do two things:
- Call our two Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters.
- Attend a rally to protest the Trump Administration’s reckless use of military force with Iran. Click HERE to learn if additional rallies have been organized in Michigan.
TELL THEM:
- I want my Senator ______________ to urge diplomacy to prevent a war with Iran.
- According to our Constitution, only Congress can declare war.
- I oppose the reckless use of military force on Iran;
- Vote YES on Senate Joint Resolution 63, the War Power Resolution.
Thank you for taking action. The Michigan UU Social Justice Network has congregations in 26 Michigan communities and works with many coalitions. Let’s continue to raise our voices for justice!
January 9th, 2020 by MUUSJN
Call Your U.S. Representative
1-202-224-3121 (capitol switchboard)
Click HERE for List of Our Michigan Congressional Delegation
Tell Them — Vote for AUMF Resolution
Rallies in Dearborn and 8 More Michigan Cities on Jan 9th
The Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) joins a chorus of peace, justice and faith organizations calling for protest of President Trump’s assassination of a top commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Qassim Suleimani. This is an act of war with a country that #45 has been provoking since he withdrew from the Iranian nuclear arms reduction treaty.
TWO OPTIONS FOR ACTION:
Call your U.S. Representative. A vote in the U.S. House is expected on January 9th on a resolution that would require President Trump to get approval from Congress (an Authorization of the Use of Military Force) before declaring war on Iran.
Tell your U.S. Representative:
a. I want my Representative ______________ to vote for a resolution requiring approval of Congress before launching a war with Iran. According to our Constitution, only Congress can declare war.
b. Speak against President Trump’s assassination of Iran’s top military commander.
c. Do everything possible to stop a war with Iran.
d. What are you planning to say about this situation to your colleagues or to the Administration?
Attend a demonstration this Thursday, January 9th:
Stand Against War with Iran
Protect the Civil Rights of Iranian-Americans
Thursday, Jan. 9, 11:00 AM
Islamic House of Wisdom,
22575 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights
Nationwide, hundreds of demonstrations are being held, including at least eight in Michigan. They are being co-sponsored by Win Without War, MoveOn, Indivisible, Vets About Face, National Iranian American Council and others:
- Detroit: 5 p.m., McNamara Building;
- Southgate: 5.p.m., Corner of Fort and Chestnut
- Saginaw: 5 p.m., Saginaw Court House
- Flint: 5 p.m., City Hall
- Traverse City, Noon, Traverse City Open Space
- Boyne City, 4:30 p.m., City Hall
- Grand Haven, 5 p.m. west side of US 31, 1/2 block north of Jackson Street
- Houghton, 5 p.m., Houghton Lift Bridge
Click HERE for more information on demonstrations, go to a No War With Iran website.
Thank you for taking action. The Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network has congregations in 26 Michigan cities. Let’s flex our progressive power for justice.
December 27th, 2019 by MUUSJN
Volunteers Needed To Help Defeat Abortion Ban
Click HERE to Sign Up with Planned Parenthood of Michigan
On December 23rd, Michigan Right to Life (RTL) submitted 379,418 signatures on petitions to the Michigan Secretary of State to criminalize dilation and extraction, the most safe, commonly used method of abortion in Michigan. The petition is intended by anti-choice activists to go to the Michigan legislature and avoid a certain veto by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Under Michigan law, this petition drive must get 340,047 valid signatures to go to the Michigan legislature.
Here are four reasons this petition is just WRONG for Michigan women and Michigan families:
- A ban on D&E method abortions is unconstitutional. Courts have blocked D&E bans each time they have been challenged in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the Northland Family Planning Clinic.
- This abortion ban interferes with a physician’s ability to care for their patients, according to ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists). Doctors, under this ban, would face criminal penalties including prison.
- A decision to have an abortion should be made by women and their doctors, not politicians.
- This proposal makes no exceptions for circumstances including lethal fetal diagnosis, rape, incest or maternal well-being.
If the proposal is adopted by state legislators, the MI ACLU has said it will challenge it in court.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO REVIEW SIGNATURES
Click HERE to SIGN UP
The Michigan Bureau of Elections has several weeks to review the signatures to determine their validity. Planned Parenthood of Michigan is looking for volunteers to help check and challenge RTL abortion ban signatures. This work involves “high level, data and detail driven volunteers who will be willing to be part of a rapid response team that will be tasked with going to Lansing, on short notice, over the course of several days in January to do the important work of checking signatures and petition sheets turned in by Right to Life”.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Your own transportation to and from Lansing;
- Your own laptop computer;
- Ability to sit for several hours in a row and do the meticulous and detail oriented work;
- Ability to follow careful and and specific instructions and guidelines for determining the validity of signatures; and
- Participate in a pre-event webinar.
MUUSJN’s Interfaith Reproductive Justice Coalition, that includes over a dozen women’s and LGBTQ justice organizations, opposes the D&E ban petition campaign.
December 13th, 2019 by MUUSJN
Comment on Rule Before 12/19
Click HERE to Offer Your Comments
Tell Trump’s Health & Human Services what you think about a rule that would allow federally funded contractors to turn away people in need because of their religion,their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Need a home delivered meal and you are gay? Sorry about that!
Need to enroll in Headstart and you are a gay couple? Sorry about that!
Need to buy birth control pills and you are a single mother? Sorry about that!
Are you Jewish and need a subsidized apartment? Sorry about that!
This rule violates basic American values that all persons have worth & should be treated with dignity.
HHS Rule Would Allow Discrimination vs. Women, LGBTQ People By Federal Contractors
Take Action!
The Trump administration has issued an alarming proposal that would give power to taxpayer funded programs through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undermine human rights of women, people from LGBTQ communities and people from minority faiths. The new proposal would roll back protections that prohibit discrimination in HHS grant-funded programs based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.
This new proposal comes as part of the Trump administration’s concerted effort to empower people who discriminate in the name of religion throughout the federal government. In HHS alone, there have been proposals to strip anti-discrimination protections in healthcare and to allow hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices to refuse care based on the provider’s religious beliefs. The administration is also seeking to allow discrimination in housing, in workplaces with federal contracts, on college campuses, and against immigrants who have disabilities.
But we can and we must fight back. The government is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until December 19. Click HERE to submit your own comment using the ACLU template, Explain in your own words why you oppose this discriminatory new rule.
Example of Where Our Resistance Paid Off
In January 2018, MUUSJN and other advocates urged the public to submit comments on a rule that would “protect conscience” in health care services. This rule would have allowed the religious right to exercise their objections to providing health care services e.g., abortions and birth control to women, while taking away the freedom of women and other people of faith. The final rule was adopted in May 2019, almost 17 months later. However, in November 2019 — before this rule became effective — a federal court vacated the rule so that it’s not being put into effect. While this case could come back to the courts, it show that giving comments paid off. It delayed implementation until courts could challenge a rule that clearly violated women’s rights.
December 7th, 2019 by MUUSJN
Call Your U.S. Representative
1-202-224-3121
(capitol switchboard)
Tell your Representative to Vote for H.R. 3
“The Lower Drug Costs Now Act”
THE PROBLEM
Prescription drug companies charge Americans three, four or even 10 times what they charge people in other countries for the same drugs. These companies subject Americans to unjustified drug price hikes that are far above the rate of inflation.
The soaring cost of insulin is an example of out of control prescription drug prices that are crying for a solution. More than 100 million people are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Diabetes is reportedly the highest cost disease in the U.S., more than $300 billion per year. Insulin was invented almost 100 years ago in 1922. Yet, between 2012 and 2016 insulin costs have nearly doubled ($2,864 to $5,075) according to the Health Care Cost Institute.
Seniors and families are struggling to buy prescriptions they need to stay healthy. Three in 10 adults reported not taking their medicines as prescribed during the last year due to the cost.
The big pharmaceutical companies are raising prices on prescriptions not so they can do more research and development to find new cures and treatments, but to pad their profits. According to analysis done by the Washington Post, nine of the 10 big pharmaceutical companies spend more on marketing, sales and overhead than on research.
H.R. 3 — A BIG STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Rep. Frank Pallone and 106 other U.S. Representatives co-sponsored H.R. 3. This includes four Michigan Congresspersons: Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Haley Stevens and Rep Debbie Dingell. This bill has the support of House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
The proposed bill would:
- Allow the federal government to negotiate prices on at least 25 and as much as 250 of the most costly prescription drugs that don’t have a generic competitor;
- Create a maximum price during negotiation that would be based on the average cost of the drug in six countries: Australia, France, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan;
- Penalize drug companies that refuse to negotiate or reach a settlement; and
- Create a $2,000 out of pocket limit for Medicare beneficiaries.
The fate of this bill is uncertain in the Senate, where Senators have introduced their own drug price reduction bill that was co-sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden (D- Oregon) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). It’s been passed out of the Senate Finance Committee and President Trump has said he’ll sign it. However, it is being blocked by Senate Mitch McConnell. What’s new? Right now MUUSJN wants to make sure a drug price reduction bill gets adopted in the House. So we’re asking you to call your U.S. Representative.
TELL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:
- If your U.S. Representative is a co-sponsor of H.R. 3, THANK him/her;
If your Representative is NOT a co-sponsor, say:
- Americans are being overcharged by the pharmacy industry compared to other countries;
- Three of 10 Americans say they can’t afford the prescriptions they need;
- Medicare should be allowed to negotiate for better prices and there should be limits on how much people on Medicare pay out of pocket for their prescriptions;
- H.R. 3, co-sponsored by 106 U.S. Representatives, will allow these long overdue reforms;
- I urge you to vote YES on H.R. 3!
November 28th, 2019 by MUUSJN
After 7 million people went on a
climate strike on September 20th…
Take two challenges of young climate justice activists:
Black Friday Resistance:
Boycott buying things for 24 hours from 7 p.m. EST on November 28th to 6:59 p.m. on November 29th (EST). Students, workers and adults everywhere, walk away from a system that is destroying the planet.
December 6th:
Participate in one of the 5 climate strikes in Michigan (Traverse City, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Allendale.)
This Is Not A Single Generation Job!
“We young people can contribute to a larger fight and that can make a huge difference. But we can’t do this without you and everyone you know.”
- TRAVERSE CITY: 1 p.m., NMC Health & Science Bldg., 1701 East Front Street
- DETROIT: 3 p.m., Grand Circus Park (downtown Detroit)
- LANSING: 2 p.m., Lansing Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Avenue
- GRAND RAPIDS: Noon, Ah Nab Awen Park, 220 Front Street
- ALLENDALE: 10 a.m., Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive
Climate strikes, rallies, protests, grassroots action and current events in the U.S. and around the globe are being organized by Fridays for Earth, Youth Climate Strike, U.S. Climate Strike, the Sunrise Movement and other organizations. If you would like to organize a climate strike in your community or to see if someone else has organized one, go to: https://www.sunrisemovement.org/climatestrike
Unitarian Universalists (UU) Care About Climate Change
One of UU principles calls for the protection of our environment: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”
For more information on UU environmental perspectives and resources go tothe UU Ministry for Earth: uumfe.org
MFE created a new web platform called Create Climate Justice Net that includes opportunities to join specialized groups, get resources for action and exchange ideas with other activists. Go to: createclimatejustice.net
November 28th, 2019 by MUUSJN
2019 was another tough year under the current right wing political leadership.We faced threats of cuts in domestic programs, attacks on women’s and LGBTQ rights, cruelty toward immigrants and people of color and indifference toward our environment and poor people.
THE GOOD NEWS: In partnerships with progressive allies, MUUSJN sent over 40 action alerts to our statewide network of almost 3,000 people to call elected officials, to educate and protest. We won several battles!
We are grateful to continue to be a partner with the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM), an organization started by African American women. It’s funding has supported all of our justice priorities and it has provide a coalition for collective action.
Take a look at our ACCOMPLISHMENTS in 2019! You and your congregation are invited to renew or become a new member of MUUSJN. Donations now are tax deductible and count for a membership in 2020.
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE:
- Promoted attendance at the Women’s March in Washington D.C. and in Lansing and promoted attendance at Pay Equity Day;
- Received a grant from the UU Funding Program to sustain our Interfaith Reproductive Justice Coalition that collaborated with LGBTQ related organizations to take action on legislation and organize a Women’s and LGBTQ Justice conference.
- Urged Gov. Whitmer to veto a bill that limits abortions via telemedicine. It was vetoed.
- Sent a letter, signed by 15 organizations, to Michigan Congressional delegation that urged funding for the Violence Against Women Act. Funding for the Act was approved.
- Endorsed and sent action alerts about federal and state legislation that affirmed women’s right to choose.
- Investigated conditions faced by women giving birth while in prisons. A workshop on this topic is being planned for 2020.
ECONOMIC JUSTICE:
- Informed the public about how lame duck legislators gutted a new minimum wage law achieved by a citizen initiative organized by the Economic Justice Alliance and other allies.
- With help from MUUSJN Board members, got editorials published about the need to restore these benefits in the Traverse City Eagle and the Daily Mining Gazette (Houghton).
- Filed an amicus brief with the Michigan Supreme Court calling on the court to challenge the process of adopting, then amending citizen initiated policies.
- Supported and sought to restore coverage for Michigan Paid Sick Leave ballot proposal.
LGBTQ JUSTICE
- Worked with Inclusive Justice (IJ), an interfaith welcoming and advocacy group, to plan and co-sponsor two conferences addressing LGBTQ rights in the Catholic Church & throughout society. MUUSJN’s Director agreed to serve as IJ’s legislative point person.
- The previously mentioned UUA grant supported LGBTQ advocacy as part of MUUSJN’s Interfaith Reproductive Justice Coalition.
- Issued action alerts on three LGBTQ related bills: the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act; The Equality Act (federal) and a state bill to extend ethnic intimidation protections based on sexual orientation and gender identify. The Equality Act was adopted in the U.S. House.
- Applied for a grant from the UU Funding Program to advocate for LGBTQ rights with the Michigan ACLU and to promote the UUA’s Welcoming Congregation Renewal program in Michigan congregations.
- Was invited to be part of a UU the Vote webinar that focuses on how to turn out the LGBTQ vote for 2020.
WATER JUSTICE & THE ENVIRONMENT:
- Helped organize meetings of faith leaders with Detroit City Council member Mary Sheffield who agreed to introduce a Water Affordability Ordinance for the City. Meetings are ongoing.
- Arranged a meeting of faith leaders with a representative of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to urge the Governor to adopt water reforms such as demanding that water be considered a human right, calling for a moratorium on shutoffs and supporting a water affordability plan.
- Hosting UU Environment Justice Task Force conference calls to share environmental justice ideas. Promoted reading “Justice on Earth” and the UUA’s Green New Deal resolution. Supported actions to implement the Green New Deal.
- Encouraged people from UU congregations to participate in Climate Strike protests.
IMMIGRATION/RACISM:
- Demanded that the Homestead Detention Center for immigrant youth in Florida be shut down. Youth from this Center were evacuated and later in 2019 the Center was shut down!
- Participated in weekly Michigan United conference calls and promoted attendance at a Michigan United immigration lobby day.
- Sent an alert to the network to oppose a bill that would penalize local Michigan communities not cooperating with federal immigration officials. MUUSJN testified against this bill at a legislative hearing. The Governor vetoed funding for this bill in October.
- Promoted participation at 27 Lights for Liberty events in Michigan held in July to protest the conditions faced by migrant families detained at the southern border.
- Provided a scholarship to an African American UU justice leader to attend UUA General Assembly conference in Spokane, Washington.
- Organizing a “Home for the Holidays” anti-racism workshop scheduled for December 15th at the UU Church of Farmington.
- Published information about a community gathering to mourn the massacre of Muslims at a New Zealand mosque and alerted UU justice leaders about an anti-Muslim event at a church in Bloomfield Hills.
VOTING, GUN VIOLENCE & SOCIAL MEDIA:
- The MUUSJN Board of Directors agreed to make voter engagement a priority in 2020.
- Informed UU justice leaders about the new “UU the Vote” campaign.
- The MUUSJN Director was invited to be part of a UU the Vote webinar that focuses on how to turn out the LGBTQ vote for 2020.
- As a member of the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, MUUSJN forwarded an action alert on HR 1112, a bill to extend the time allowed to do background checks.
- The Network forward information about two vigils that remembered and resolved to address the tragedy gun violence in our state.
- MUUSJN hired a talented website and social media consultant to upgrade the network’s website (www.uujustice) and to enhance its social media presence.
If you value the work our statewide network is doing for justice please consider making a generous gift to MUUSJN. Your support helps sustain our commitments to fight for the rights of women, low-income people, people of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants and environmental justice.
Gifts or 2020 memberships paid now will be tax deductible for 2019
Click HERE to make a contribution or become a member
