Social Action Report: "We are called to act with justice!"

By Shirley Durr, Social Action Coordinator

 

The Social Action Team has not met since our Spring meeting (see the Spring 2023 Fresh Connection). Our awesome District Coordinators -- Diana Eickelberg (River Valley), Diane Bublitz (Big Waters), and Nancy Kipp (Twin Cities) continue to do inspiring and significant work for economic justice, climate justice, and racial justice.

 

As Conference social Action Chair (SAC), my work for the past few months, for the most part, has been as a member of the Minnesota Conference Church and Society Ministry Team, a group National UWFaith encourages SACs to join.

 

Besides helping with content for Minnesota Church and Society’s Facebook page, I helped develop Item 151, Banning the sale, transfer and manufacture of assault style weapons, that was co-sponsored by MN Conference UWFaith and presented for approval at Annual Conference 2023. This resolution passed with an overwhelming “yes” vote.

 

I also joined with Sally Vonner (UWFaith’s General Secretary and CEO) and others to visit George Floyd Square and Say Their Names Cemetery in South Minneapolis where we mourned and reflected on several issues of social justice. Click here to read more about her visit. If you could not join us that day, you can still join a group for your own visit.

 

At my local church, I’ve centered issues of climate and racial justice in church activities as well as in worship services I coordinated. 

I will no longer be Social Action Coordinator in 2024 but I’m certain that my successor will work with other UWFaith sisters in Minnesota and me to be ceaseless voices for justice.

 

Resources to Help You Act for Justice

Stop School Pushout: Join UWFaith members and friends in urging Congress to pass The Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2023 (H.R. 2690), a federal bill that would support schools in addressing discriminatory and punitive discipline policies that criminalize and push Black girls and other girls of color out of school.

 

Lift Your Voice to End Corporal Punishment in Schools: As women of faith, we believe all children and youth are sacred, beloved by God, and deserving of an education that nurtures their God-given gifts and encourages their ongoing growth. The use of corporal punishment in schools undermines student safety and well-being. 

 

Peace with Justice Grants: The applicant must be a Minnesota United Methodist local church, district, annual conference, or other affiliated organization, or an ecumenical group/organization working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization. The average grant amount is $1,500. 

 

Racial Justice Book Grants: This is a specific grant of up to $300 to help members of your church purchase books for a small (or large) group study on racial justice. A list of suggested books are provided but you can request using a different relevant book.

Serve and Advocate: This UWFaith website has up-to-date suggestions for social action including connections to help you work for Racial Justice and Climate Justice.