In May 2010 The Social Justice Steering Committee announced the Seeds of Justice Grant Program, to engage our congregation in a significant and meaningful partnership that addresses root causes of injustice.

Covenant with Powerful Voices: Rev. Jon Luopa lights a lantern with flame from our chalice, symbolizing the light of our congregation going out into the worldThe goal was to provide one $10,000 grant to a partner organization.  With great difficulty we selected two finalists, Casa Latina and Powerful Voices, but ultimately could not choose one over the other.

We asked you, the members of this congregation, to help us raise an additional $10,000 so we could create partnerships with both of these excellent organizations.  Thanks to your generosity we met our goal! We awarded grants and entered into partnerships with both organizations in March 2011.

Together, they offer many ways to get involved, and address all of the Seeds of Justice priority areas – justice, equity and compassion for:

• immigrants and refugees
• people transitioning from incarceration
• women and girls living as second-class citizens

Powerful Voices fosters adolescent girls’ development and leadership, working with girls in the juvenile justice system or at risk of it. Many are victims of violence and exploitation, and need to earn an income.  Programs take place in juvenile detention and the community, with the girls themselves in active leadership. Here are some things you could do through this partnership (women and men!):

• Get training on how to be a mentor and advocate for girls
• Serve as a mentor
• Help girls learn job and interviewing skills
• Be an adult presence at their new drop-in center
• Help with the girl-organized “Girlvolution” conference, about girls as advocates for themselves and others
• Help with marketing or fundraising

Casa Latina is a grassroots organization of Latino immigrant workers. Immigrants are an easily-exploited workforce underpinning many segments of our economy. Casa Latina provides English classes, a day-labor dispatch program, leadership development, and also fights for worker’s rights. Here are some things you could do through this partnership:  

• Teach an English class, or help people practice their English
• Take a Spanish class, or practice your Spanish
• Help with child care or read to kids during classes
• Hire a worker
• Help workers regain stolen wages
• Help create street theater to educate workers about their rights
• Be part of a May Day celebration