The Social Justice Steering Committee is pleased to announce the Seeds of Justice Grant Program, through which UUC will award $10,000 to a social justice nonprofit working or based in our community.

This first year, we want to kick off the program, engage the congregation, learn from the experience, and set a foundation that can grow. The Steering Committee decided to build on UUC’s long history of advancing justice for people whose voices, needs and rights are invisible or dismissed in society.  UUC was “ahead of the curve” in addressing the AIDS epidemic; we’ve offered witness and aid to refugees and immigrants; we house the chronically mentally ill.  The Seeds of Justice Grant Program is our first grantmaking endeavor, and the goals of the program are:

• To tackle the root cause of injustice.
• To be bold.
• To create deep connections and strong partnerships.

During the upcoming church year, we plan to award one grant of $10,000 to an organization working for justice, equity and compassion in one of the following areas:

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

Check out the full proposal guidelines - we’ll be publicizing them all summer long.  Please help identify great organizations who might apply! Ideally, applicant organizations will have some connection to a UUC member, and have opportunities for education or volunteerism for our congregation.  There will be an opportunity to learn about finalist organizations and have input in the decision-making process.  We hope to have applications in by September 17, and the grant awarded by January 2011. For more information contact Rene Murry.

Intrigued by all this? Consider joining the Social Justice Steering Committee, which works to encourage and nourish social justice activities and leadership at the church; oversee the Dedicated Plate Collection and grant programs; and support and advise the social justice coordinator. Contact our social justice coordinator, Jennifer Bright.