In March, UUC began a special covenanted relationship with two wonderful nonprofit organizations, Casa Latina (a grassroots organization of Latino immigrant workers) and Powerful Voices (which fosters the development and leadership of adolescent girls in/at risk of the juvenile justice system).

Over the next six months we hope as many UUC members as possible will get involved in both one-time and ongoing opportunities. Read on, learn more, get connected!

First, something simple: Sign up to provide a nutritious snack for Powerful Voices ActiVistas employment program, for 10 high school girls that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-7:30 pm, late January through April. One or two people can bring the snack at about 3:45 and are welcome to stay for check-in with the girls. Let’s see if we can fill the schedule and cover all the snacks! Contact Jennifer Bright at UUC.

Something simple for groups: One of UUC’s covenant groups piloted a language exchange breakfast with Casa Latina, and that program will continue quarterly.. For a group of 9-12 people, you can bring breakfast and have conversation with some of their English students. Contact Emily Mirra, (206) 956-0779 x 121.

Something not so simple: Powerful Voices is in need of someone adept with MS Access to help with an old and unruly database. Call their office at (206) 860-1026 to learn more.

Casa Latina is also one of the host organizations for the Seattle Care Congress, part of a national campaign to transform care for the aging and disabled. The campaign includes people in need of care, workers who provide it, and families who must find it and pay for it.  This local event will be Saturday, February 11 from noon to 5 at the Greenwood Senior Center. For more information contact UUC's Social Justice Coordinator Jennifer Bright.

On April 14, Powerful Voices will put on GirlVolution, their annual, girl-led conference on social justice. Youth identify the issues and organize the content, workshops, key note, and art. Be part of a volunteer committee starting in January to help with logistics - up to five adults and five youth for a volunteer committee which meets monthly starting in January to help with donation procurement, venue logistics, and community partnerships. Or, help at the event with set-up, check-in, food, child care and clean-up. Contact Molly Pencke at Powerful Voices.

Casa Latina is also one of the host organizations for the Seattle Care Congress, part of a national campaign to transform care for the aging and disabled. The campaign includes people in need of care, workers who provide it, and families who must find it and pay for it.  This local event will be Saturday, February 11 from noon to 5 at the Greenwood Senior Center. For more information contact UUC's Social Justice Coordinator Jennifer Bright.

On Tuesday May 1, the annual May Day March will go right past Casa Latina. They host a celebration while organizing for the serious business of marching. Mark your calendar to join a UUC delegation for the party, march, rally, or any portion thereof.

If you're interested in a long-term opportunity, Powerful Voices is looking for board members, aligned with the organization’s mission and values and able to commit to a 3-year term. They are looking for people with a background in finance/accounting, with energy to cultivate individual donors who work at Microsoft, Boeing or Gates Foundation. Powerful Voices would like its board leadership to reflect the diversity of the youth they serve, so they are particularly interested in finding women of color to join the board.

For more information, contact Social Justice Coordinator Jennifer Bright, or get in touch with Casa Latina or Powerful Voices directly. Be sure to tell them you’re from UUC!