Social Justice
On Sunday, February 5th at 12:30 PM, 14 folks with a passion for Social Justice attended the Social Justice Theme Proposal Workshop held in the Parrish Room. This was the first step in the process of the selection of a new 3-year theme to add to our repertory of social justice projects. Presentations on the themes selected will be made to the Social Justice Ministry Team on March 25th.
The 2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive was a huge success thanks to everyone who donated the 80+ books. See below the smiling faces of just some of the volunteers of the Reading Buddies program who had the honor of delivering them to the library at the Andrew Jackson School.
The Social Justice Ministry Team(SJMT) is a committee of congregation members committed to help facilitate the congregation in achieving its social justice goal. The goal is to have a coordinated Social Justice Ministry centered on a theme in which:
- The individual programs are part of the whole
- We can measure our success and know when we are making a difference in the community
The First Church Community as a whole is aware of and engaged in our Social Justice Ministrybe it via worship topics, direct work, advocacy and/or education.
Social Justice Theme (2009 - 2012): Education and Literacy
For more information, please click on a link below:
Current Education and Literacy Projects
Continuing Social Justice Programs
Get Involved
If you are interested in Social Justice at the First Church, here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Participate in activities that the SJMT or Task Forces organize. That might be buying school supplies for the Annual Fall School Supplies Drive or a book for the Annual Winter School Book Drive. It might be attending the Teamwork Fair in September and signing up to volunteer at the Social Justice table. Or maybe you want to be a Reading Buddy at the Andrew Jackson School. If direct action is not your thing, you can get involved via online education/literacy advocacy sites. Whatever your interests, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
2. Join a Task Force. We have several active Task Forces, which are in the process of planning. Check out the list of current Education and Literacy Projectsfor a list of projects and contact information. Task Forces welcome anyone who’d like to participate, whether you are a member or a friend of the church.
3. Create your own project. If you feel passionate about a project that you’d like to see at the First Church, then feel free to create your own Task Force to implement the project. Below are Six Easy Steps as well as a list of Resources to assist you with the process.
For more information, contact Debby Schultz (debbylschultz@gmail.com).
Six Easy Steps to Address Education and Literacy Needs in our Community
At First Church, there are many social justice related activities, projects and efforts being done by the church, congregation, friends of the congregation and other community members. The process by which most of this work is done is through the creation of Task Forces.
If you are interested in creating a Social Justice project, take a look at the steps below to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Create a Task Force - each project/initiative needs to form a Task Force of individuals willing to create a proposal and implement the project. Contact the SJMT if you would like assistance finding others to join your Task Force.
Step 2: Complete and Submit Proposal - each Task Force will complete and submit the Project/Initiative Proposal Form to the Social Justice Ministry Team. The proposal is meant to assist the Task Force in developing a clear plan for the project. Contact the SJMT if you need assistance drafting the proposal.
Step 3: Proposal Review/Revision - the Social Justice Ministry Team will review the proposal and meet with the Task Force (if necessary) to discuss the viability of the project or initiative.
Step 4: Proposal Approval - the Social Justice Ministry Team will approve viable projects and initiatives that relate to the theme.
Step 5: Project/Initiative Implementation - each approved project/initiative will be implemented by the relevant Task Force. Resources are provided to assist you in the process.
Step 6: Project/Initiative Evaluation – at the end of the project or in May, each Task Force will submit a brief one-paragraph report describing the approved project/initiative, process of implementation and results. This will help inform First Church of the great Education and Literacy work that was done this year!
For more information, contact Debby Schultz (debbylschultz@gmail.com).
Resources
If you are interested in creating a Task Force, here are some important resources for you:
- Social Justice Ministry Team will be available to each Task Force for support; this includes coordinating with others (Church Office, other Ministry Teams, Minister (as available) in the church, answering questions and sharing information learned in the process
- How To For Fundraisers – if your project will have a fundraising component, this “How To” will provide helpful information.
- Safe Congregation– if your project will involve working with children, please contact Reverend Nate to learn more about the requirements of being a Safe Congregation.
- Social Justice blog – where task forces can communicate about their projects.
- Other Ministry Teams (Property, Religious Education, Worship) – Points of Contact will be provided
- Websites of Other Unitarian Churches with active Social Justice Programs
Current Education and Literacy Projects
Wow! Look what’s happening with some of our Education/Literacy Task Forces. As the plans of our Task Forces emerge, there’s sure to be a spot for you to join in. Take a look at some current projects and some plans in the works. Call the church office (215) 563-3980 or check the member directory for Lead contact information.
2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive Concluded– The Social Justice Ministry Team thanks everyone who donated books through the book drive, contributing to a total of over 80 books received. The books have been donated to the Andrew Jackson School's library. Together we have helped promote and support education and literacy in Philadelphia! If you would still like to donate books, please contact Debby Shultz (debbylschultz@gmail.com) or Bijan Makarechi (bijan.mak@gmail.com). The Social Justice Ministry Team and the Andrew Jackson School greatly appreciate First UU's help!
Lead: Debby Schultz
Reading Buddies: Projects –Are you intrigued by the reports you hear about the Reading Buddies project at the Andrew Jackson School? See whether your time and talents fit into their needs:
- Spanish speakers who will volunteer to teach conversational Spanish once or twice a week to adults and/or children. Class times could be 8:45–9:45 am; 3:15–4:30, and/or 4:30–5:30pm.
- Spanish speakers to go into class rooms (any day, any time) to translate class instructions, etc. to non-English speakers.
- Spanish speaking Reading Buddies to assist not-yet-proficient English students with English language reading materials.
- Additional Reading Buddies to read with and listen to K–2 grade readers. Preferred Wednesdays, 10–11 AM.
- Additional Reading Buddies to work with 3–8 grade readers to support and develop reading skills (materials and instructions provided by the school). 9:30–11:30 AM Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Library Assistants who will volunteer on a weekly basis to help support the ongoing operation of the library.
Volunteers are needed at The Andrew Jackson School (12th and Federal and is served by the #23 bus or the Broad Street subway line) and the Greenfield School (22nd and Chestnut). You'll need a child abuse clearance, which entails an easy process and costs $20. Contact Sharon Tomalin for more information.
Lead: Sharon Tomalin
Tutoring at AchieveAbility - There are four people from First UU already tutoring at AchieveAbility. Contact Sharon Tomalin for information on getting involved.
Lead: Sharon Tomalin
Philadelphia Reads: Books on Tape Project – In 2010, Janice Tosto organized the Books on Tape Task Force as a result of her ongoing positive experience participating the Philadelphia Reads Books on Tape program. Janice and Rev Nate conducted a spring training session for interested participants. A fun summer afternoon recording session resulted in the submission of 11 books and recordings to Philadelphia Reads. In 2011, Debby Schultz organized a Books on Tape session in March, which had 8 volunteers! Then in the summer, Ranwa Hammamy became the new lead and scheduled sessions in May/June. We are up to 30 books donated! Contact Ranwa (rdhammamy@gmail.com) to get involved!
Lead: Ranwa Hammamy
Reading for the Homeless – Ginny Beier has been attending the Tuesday and Friday luncheons (12-4 PM) at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion’s Welcome Center, a place where everyone and especially the homeless and those in transition are encouraged to congregate. This Task Force is looking to offer an opportunity for reading (newspapers, poems, personal writings) and discussion combining reading with much needed socialization opportunities for the homeless and those in transition. A Reading Club is held every Friday from 2-3 PM with discussion. Current book is Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (It's All Small Stuff).
Lead: Ginny Beier
Social Justice Worship Service –On April 22, 2012, First Church will have a Social Justice worship service. Volunteers are welcome to help organize.
Tutoring Classes for Reading and Study Skills were offered in the winter of 2010 to interested tutors/mentors by Sharon Tomalin and Joan Forman. Contact Jeff in the church office if you have an interest in one of these courses. Another session could be offered if enough interest exists.
Call the church office (215) 563-3980 or check the member directory for contact information.
Continuing Social Justice Programs
In addition to the Task Force projects above, there are a number of ongoing social justice programs (not connected to the Education and Literacy theme), which have been part of the church’s efforts for many years.
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
An opportunity to work with other First Church members making a real difference! Do you have home repair skills and a few hours to help low income neighbors in need? If so, we need you. For the 18th consecutive year, First UU will be participating in Rebuilding Together. Once a home is selected, a work list of tasks will be provided to help you to find where you and your skills might fit best. Work Saturdays are in late March and throughout April. More information will be published closer to the time. To volunteer or for questions, contact Janet Scannell (janetscannell@verizon.net).
Lead: Janet Scannell
The Welcome Center
Housed in the rear of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion. Twice weekly offering of food and hospitality to all Tuesdays and Fridays 12-4. Various duties to help - cooking, serving, socializing and more. New Reading Book Club on Fridays at 2 led by Ginny Beier. Contact Emily at wcdirector@gmail.org. Talk with volunteers Ginny Beier or Diane Frey who are regular volunteers.
Lead: Ginny Beier
Winter Shelter
Our standard of providing a quality home-cooked meal for the 22 men of the Winter Shelter continues. These monthly (3rd Fridays) dinners from November until April take place at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church (22nd and Spruce Sts) as part of The Bethesda Project. It requires a team effort depending on cooking skills and financial abilities to make it happen. Plans may be made to increase our participation for the next Winter season.
Lead: Ginny Beier
Books Through Bars
Donations of paperback educational, historic and Spanish language books, as well as novels and other non-fiction, are welcome in the bin located in our lobby. Members with cars are encouraged to help transport donated books to the meeting space of this books to prisoners project which meets at the A-Space (4733 Baltimore Ave) on Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m., and first and third Saturdays, 11am-2pm. Visit online for more info at booksthroughbars.com.
Lead: Ginny Beier
The Literacy Site
Visiting a set of websites can lend support towards important issues without any monetary donation. Go to theliteracysite.comand click on "Literacy". This click will send free books to children. Additional clicks on the other cites listed will support Hunger, Breast Cancer, Child Health, Rainforest, Homeless Veterans, Autism and Animal Rescue. The sponsors of the ads which can be ignored support the causes.
Recycling
First Church continues its efforts to support the Interdependent Web of all existence which we proclaim in our seventh Principle by Recycling whenever possible. Please deposit your trash responsibly in the correct containers as well as glass and plastics and paper. Also, we reuse covers from the order of service so please place them in the basket in the rear of the church in the provided basket at the usher’s table and not in the trash or the recycling bins.
Call the church office (215) 563-3980 or check the member directory for contact information.
History of the SJMT
The Unitarian Universalist second principle affirms and promotes “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.” At First Church we infuse social justice in the worship, education, advocacy and direct work that we do.
Since its earliest years, the First Church congregation has participated in social justice projects and activities within the church, the local community and beyond. However, these activities were conducted in an ad hoc manner without a sense of cohesion.
In 2009-2010, the Social Justice Ministry Team launched a new initiative to have the congregation choose a theme for social justice activities. Congregation members joined theme teams, which developed and presented on their choice for a theme. The congregation then voted to select the theme for the year. Education and Literacywas chosen.
In 2010-2011, the SJMT decided to extend the Education and Literacy theme for another 2 years, so congregation members would have more time to develop and implement their projects. For learn more about the current projects, see Education and Literacy projectsbelow.
In 2011-2012, the SJMT will continue the final year of the Education and Literacy theme. In Spring 2012, we will launch the selection process for the next theme.
Here are a couple of the past Education and Literacy projects and initiatives:
2011 – 2012
Occupy Philadelphia Donations
If you are interested in supporting the Occupy Philadelphia movement, consider donating some winter necessities to the cause. The Medic tent reports needing cough drops, Advil, Emergen-C, hand sanitizer, as well as wool socks and wool blankets. Join us for a visit to the City Hall encampment on Sunday afternoon (Nov 13) to deliver supplies. Questions? Contact Katy at morriskaty@aol.com
Lead: Katy Morris
Rebuilding Together: One Day Repair –Rebuilding Together has been adding year-round events to repair homes of low-income Philadelphians. On October 8th Cricket Communications sponsored the repair of seven homes on Orianna Street where our church worked last spring. Volunteers were needed on October 8th to do general carpentry and repairs and to install windows and doors.
Lead: Janet Scannell
Congregation Begins Education/Literacy Advocacy Discussion at Sunday, September 25th service: Rev Nate as part of his 9/25 sermon on the challenges of our education system provided an opportunity for Congregants to share their views, concerns and suggestions. Susan Gobreski, Executive Director of PA Education Voters spoke briefly at the service. A follow-up session for the congregation to work with Susan Gobreski on some areas of advocacy is being considered.
Lead: Rev Nate
School Supplies Drive– For the second year in a row First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia helped the Andrew Jackson School at 12th and Federal Streets kick off the school year with a delivery of about 2500 school supply items. Pretty amazing! Many THANKS to all who contributed and supported the drive. A special thanks to Ranwa Hammamy for taking the lead on this project!
Lead: Ranwa Hammamy
2010 – 2011
Philadelphia Reads: Books on Tape Project – In 2010, Janice Tosto organized the Books on Tape Task Force as a result of her ongoing positive experience participating the Philadelphia Reads Books on Tape program. Janice and Rev Nate conducted a spring training session for interested participants. A fun summer afternoon recording session resulted in the submission of 11 books and recordings to Philadelphia Reads. In 2011, Debby Schultz organized a Books on Tape session in March, which had 8 volunteers! Then in the summer, Ranwa Hammamy became the new lead and scheduled sessions in May/June. We are up to 30 books donated!
Lead: Ranwa Hammamy
Philadelphia Reading Olympics – First Church's Julie Orts was at the Philadelphia Reading Olympics competitions in the beginning of May. This annual event was coordinated by PHILADELPHIA READS, the School District of Philadelphia, the Free Library, the Archdiocese and the City of Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Reading Olympics engages fourth through eighth graders, from Philadelphia’s public, parochial, charter, and independent schools in a collaborative reading competition. One hundred seventy-nine teams of up to 12 students were collectively reading 20 books (15 for middle school students) and practicing working together. The competitions bring the teams together to answer questions about the books. This friendly competition motivates children to read and consequently develops life-long readers as they learn the skills of cooperation and teamwork. In the end they all win!
Volunteers asked the questions (which were provided) or kept score. There was training at the site on the morning of the event. Refreshments were served and every volunteer received an official 2011 Philadelphia Reading Olympics t-shirt.
All events took place from 8:30 AM to 12 PM. 5/3: Temple Univ; 5/9: St Joseph's Univ; 5/10: La Salle Univ; 5/11: Community College of Philadelphia; 5/12: Holy Family Univ; 5/13: Philadelphia Univ
Opportunity to help Andrew Jackson School – In addition to the two featured books of the 2011 One Book/One Philadelphia project, there was a companion book for children - The Good Luck Catby Joy Harjo. A hardback book costed $11 and made a good addition to our donation to the new Andrew Jackson Library. Individuals were encouraged to pick up a calendar for themselves and family of all the events designed to deepen their reading experience. Inspired by Native American Sherman Alexie's poems and stories, many of the events were focused on Native American history and culture, including Philadelphia's residents, the Lenni Lenape.
Lead: Ginny Beier
Social Justice Worship Service– On May 15th, First Church had an Education and Literacy service. This included a Social Justice Moments of Literacy presented by the Principal of the Andrew Jackson School.
Moments of Literacy – In its second year, Literacy Moments were shared in our Sunday worship services in April and May by Scott Youmans and his Task Force.
Lead: Scott Youmans
Organizing the Andrew Jackson School's new library –A very dedicated group (anywhere between 7 and 17 folks over 4 weeks in March/April) led by Anne Slater has been organizing the school's new library - a huge task.
“Waiting for Superman” Viewing and Discussion –Free event on April 10, 2011 to view and discuss this thought-provoking film on the state of education. Questions to Libby Ball or Janet Scannell for details.
Lead: Janet Scannell
Lobbying for Education Funding –Much appreciation to Christine Carlson, Janet Scannell, and Kate Connelly, who went to Harrisburg mid-April to advocate for continued robust funding for our public schools. Check in with them to learn how you can become involved with this important issue.
Focus on Literacy Forum - This forum on April 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm brought representatives from the Mayor's Council on Literacy, the Center for Literacy, Achieveability and Jackson School (where members of First Church have been working as Reading Buddies) and neighboring churches together to learn more and consider collaborations to impact the problem.
Leads: Christian Geisler and Luana Goodwin
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia – For the 17th consecutive year, First UU participated in Rebuilding Together. We worked on 4 houses in partnership with Unitarian Society of Germantown and UU Church of Delaware County. The repair work was done on April 9, 16 and 30th. We identified 'room captains' to preview the jobs and an 'energy captain' to get training on weatherization.
Lead: Janet Scannell
Reading Buddies –One of the very best things you can do to support education and literacy in Philadelphia is also one of the easiest and most rewarding. Become a Reading Buddy to a child in Andrew Jackson School (12th and Federal, served by the #23 bus or the Broad Street subway line). All you have to do is listen to a child read or use the school's coaching materials to strengthen reading/writing skills and prepare for the PSSA tests. Sharon Tomalin and Debby Schultz have organized a group of 20 volunteers, who regularly go to the Andrew Jackson School to read to the children. The picture is from the February Dr. Seuss Anniversary celebration.
Holiday Book Drive – The greater First Church community presented 104 books at the opening ceremony of the new Andrew Jackson School Library. The books were gratefully received by the K – 8th Grade Staff of the Andrew Jackson School, who provided a list of their favorite grade-appropriate book titles. The titles were captured on ornaments and displayed on a tree in the outer lobby. Members of the greater First Church community selected an ornament containing a book title, purchased the book, personalized and adhered the bookplate, and dropped the book off in the box in the lobby. Some members 
donated cash which was then used to purchase books. Acknowledgement cards were available to send to relatives, friends or colleagues who were being celebrated and named on bookplates. This was a fun way to celebrate the holiday and to honor First Church’s commitment to Education/Literacy.
Lead: Debby Schultz
Children's RE Makes Scarves for the Homeless– Erick DuPree, director of religious education, and the Religious Education Ministry Team make scarves with our UU children to give to the homeless.
Fall School Supplies Drive – To the absolute delight of the Andrew Jackson K-8 School Staff, members and friends of First Church helped kick off their school year with the delivery of hundreds of school supplies. Using a list of needed school supplies provided by the principal, members and friends purchased and donated various items. Significant cash contributions allowed the purchase in bulk of some items.
Lead: Lisa Handy and Connie Simon
2009-2010
Philadelphia Reads: Books on Tape- On Sunday, March 28, 2010 Janice Tosto shared with members how they can record picture books on a tape or CD and submit their recording along with the book to the Philadelphia Reads’ book bank, where teachers and community workers can access them for their literacy programs. 11 books and recordings were submitted.
Moments of Literacy– Scott Youmans led a Task Force that provided several literacy vignettes during worship throughout the year to raise awareness of literacy issues.
Social Justice Blog– Sharon Tomalin and Ed Greenlee established a Social Justice Blog on the First Church website.
Tutoring course– Sharon Tomalin created and taught a tutoring course for anyone who was interested in becoming a tutor for children and adults in Philadelphia.
Mad-Lib Sermon with RE children– Rev Nate and Joanna Mongelli created a mad-lib activity with our RE children to raise awareness re literacy issues.
Choir musical message– our wonderful First Church Choir chose a musical message re Education and Literacy to be sung during a service. They chose “ABC” by the Jackson Five.
Literacy Freeze– Several congregation members joined Center for Literacy in their event, Literacy Freeze. This was held on Friday, November 20, 2009 at City Hall. “Choose a pose and freeze when you hear the horn, and the world will watch."
Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference- First Church members and Rev Nate joined with other UU churches in the Joseph Priestley District to organize and support the June 2010 Trans-Health Conference sponsored by the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia. First Church provided the tri-fold which shared the UU values of providing a welcoming faith community for the Trans community. The experience of supporting the UU table proved to be very enriching and enlightening for all volunteers. The conference had over 100 attendees of which ate least 50 attendees stopped by the UU table. This was an outreach effort to engage with an underserved and often misunderstood population.
Education/Literacy Worship Service- Service was held on April 25, 2010 to raise awareness of the Education/Literacy theme and encourage congregants to get involved in social justice projects.
Events
Upcoming:
February 5, 2012 - Social Justice Theme Proposal Workshop
March 25, 2012 - Social Justice Theme Proposals Presentations
April ??, 2012 - Rebuilding Together
April 22, 2012 - Social Justice Worship Service
Past:
January 21, 2012 - Participation in State of the Congregation service
January 16, 2012 MLK Day of Service - bar coding of books at the Andrew Jackson School Library and, jointly with the Unitarian Society of Germantown, participated in 24 different programs for the disadvantaged
November 2011 to January 2012 - 2nd Annual Holiday School Book Drive
December 10, 2011 - Philadelphia Reads Books on Tape: December Recording Session
November 24, 2011 - WinterShelter Thanksgiving Potluck
November 6, 2011 - Film Forum Crash
November 6, 2011 - Emancipation and the Continuing Struggle for Racial Justice (worship service)
October 31 - November 6, 2011 Emancipation & the Continuing Struggle for Racial Justice -
First Unitarian Church is partnering with The Moonstone Arts Center and Historical Society of Pennsylvania to present a week of programs exploring the historical facts of emancipation, the significance of citizen action in stimulating public policy, and the central role of Philadelphia as the southern-most northern city and center of the anti-slavery movement.
October 16, 2011 - Congregational Meeting (Social Justice Focus presentation)
October 9, 2011 - Outfest: Organized by Philly Pride and attended by thousands, it is a block party not to be missed! Dozens of community organizations will be showing support for the LGBTQ community. As a Welcoming Congregation, FirstU will be there to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
October 8, 2011 - Rebuilding Together: One Day Repair
October 2, 2011 - Day of Dignity: Islamic Relief and the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia present Day of Dignity in Philadelphia. Help provide food, clothing and medical services to over 500 homeless.
September 25, 2011 - Andrew Jackson School Volunteer Information Session
September 25, 2011 - Is Public Education a Public Responsibility? (worship service)
September 11, 2011 - Teamwork Fair - SJMT will have a table with materials and a sign-up sheet
August 7-28, 2011 - School Supplies Drive for Andrew Jackson School
July 31, 2011 - School Supplies Drive Task Force meeting
May 15, 2011 - Education/Literacy service with a Social Justice Moments of Literacy - Andrew Jackson School (presented by the Principal of the Andrew Jackson School)
May 7, 2011 - Books on Tape session
May 2011 (multiple dates) - Philadelphia Reading Olympics
April 30, 2011 - Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
April 10, 2011 - "Waiting for Superman" movie and discussion after Art Show
April 10, 2011 - Social Justice Moments of Literacy - BuildOn(presented by Carlo Makarechi)
April 9, 16, 30 - Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
April 5, 2011 - Focus on Literacy Forum
March 12, 2011 - Books on Tape session
February 20-27, 2011 – Participation in Harper Furness service and related activities
January 23, 2011 – Participation in State of the Congregation service
December 2010 – Holiday Book Drive
November, 2010 – Children’s REMakes Scarves for the Homeless
October 10, 2010 – Education and Literacy Kick-off session
August 2010 - School Supplies Project
November 22, 2009 – Education/Literacy Brainstorming session
September 27, 2009 – Social Justice Meeting
Contacts
For more information contact any of the Social Justice Ministry Team members: Debby Schultz (chair), Amy N., Sharon Tomalin, Ginny Beier, Wendy Jastrzab, Bijan Makarechi, Diane Frey (Liaison to Religious Education) and Rev Nate Walker (ex-officio). Call the church office (215) 563-3980 or check the member directory for contact information.
© 2012 Created by First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia.
