This Year’s Social Justice Goals – How Are We Doing?

Social Justice Goals for the 2011-2012 Church Year

• Education/Literacy Theme
  • School Supply Drive – Complete and Successful!
  • Holiday New Book Drive – It’s coming!  Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements.
  • Books on Tape – Four books were recorded in October.  Stay tune for the next Recording Day!
  • Continued association with the Andrew Jackson School  - The number of weekly Reading Buddies is growing.  Barcoding in the library has begun.  Volunteers are also volunteering at ACHIEVEability.
  • Increased Advocacy – A Sunday Service focused on education issues and advocacy.  Plenty of opportunity here;  leaders and event organizers are needed.
  • Select New Theme – Beginning in January the Congregation will begin the process of selecting a new Social Justice Theme.  Have thoughts or questions as to how we should do this?  Congregational Vote?  Selection by interested attendees at a Social Justice Theme Workshop?  Share your ideas with the Social Justice Ministry Team (DEBBYLSCHULTZ@gmail.com).
  • Overall Social Justice Work of the Congregation
    • Increased involvement of youth and children in Social Justice Work – Families are on-board to cook and serve dinners at WinterShelter.  RE will have monthly Social Justice Sundays.  Interested in working with the children on a Social Justice project?   Talk with RE Director, Erick DuPree.
    • Maintain 30% engagement of the congregation in Social Justice Work – Are you on-board?  Can we exceed our goal of engagement by 30% of the congregants? Buy a book for the Holiday New Book Drive.  Sign up to record a children’s picture book. 
    • Encourage community building as part of all Social Justice activities – Social Justice projects are a great way to meet and develop friendships.  Feel free to share your story on the Social Justice blog.

Winter Shelter

Submitted by Ginny Beier:

Last week's snow should have helped to make all realize that it is time for the 2011-12 Winter Shelter season to begin. Along with another 100 volunteers from the neighborhood, we are committed to cooking and serving a HOME COOKED MEAL at least once a month( 3rd Fridays, 5:45 to 8PM). This project serves 22 screened homeless men in conjunction with Bethesda Project. They arrive at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church (22nd and Spruce Sts) by 7PM and spend the night with their supervisor. Attempts are made to put teams of volunteers(up to 6 people) together according to financial and culinary skills. Sign up sheets are in the back of the Church.

Our first night, Nov. 18th has been filled ( as has January and February. December and March await your input! Please contact me as soon as possible. Call Ginny at vhbeier@hep.upenn.edu or 215-545-7831.

Another opportunity to meet our men and get to know some neighbors will take place Thanksgiving 11/24 6:30–8:30. Details are still being worked out but hopefully someone will donate the turkeys and guest will bring a contribution of food for 6-8 people to share.  This will take place in the upstairs Grand Hall of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church (22nd and Spruce Sts.) as part of their Community Outreach Program(CORP).

Books Through Bars

Submitted by Ginny Beier:

Visit: booksthroughbars.org or 215-727-8170

This volunteer led organization has served prisoners from all over the country for the past 20 years providing books upon request. First Unitarian provides a book bin in our lobby for convenient drop-off. THANKS to Matt Micelli for helping to beautify the space and making it easier for people to find out how they can get involved. Volunteers are needed periodically to transport the books to the A-Space for packing ( 4722 Baltimore Ave.). Please let the Church office know of your availability to do this.