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Working Groups

Mission Statement

Mindful of the interdependent web of life, the Social Justice Committee of First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church states that its mission is to advocate for the dignity, respect, human rights and freedom of all people.  We work to create economic, civil, religious, educational, environmental and political justice.

The SJC represents the core of many projects here at First Parish Brewster.  Our work serves the congregation, community and the World.  

Meetings

We meet each fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Room.  All are welcome!  Please join us.

Our monthly meeting is an overview meeting of all the work we are doing under the SJC umbrella and provides an opportunity to discuss major issues and resources that affect the SJC community at large.  In addition to these meetings, individual groups may also meet to discuss more task oriented specific issues. 

New Social-Justice Groups

Working Social-Justice Groups:

Anti-Oppression Groups

Anti-Racism

This group examines our own internalized and institutional racism, and seeks to become better aligned and forge stronger relationships with communities of color on Cape Cod.

Welcoming Congregation

This group is a ministry to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people both within and outside First Parish Brewster.  Its mission is to educate our church community about homophobia and bias and move toward greater unity and celebration of LGBT life.

One Earth, One People Project

One Earth’s vision of peace focuses on promoting education and support for the Mashpee Wampanoags.  Our goal is to deepen the relationship between our communities and increase our effectiveness as allies.  We celebrate recognition of the tribe as a sovereign Nation.

Political Justice

End Torture Now

We come together to bring an end to torture by anyone, anywhere.  We offer creative, prayerful events to raise awareness about US involvement in torture and the effects of torture on victims, perpetrators and bystanders.

Economic Justice

Food Certificate Program

The foundation of the Social Justice work at FPB – this program raises most of the money that funds many of our efforts.  For every dollar each of us spends when buying Stop and Shop of Shaw / Star grocery cards at face value – FPB gets 5% from the supermarket to use for our work, averaging over $6,000 per year for SJC work.  We can ALL do this.  Sold every Sunday in the Parish Room after the service!!!

Noah Shelter Food Project

Members of the congregation provide a meal for our local homeless shelter once monthly.  Food is brought to the church on Saturday and delivered to the shelter.  Sign up at the counter!

Overnights of Hospitality

The first Tuesday of each month, Fellowship Hall becomes and overnight shelter for women who are homeless.  Our volunteers help make their stay as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible.

HEED Fund

This fund grants emergency aid (heat, food, electric) to FPB members and non-members.  Monies are also sent to the Lower Cape  Outreach and Interfaith Council for the homeless.

Covenant to Care for Foster Families

This group provides support and encouragement for two families providing foster care for children on Cape Cod.

Habitat for Humanity

Dedicated to building affordable housing, our Cape Cod chapter recently completed its 50^th home.  Special projects include youth and women’s build projects.

Education

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Volunteers teach basic language skills to students in Hyannis in evening classes.  This program has provided assistance to hundreds of students who have benefited from improved communication skills.

UU United Nations Envoy

Provides education to UU’s about the structure, functions and actions of the United Nations.  We are a local chapter of a national group that relies on membership of individual UU churches.  Come learn with us!

Environmental

Green Sanctuary Project

Mindful of the degradation of our each and atmosphere, we can modify common practices to preserve the integrity of our surrounding environment.  Small efforts can have wide reaching effects.

Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UFETA)

To move from the mere celebration of the "interdependent web of existence" into practices that affirm species interdependence in our everyday personal, social, economic and political lives.

For further information on any of these programs please join us at an SJC meeting, contact the church administrator @ 508-896-5577 or inquire at the Parish Hall information desk.