Intersectional Justice

Intersectional Justice

Justice Work at UUCC 

Justice is at the core of our faith. Our congregation is called to make a positive difference in our wider communities.  Consistent with our Vision and Mission statements, the UUCC promotes several categories of social justice opportunity.   

  1. Partner organizations that have been identified and vetted under the guidance of the Intersectional Justice Team.
  2. UU-affiliated group activities/opportunities (e.g.  Side With Love, UU Justice NC)
  3. One-time events/activities approved by  IJT.  (e.g.  Get out the Vote) 
  4. Interfaith and Community Connections (e.g. MeckMin) 

IJT Volunteer Opportunities 

We are currently partnering with the following organizations: 

Local Organizations: 

Compassion Closet provides clothing and other household goods to our neighbors, for free. The majority of current clients are in the undocumented Latino community. Compassion Closet also supports 10 new families per month through the Care Management for At-Risk Children (CMARC) and the Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancy (CMHRP) programs. 

These Medicaid funded programs are provided through the Mecklenburg County Health Department to assist community members in gaining access to essential medical care, but all too often there is a need for further support in the form of important daily necessities such as clothing, baby equipment, and of course diapers. 

This direct service partnership functions a little differently from other UUCC partner-led organizations. We understand that, even beyond economic hardship, there are many obstacles that prevent access to daily essentials, such as lack of reliable transportation, language barriers, and varying degrees of technological literacy. Before a marginalized group can claim its own power, basic essential needs must first be met. That is the mission of Compassion Closet. 

Erika’s Closet is a grassroots organization that assists individuals transitioning out of incarceration and/or homelessness with essentials for the workforce and daily living. Services include new/gently used clothing, one-on-one job coaching, and other items needed to transition back into the community. The UUCC is currently hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive on behalf of Erika’s Closet. For more opportunities for engagement or to donate, visit the Erika’s Closet website. 

GreenFaith is a worldwide coalition where people of faith and conscience collaborate and work for climate and environmental justice by pushing for laws that promote renewable energy and pressing businesses to operate sustainably.  The GreenFaith organizer in North Carolina is Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise, a UUCC member.  Under the guidance of GreenFaith, the UUCC has formed its own GreenFaith Circle which meets monthly on the first Thursday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Bernstein Room and via Zoom.   

 UUA affiliated groups: 

Side with Love  

UU Justice NC 

Additionally, we work on important one-time events consistent with the congregation’s efforts in the areas of Societal and Environmental Transformation such as Get out the Vote.