Social and Environmental Justice
Through our Social and Environmental Justice program, BUC ministers to the needs of our communities; promotes social, economic, racial, and environmental justice; addresses the climate crisis; offers opportunities for civic engagement; and serves as an agent of social systemic change. Our Plate Collection supports a different charitable organization each month, supporting one of these goals.
Social Justice is a core component of Unitarian Universalism and BUC’s identity. We are called to put our UU principles into action to build a world that embodies justice and compassion for all people. This includes serving communities in need, advocating for reforms, and bearing public witness. We are lifelong learners, striving for greater understanding and adapting our actions as we gain new perspectives and experiences.
Get more information
To sign up to participate and/or get more information on SEJ activities in the 2022-23 church year, please complete this form.
To join our email list, please send an email to BUCSEJ@gmail.com asking to be added. You are also welcome to use this email address to reach us for other reasons.
Our priority issues at present are Racial Justice, Environmental Action, Civic Engagement, and Economic Justice. The links below lead to more information on each program and people to contact. There are hands-on things to do, and you are invited to join any group.
Sharing the Plate Collection
We donate a portion of our Sunday plate collections to local community service and social justice advocacy organizations.
Project Administrator: Janet Brown
Racial Justice
Confronting and dismantling racism in ourselves and our institutions.
Project Lead: Mary Jo Ebert
Environmental Action
Encompassing our Green Sanctuary, EA focuses on how BUC and the community at large can address the climate crisis and deepen our connection to the earth.
Project Lead: Jane O’Neil
Civic Engagement
Promoting and supporting individual and congregational involvement in civic action to create a more just society for all people.
Project Lead: Harper West
Resolution on Ending Gun Violence
In May of 2018, the congregation approved a Congregational Resolution on Ending Gun Violence.
Economic Justice
These long-standing service projects address economic inequities in our communities. Click each title for details.
South Oakland Shelter
We support guests of SOS (part of Lighthouse) with donations during one week in November.
Project Lead: Paul Plante
Walt Whitman School
Numerous opportunities to volunteer at this elementary school in Pontiac.
Project Lead: Mary Jo Ebert
Welcome Inn
Help support this daytime warming center; open December through March.
Project Lead: Annis Pratt
Goldsmith Scholarship
Granting funds to Pontiac students for college education.
Project Lead: Mary Jo Ebert
State and International UU Social Justice Organizations
MUUSJN
We are active in our state organization for social justice, the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network.
UUSC
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates.
