Social Action – July 2021

The Racial Justice Team Recommends …

The UUFM Racial Justice Team recommends these books, movies and podcasts to educate yourself about race and justice.  

  • Book:  How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X Kendi – The book discusses concepts of racism and Kendi’s proposals for anti-racist individual actions and systemic changes.
  • Movie:  Just Mercy – 2019 biographical legal drama film, based on a memoir of the same name, written by Bryan Stevenson.  It tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who, with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction.
  • Podcast:  Code Switch (NPR) – Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast tackles the subject of race head-on.  Hosts and guests explore how race impacts every part of society–from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between.

If you have a recommendation, you can send it to Marisa Larson at marisa.larson@gmail.com.

 

UUFM Sponsors a Blessing Box and a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop

Doug Walter reports our box is receiving notably increased demand, especially in the past few weeks.  To contribute items, contact Doug at kbsi@cox.net.  Or, drop by Wonder Workshop, at 506 S 4th Street, and stock the box with your items.  You can also contribute financially to fill the box or the little free library at uufm.net/donate.

The Blessing Box is for people to take what they need and leave what they can.  The box is stocked with non-perishable food items and life-essential items such as feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and soap.

We’re also sponsoring a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop in memory of Richard Pitts.  To contribute books, contact Doug Walter at kbsi@cox.net.  You’re also welcome to stock the library directly.  Our Little Free Library focuses on books for children and youth.  UUFM’s box is registered with the international organization as box number 107632, and is on the international map of Little Free Libraries.  Learn more at littlefreelibrary.org.

“Blessing Boxes for Manhattan/Riley County is an initiative of the Food and Farm Council of Riley Co.  BBFM is an outdoor food pantry that serves those in need 24/7.  If you need a blessing, donations are available and if you are blessed, leave a blessing.”  — from https://www.facebook.com/blessingboxesformanhattan/.

 

Helping Hands

In July, Helping Hands contributions will be collected for The Guardians, providing funds for men with immediate and urgent needs that are not met by traditional funding sources.   Learn more at www.gafund.org/.

As we gather Sunday mornings your contributions to our collection basket benefit the month’s Helping Hands recipient.  Or, you can donate online at uufm.net/donate/.

 

Social Justice and Anti-Racism Resources

Check out the new list of social justice/anti-racism resources at uufm.net/social-action-2/social-action-resources/. If you would like to suggest resources to add to the list, or have questions, please contact Marisa Larson at marisa.larson@gmail.com.

 

Contact UUFM Social Action Coordinator Judy Nickelson at judynickelson@gmail.com, to learn about all social justice efforts at the Fellowship.

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