The Racial Justice Team Recommends …
Each month, the UUFM Racial Justice Team recommends books, movies, podcasts and other resources to educate ourselves about race and justice.
Our September recommendations:
- https://www.gcir.org/news/safe-haven-afghans-and-haitians-crisis
Website: This month, racial justice team member Marisa Larson would like to share information on the plight of refugees. Her friend, Marissa Tirona, is president of the Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. Here is a page with information on how to learn more about and help refugees, particularly from Afghanistan and Haiti. - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ta-nehisi-coates-nikole-hannah-jones.html
Podcast: Kathy Swenson recommends this podcast conversation between Ezra Klein, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates on what’s really behind the backlash to the 1619 Project.
View the team’s previous recommendations at uufm.net/topic/social-action.
If you have a recommendation, you can send it to Marisa Larson at marisa.larson@gmail.com.
Helping Hands
In September, Helping Hands contributions will be collected for the Sunflower CASA Project (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). CASA volunteers speak exclusively for the child’s best interests in court proceedings. Learn more at www.sunflowercasa.org.
As we gather Sunday mornings your contributions to our collection basket benefit the month’s Helping Hands recipient. You can also donate online at uufm.net/donate/.
UUFM Sponsors a Blessing Box and a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop
Doug Walter reports our box is in demand. 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/.
Social Justice and Anti-Racism Resources
Check out this 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 Kathy Swenson at swenson.home@gmail.com, to learn about all social justice efforts at the Fellowship.