Our Next Speaker
Rev. Mark Spivey
"Jeremiah - The Great Weeping Prophet, part two"
Details

What About Other Sundays?

What's Happening This Week?

Social Concerns Committee

Social justice, if upheld makes for healthier societies. Change doesn't happen overnight. Social justice is a process where individuals recognize wrong & then come together to affect change- whether or not they directly benefit from the changes. Societal change is often slow & gut wrenching. Aspirations of those whose rights have been denied for years clash with those resisting change on the basis of tradition, fear or loss of real or perceived advantages.

Back in the 1960s, a group of dedicated Americans formed the civil rights movement, demanding change to assure fair elections & representation that had been thwarted by prejudice & codified by unjust laws. Those on the forefront were characterized as law breakers or anarchists. Yet in time, most Americans saw the necessity of expanding civil rights & the resulting changes that improved America.

Items that are key for a strong society:

News

2010-09-21: Odyssey Networks ÒMillion Minutes for Peace CampaignÓ seeks to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at noon on the United Nations International Day of Peace (September21). Please watch the 60-second video (see http://www.odysseynetworks.org/) and join us by pledging your prayer for peace, and telling others. Thank you and may peace prevail on earth.

2010-09-16, Thursday, 7-9 PM: SC Movie Night: The English Surgeon Tense, heartbreaking and humorous, the film is a remarkable depiction of one doctor's commitment to relieve suffering and of the emotional turmoil he undergoes in bringing hope to a desperate people, see http://www.pbs.org/pov/englishsurgeon/. Again, if your UUUS Committee would like to host a third Thursday movie/panel/discussion, please let us know. Note: Pastoral Care has reserved October 21st for a presentation.

2010-08-22: Pakistan's Epic Flooding Crisis Some 10 to 20 million people are homeless from flooding in Pakistan. This On Point audio presentation gives you a feel for level of need, even greater than in Haiti: Pakistan's Epic Flooding Crisis. Here is a link to some relief aid NGOs and the like to help out: InterAction Members Respond to the Floods in Pakistan. Take care.

Excellent Presentation! 2010-08-19: Exploited Children John Gomez discussed Parental/Familial Child Abduction and Japan on Thursday, August 19th from 7-9PM EST @ the UUUS. You can listen to it here: Justice for Kana: My Struggle for Children's Rights in Japan.

2010-08-09 update Exploited Children: High Suicide Rate on Indian Reservation Near Epidemic Proportions shows connection to suicide and boarding schools that abused children.

2010-07-15, Thursday, 7-9 PM: SC Movie Night: Protagonist We will be showing Protagonist- a documentary on the nature of agression. The film concerns four individuals with varied backgrounds: martial arts, television evangelist who bashed homosexuals, bank robber and international terroist. Each man discusses their motivations, remorse, and reflection on what they did. A highly recommended film. If you can't join us, please rent it as it will captivate you with the character's honesty and the film's wit and wisdom.

2010-07-01: Jim Rocquoi's 2010-06-27 presentation, "Florida Hometown Democracy", is available here (http://universityuus.org/audio.php) as an MP3 download in case you missed it. Unfortunately I did miss it but was able to see and hear the full multimedia presentation here--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1qdRO5xLC4. Note: Jim is also participating in Brita's Climate Ride and is seeking donations. If you're interested in supporting his efforts, go to here.

UPDATE: Amazing Conversation... MP3 with fixed audio is available here -> http://universityuus.org/d/SE2010-06-17-KevinAnnett.mp3 2010-06-17: Kevin Annett Speaks on the Canadian Holocaust- an Update Kevin Annett returns to the UUUS for a more informal talk about the Canadian Holocaust as well as a followup to efforts in Europe.

2010-06-12: Lakota Youth CampTwo Day camp for the youth on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, for more info click here.

2010-05-21: BP ("Beyond Petroleum", formerly known as "British Petroleum" Oil Spill in the Gulf The UUA sent out a letter encouraging individuals to contact their senators about co-sponsoring a bill that would raise the liability that is currently capped at only $75 million for oil spills to $10 billion. Common sense shows that BP and other oil companies would spend a few million extra on preventitive safety measures as required by the European Union if they were at a greater financial risk. Read the letter here- Raise the oil spill liability cap. Tomato pickers labor in sweatshop conditions are paid the same rate (40-50¢ per 32-lb. bucket) as they were in 1978. At this rate, a worker must pick 2.5 TONS of tomatoes to earn Florida minimum wage for a typical 10-hour workday. Florida farmworkers have no right to overtime, no health insurance, sick leave, paid vacations or pension, and no right to organize to improve their lot. In extreme cases, workers are forced to labor against their will for little or no pay through the use or threat of physical violence. Since 1997, seven federally-prosecuted cases of slavery in Florida's fields has involved over 1,000 workers. CIW has reached agreements with seven food industry leaders Ð including McDon- ald's, Subway and Whole Foods Ð to directly improve farmworker wages and working conditions in these companies' tomato supply chains. So far, Publix refuses to adopt these policies. The CIW will march on April 16-18 from Tampa to Lakeland, and hold a rally at Munn Park in Lakeland on Sunday, April 18th. To find out more, see http://www.ciw-online.org/freedom_march/images/materials/10PUB-Flyer.pdf.

2010-03-24: Get a New Appliance- Save Money and Lower Your Carbon Footprint: The department of Energy has offered a $17.5 million dollar grant to Florida which will be available as 20% rebates on six ENERGY STAR (ES) appliances: (1) Refrigerators, (2) Freezers, (3) Washing machines, (4) Dishwashers, (5) Room air conditioners, and (6) Gas tank-less hot water heaters. The program is available to all Florida residents through a mail-in rebate application and will launch April 16, 2010, and conclude April 25, 2010. Upgrading your appliance can make a significant dent in your monthly power bill, not to mention the water saved with more efficient washers and dishwasher. Presently, the process is as follows: 1: The rebate only applies to one item per address, with an additional rebate of $75 if evidence is provided that the appliance was recycled. 2: You must fill out a form ahead of time, and receive approval before buying the appliance. 3: Details are available on the following website (Note: Florida still has missing details): FloridaRebate. In order to find an efficient ES product, use this link (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products) and click on your item of interest. Under each item the government has a spreadsheet list that is quite convoluted to use. If you choose an efficient new refrigerator, you could save up to $200/yr in energy costs. For refrigerators/freezers, you can use the following html list that was sorted from the 2010-03-23 list where C stands for compact and items in red or listed N for Act (active) are sorted based on rising adjusted volume and better to worse efficiency. (Note: Adjusted volume takes into account that freezer sections use more energy.) Generally, top or bottom freezer models are more efficient than side by side models. Also, skip the ice cube and water dispenser, along with the automatic defroster to save even more energy. Choose the smallest refrigerator that accomodates your family, and keep it full to save the most energy. For example, one ES top freezer model has 25.83ft3 space and uses 403 kWh (~$60/yr), versus an identical sized ES side by side that takes 583 kWh (~$87/yr)- 45% more power, which at $0.15/kWh, translates into a $135 savings in 5 yrs. http://universityuus.org/sc/ENERGYSTAR-Refrigerators&Freezers_2010-03-24.html

2010-03-24: CIW Modern-Day Slavery Museum visits the UUUSS The CIW (Colation of Immokalee Workers, see http://www.ciw-online.org/) Modern-Day Slavery Museum on wheels visits the UUUS on Sunday, April 4th from 10 AM till noon, see http://www.ciw-online.org/freedom_march/museum.html. Tomato pickers labor in sweatshop conditions are paid the same rate (40-50¢ per 32-lb. bucket) as they were in 1978. At this rate, a worker must pick 2.5 TONS of tomatoes to earn Florida minimum wage for a typical 10-hour workday. Florida farmworkers have no right to overtime, no health insurance, sick leave, paid vacations or pension, and no right to organize to improve their lot. In extreme cases, workers are forced to labor against their will for little or no pay through the use or threat of physical violence. Since 1997, seven federally-prosecuted cases of slavery in Florida's fields has involved over 1,000 workers. CIW has reached agreements with seven food industry leaders Ð including McDon- ald's, Subway and Whole Foods Ð to directly improve farmworker wages and working conditions in these companies' tomato supply chains. So far, Publix refuses to adopt these policies. The CIW will march on April 16-18 from Tampa to Lakeland, and hold a rally at Munn Park in Lakeland on Sunday, April 18th. To find out more, see http://www.ciw-online.org/freedom_march/images/materials/10PUB-Flyer.pdf.

2010-02-20 (Saturday): An Evening of Science and Song
6:00PM - 6:30PM: Global Warming Science Update by Gary Przyborski gives the latest science information on global warming science that cuts through the hot air surrounding this topic, this talk will give the audience an appreciation of the science and its uncertainties. Is the Earth cooling? Is global warming a hoax to make jobs for scientists? These and other repeated attacks by science skeptics will be answered along with insight into how mass media often gets the science wrong, often misleading the public by giving credence to disproven ideas whose real significance is to stop or delay carbon taxes. The talk will gauge the risks for Earth's progeny if we continue to follow the business as usual approach. A handout will summarize many of the key points, along with references to books, talks and links for those desiring a more thorough understanding of this topic.
6:30PM - 7:00PM: Refreshments
7:00PM - 8:30PM: An Evening of Song with a Jim Scott... Come join us for a moving experience with what Pete Seeger has called "...Some kind of a magician," with musician and composer, Jim Scott, and his songs that touches hearts with their themes of nature, peace, and other positive values. Jim has composed many pieces recorded by the Winter Consort, and several of his songs are in UU hymns. His latest project is ÒThe Earth and Spirit Songbook,Ó an anthology of songs of ecology and peace.
Behind the stage, Jim has long been active in the environment as Co-Chair of the Seventh Principle Project, the UU ecological group, and helped develop the "Green SanctuaryÓ program- a plan to help churches to become more ecologically sound. (Note: The UUUS is pursuing this accreditation.) You'll see how his work as an activist comes out in his music. There's also lots of good humor in his songs; kids and adults will all find something to laugh as well as sing about. For more info, see http://jimscottmusic.com/.
Suggested Donation: $10/adults, $18/couples and children under 12 free. Proceeds will go toward our building fund for our new green classroom building.

2010-02-02: Can-Do.org Projects Our Kathy McCambridge reminds us that Pine Ridge has many people without heat after 2,000-3,000 power poles were lost from ice storms. The average annual income is $2700, male life expectancy: 50 years. There are programs for purchasing propane for those in need. Pine Ridge, Indian Reservation: http://can-do.org/PineRidge.php. Crow Creek Indian Reservation: http://www.can-do.org/crowCreek.php

2010-02-02: Challenging Times met in January and is set to meet on the 3rd Sunday after service: Feb 21st (next). Susan Clary leads this group that shares with one another concerning the challenging economic times that we are living through. Contact Susan for more information.

2010-01-29 UPDATE On Tuesday, January 12, Haiti experienced a devastating magnitude 7 earthquake. The people are in desperate need of basic necessities. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has a fund set up to collect monetary donations to contribute to relief efforts. Please see their website at www.uusc.org/.

One of the best ways to give is through direct monetary donations. However, there are questions as to how much of this aid actually gets to those in need. One website that Here are some helpful links to ratings of charities- http://www.charitywatch.org/hottopics/Haiti.html and http://www.charitynavigator.org/. For a list of charities, I like the Huffington Post Haiti Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help. and CNN: Impact Your World, which are both updated.

If you prefer to give direct items through a local grassroots outreach, our own Elaina who used to work for a labor union (362) that has a broad membership with the bulk of it from Disney attractions (custodial, vacation planners, etc.) with a Hatian membership reaching into the hundreds. The next Black Manatee Free Store meets at the UUUS on Tuesday 01/19/10 at 10AM for pickup of clothing. Let's do whatever we can for these people in their time of need. In Elaina's own words...

> I spoke to the President of the local tonight (Eric Clinton), and he said that it is just awful. They have pushed Disney management-bots to provide free phones so that the workers can keep trying to reach family and loved ones. So many people have faced real, hard loss in just the last few days. It seems like everyone he talks to has some kind of direct connection with horrific tragedy, or just simply can't get in touch with anyone, and given the numbers on the news, is just dreading the very worst. >

> 362 is doing a drive for canned goods and clothing, mostly, but what Eric said was that they are taking just about anything, and they are focusing on getting the donations out to the Haitian workers here so that they can get it directly to their families and contacts on the island, however they can, using their own networks. I'm willing to vouch for that local and for the information that I got. The Haitian community has networks/ways of getting things on and off the island, and getting them directly to people there, and I can speak directly to the fact that that local has some concrete connections with the Haitian community. >

> The union is having a membership meeting on the 27th, and they expect to get a lot of the donations at that time, but Eric said that anything we could bring was welcome, and that we could bring it to the Union Hall. I am willing to make a flyer and send it out for checking/consensus that says that we are taking stuff to be directly donated to Haitian families via local 362. Also I'm willing to drive whatever load down to the Union Hall and drop it off. >

> Let me know what y'all think, and if y'all would consent to me doing a flyer. I know online consensus isn't ideal, but the next Free Store is on Tuesday the 19th, and I'd like to get it out at least before then or so we can have it at Free Store to distribute, at least. Elaina

2009-12-30 CAN DO (Compassion in Action Network) KMcCambridge has pointed out this website that is making a direct impact to improve the lives of the residents of Crow Creek and many others throughout the world. SC is trying to get a virtual speaking engagement with CanDo's founder, Eric Klein. For more info, see- http://can-do.org/.

2009-12-20 CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY Volunteers or donations are needed for this effort to provide meals and gifts for children at Oviedo Aquatic Center on December 20th. For more details, see this link- http://helpforthehomeless.net/pages/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=details&id=46&Itemid=74, or email- christmasinthecity@helpforthehomeless.net. Families must register in person by December 12th at the HOPE Foundation's Emergency Food Pantry located at 149 East Broadway, Oviedo, 407-366-3422

2009-12-11: S.Hall sent out an email about how Rachel Maddow and Jeff Sharlet discussed the ties between C-Street, Pastor Rick Warren and about the Family's involvement in the Uganda "kill the gays" bill. One of the bill's proponents is a minister named Pastor Martin Ssempa that was a familiar face to American conservative Evangelicals since he has been a frequent guest of Pastor Rick Warren at One Saddleback Church in California. When Newsweek magazine asked Pastor Rick Warren his opinion of this proposed "kill the gays" law in Uganda, Mr. Warren responded by distancing himself from Martin Ssempa, but also by refusing to condemn the proposal saying, "It is not my personal calling as a pastor in America to comment or interfere in the political process of other nations." See http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/rachel-maddow-show-us-ties-ugandan-anti.The bookclub will discuss Jeff Sharlett's The Family on January 9th, 2010. Note: President Obama chose conservative Rick Warren to deliver his inauguration invocation despite a nationwide outcry from Americans who support civil rights for homosexuals as enjoyed by heterosexuals.

2009-12-10: JMendoza: World leaders, scientists and activists have gathered in Copenhagen this week to discuss global efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. But here in America, the public debate could be trumped by special interests that have hired well-connected lobbyists to distort the debate and derail climate change legislation. CREW's report, Smoke Screen: How Bush Insiders Distorted - And Still Influence - America's Debate Over Climate Change, profiles former Bush officials and the roles they are now playing on behalf of oil, gas, mining and other powerful energy interests. According to the report, at least 22 former Bush-era climate officials have moved into lobbying or government relations.Ê Fourteen of them are registered lobbyists. As Melanie Sloan, CREW's executive director, said "They may have changed their uniforms, but they're still playing for the same team."Smoke Screen shows why it's critical to have CREW keeping a watchful eye on the revolving door between White House and Hill staff and big lobbying firms.

2009-12-09: UPDATE: GOOD TURNOUT! Food for the homeless, Kathy Anderson & 9 volunteers met at the UUUS on Wed, December 9th at 10AM to make sandwiches for the homeless. They are considering doing this as a monthly event. The food was donated by UUUS members.

2009-12-07UPDATE: SUSAN PLANS 2ND MEETING IN JANUARY... Challenging Times support group had its first meeting on December 7th at Perkins restaurant off University Blvd and Forsyth (close to SR436) at 10AM. The purpose of the group is to discuss and share solutions for dealing with a tough economy that has many unemployed, underemployed or simply seeking a better job or career. If you're interested in finding out more, contact Susan @ 407.968.2010 or susanclary@aol.com.

2009-12-06 CIW Followup Protest in Lakeland to pressure Publix to step up and sign up with CIW to make an effort to improve their conditions. Two mile walk takes place from 3:30PM from Publix headquarters. Parking for the CIW's Walk and Rally for Farmworker Justice will be available at and around Kryger Park (100 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801) in downtown Lakeland, which is where the walk will culminate in a rally and vigil. If you are coming with a group, please plan to drop them off at the starting site (in front of the Publix at 2515 S. Florida Ave.) and then proceed to Kryger Park to park. At Kryger Park there will be a shuttle to bring drivers back to the starting site. The shuttle will run from 2 pm to 3:15 pm. If you have any questions about the shuttle on the day of the event, please contact Alison at 330-327-3859. There will also be alternative transportation during the walk portion of the event for those who are unable to walk part or all of the walk. If you know in advance that you are unable to walk the whole event, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly. The walk is 2 miles. For those who would like to walk part of the walk but subsequently need transportation, simply talk to a member of the Security Team in the orange vests and one of the vehicles will pick you up.If you want to find out more see http://www.ciw-online.org/#walk

UPDATE: 12/02/09 HOPE Foundation has the following immediate needs: Someone to install a 20 line phone system. 2: Computer donations with Windows 2003. 3: Someone to set up the computers. They're also looking for volunteers that can provide specific services for those in need: dentist, roofer, teach computer skills, etc. Dawn Foster has written a brochure at the back of the sanctuary if you're interested in taking part.

2009-12-01 The New York Times reports that the Agriculture Department reports that 49 million Americans living without access to adequate food, see Hunger in U.S. at a 14 year high.

2009-11-29 Food Stamp Use Soars While Stigma Fades, see NY Times Article. The change in recepients in Orange and Seminole Counties is up 71% and 65%, respectively since 2007.

2009-11-25 Several UUUS volunteers took part in the effort to help out FUMCO to feed some 500 homeless. Thanks to Joie Kohl working as a laison with our members and this organizing effort.

strong>2009-11-22SC meets today to determine what needs to be done for the UUUS to acheive Green Sanctuary status. Marilyn Stewart has already reviewed this item but now we must break it down into subtasks & get interested members involved.

2009-11-17 Social Concerns related individuals and businesses completed a major upgrade for the Hope Foundation to provide better lighting while reducing their carbon footprint.

009-11-15 FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES... I want to thank the efforts of the many UUUS members and friends who have donated to this effort. We have regularly been taking items: food & clothing to their premises. Today there was an especially large donation (filled up the back of DSymond's Volvo) due in part to one of the UUUS teenagers who had asked that all of of her birthday gifts be donated for the homeless.

UPDATE: 11/03/09 Kathy Anderson began an effort to help feed the homeless through making sandwiches at the UUUS or from efforts of our members at home. If you're interested in joining her group, call Kathy, or talk with her on Sunday.

2009-11-01: CIW & UU's (FUCO and UUUS) join forces to protest Publix, details below...Publix Protest UPDATE: 11/02/09 On Nov 1st after the service, tomato workers from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) spoke to twenty UUUS members about farm worker conditions and their attempts to improve conditions. Many of our members weren't aware that farm workers, along with housekeepers, are excluded from the federal minimum wage. Further, misuse, rape & indentured service by some growers constitutes modern slavery. (Note: Slavery was an eye opener as several members asked questions. Interfaith provided us with documentary evidence of slavery: Slaveryinthefields09.doc or see CIW Anti-Slavery Campaign.

After lunch, several of our members joined members from FUCO & others at a picket of Publix since they refuse to signup to assure a slight increase ($0.01/pound) and a set of basic rights that improve their conditions: See the Flyer: CIW Protests Publix!, & the picture above.

There will be a followup protest on December 6th at Publix headquarters in Lakeland. If you're interested in taking part, get a good costume (one person dressed as a tomato). Also, you'll need a sign. FUCO is joining us in this endeavor; we plan on carpooling.

UPDATE: Those that missed the 10/04/09 talk, "Hidden from History: The Canadian Holocaust" can hear it on our website-http://www.universityuus.org/audio.php. Contact Social Concerns if you're interested in seeing the movie, "Unrepentant," at a future showing.

UPDATE: 10/20/09 On this day, videos, images, recordings & letters were delivered to the U.S. Congress: "FOCUS: Bearing Witness: A Pilgrimage for Health Reform" will culminate in a display on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C in mid-October. The exhibit, which visits seven cities across the country and collects thousands of stories from families in need of health reform, will be displayed at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall on Thursday, October 15th, 7p to 9p, see the flyer at the back of the sanctuary.

2009-10: UUUS began a Food Drive to support a nearby food pantry.

UPDATE: 11/01/09 SC Kathy Anderson spoke to Adult RE about volunteerism.
UPDATE: 10/25/09 SC Gary Przyborski spoke to Adult RE on the growing issue of homelessness in the economic downturn. Suggested Resources:

JMendoza submitted this about SafeHouse of Seminole: We appreciate your willingness to donate your time, talent, and energy to the cause of Women and Children who survive Domestic Violence. This month SafeHouse will be participating in the Purple Light Nights Campaign. The Purple Light Nights Campaign began in Connecticut and is now a nation wide initiative to support survivors of Domestic Violence. You will see links to more information below and our schedule for selling purple light bulbs at various events this month. Please let me know if you will be able to join us for any of these events or have creative ideas about where we could reach out in the community.
To find out more about the Purple Light Nights Campaign, go to - http://www.purplelightnights.org/http://www.purplelightnights.org/

The UU Alliance:

The Triple U & FUCO(First Unitarian Church of Orlando) have begun working together on several projects: Central Florida Mass Transit, Amendment 2, the UUUS Community Garden & sharing some UUUS technology with FUCO. The purpose is to help both FUCO & UUUS to work together to make us and our community stronger. If you wish to get involved in FUCO's Social Concerns, please see Serving Community & then Social Outreach on their site, or http://orlandouu.org/content/blogcategory/127/192/. For more info on our Green Alliance, see our Going Green section.

Charitable Involvement

Ongoing Food & Clothing Drive for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

UUUS Share the Plate Program http://www.universityuus.org/sharetheplate.html

UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee)

We are partnered with Equal Exchange for Fair Trade products (Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Chocolate, Pecans); part of every purchase goes directly to fund the programs of the UUSC.



Contact Social Concerns: EmailSC.