UU Justice News
January 2006

This issue of the Michigan UU Justice News includes:

March 11th UU Justice Workshop : “A Little Less Talk … A Lot More Action”  Your Involvement Is Important!  Mark Saturday, March 11th on your calendar as a special day for justice seeking Unitarian Universalists in Michigan. That’s the day that the Michigan UU Social Justice Network holds its a “hands on” workshop for UU’s entitled: “A little Less Talk … A LOT MORE ACTION”.. Please print out a copy of an attached registration brochure for this workshop and distribute it to members of your congregation.  We would like to see teams of at least three people attend from each Michigan church.  Also attached is a workshop announcement (see below) in your church newsletter.

This action-packed day will feature:
•Training from the UUA on creating justice seeking congregations;
•Inspiration and justice insights by UU Church of Flint’s Rev. David Carl Olson;
•Michigan UU churches tell how they planned and carried out great justice projects;
•Workshops on how to get involved with Michigan campaigns involving affirmative action, universal health care, minimum wage and save our water; 
•Continental breakfast and lunch;
•Opportunities for home hospitality on Friday and Saturday evenings; and 
•Information tables to display YOUR church’s justice activities and issues
(If your church would like a table, please request one on the attached form.)

Registration fees: only $35 for adults; $15 for persons on fixed incomes, students or unemployed.  Free child care is available.  Students are welcomed! Registration brochures should be available at every Michigan UU church. For more information, call Gwen Winston at 248-574-8463 or Randy Block at 248-549-5170.

Next MUUSJN Meeting: Thursday, 16th in Southfield - The MUUSJN will next meet at Northwest UU Church at 23925 Northwestern Highway in Southfield at 7 p.m. Thursday February 16h.  NOTE:   the THIRD THURSDAY of the month will be the regular date for MUUSJN meetings in 2006. 

MUUSJN Agrees to Join Campaign to Raise Michigan’s Minimum Wage – At its January 19th meeting, the MUUSJN voted to join the “Michigan Needs A Raise” campaign to put a petition on the Fall 2006 ballot to raise Michigan’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.85/hour.  This campaign is being supported by a coalition of community, senior citizen, religious, union, small business and political  groups.  The issue of a minimum wage directly addresses a UU priority concern about poverty.  Michigan workers’ deserve better than a poverty wage of $5.15/hour!  To request copies of petitions or a speaker on the Michigan Needs A Raise campaign, call John Freeman, a former State Representative who has championed worker’s rights, at 313-855-7945.  Let us know if you would like to get involved with this campaign. 

Justice Sunday: An Opportunity to Call for Economic Justice & Support MUUSJN - The Network encourages Michigan churches to celebrate Justice Sunday. The UU Service Committee (UUSC) s urging churches around the Country to stand together for justice by celebrating Justice Sunday on March 26, 2006. Using free materials provided by the UUSC, you can guide your congregation to learn more about economic justice issues such as poverty, a living wage, raising the minimum wage and worker’s rights. As you know, MUUSJN surveys indicated that poverty was a top issue among Michigan UU‘s; the Network recently voted to get involved with a campaign to raise the minimum wage for Michigan workers.

With the “blessing” of the UUSC, we also request that churches to consider providing financial support for the MUUSJN either through a special collection or fund raiser to help us pursue social and economic justice within our State.  All funds raised on behalf of the MUUSJN will be DOUBLED by a UUA challenge grant.  Thanks to the UU Church of Flint for already making a commitment to hold a potluck dinner to support the MUUSJN.  The MUUSJN needs your support from UU congregations to more effectively support Michigan UU congregation’s efforts for justice. .

If March 26th doesn’t work for your church calendar, consider another Sunday during the next six months which can be dedicated as a “MUUSJN Justice Sunday”. Kits are being developed to help congregations respond to this challenge and will be available at the March 11th workshop.  For more information, contact Gwen Winston at 248-574-8463.  

BUC Responds to MUUSJN Issues; Elections Speaker on February 19th  -  Lucille McNaughton encouraged over 15 members of her congregation, the Birmingham Unitarian Church, to meet on January 29th to review justice issues identified last fall in MUUSJN surveys.  Out of this meeting, UU’s agreed to bring in a speaker to address the issue fair elections. You are invited to hear Adele Eisner from Cleveland, Ohio to speak at BUC at 12:30 p.m. on February 24th. Lucille reports that Ms. Eisner is dynamic, well versed in what happened in the last election and what might appen there again in the fall of 2006. Food will be served. Call Lucille at 313-561-5692.

Justice News From Your Church?  - Get news of your congregations’ progress for justice published in this newsletter.  Submit your news to Randy Block at beelock47@comcast.net.

Please invite others to receive this e-newsletter by sending their names and e-mails to: Randy Block at beelock47@comcast.net 



Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network
Networking for Justice and Community Service
Randy Block © 2006, MUUSJN
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To foster the worth and dignity
of people by promoting social justice and community service.

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Michigan Unitarian Universalist
Social Justice Network
Networking for Justice and Community Service