What is the UUSC?: The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is an independent membership organization that promotes human rights and social justice worldwide with the support of 40,000 members and supporters. UUSC has been a powerful voice for human rights in the United States and internationally since 1939, when its founders helped victims of Nazi oppression in Europe. This year, the Rev. Waitstill Sharp and Martha Sharp were awarded the title of “Righteous Among the Nations” by the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, becoming only the second and third Americans to ever be so honored.

How does it function?: UUSC is unique in that it works for long-term solutions to problems through partnerships with grassroots, community-based and regional organizations in the U.S., South and Southeast Asia, Central Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean. Through a combination of advocacy, education and partnerships, UUSC protects and promotes programs and policies that empower women, defend the rights of children and support the struggles of oppressed racial, ethnic and indigenous groups.

UUSC’s programs are based on Unitarian Universalist principles that affirm the worth, dignity and human rights of every person and the interdependence of all life. UUSC does not accept government funding and receives no general financial support from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

How does it respond to world events?: In addition to its on-going programs that promote fair labor practices and the right of all peoples to clean water, UUSC responds strategically to disasters, especially where human rights are threatened. Currently, UUSC is involved in tsunami relief, bringing aid to the earthquake victims in Pakistan, helping war-torn citizens of Afghanistan and bringing the world’s attention to the on-going conflict in the Sudan. It has also launched a campaign to stop torture worldwide.

Why should I support it?: UUSC believes in acting locally and supporting globally. UUSC is not a replacement for local social action but a powerful extension of it. We can increase the power of UU social justice by allowing all congregations and individuals to join together as one voice for human rights. Sue Beck, our new local UUSC representative, is hoping that First Parish will achieve 100% membership. Many of us limit our participation to the Guest at Your Table boxes, thus miss the opportunity to make a greater impact with action. As a member, you will “go out into the world” to help the suffering, and you will also stay up-to-date on human rights issues through regular mailings, action alerts, and a subscription to the newsletter, Rights Now. Gifts of $75 or more are matched dollar for dollar by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in New York. Memberships run for 12 months from the month the gift was received.

For more information or to become a member, contact Sue Beck at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For current news and to become a member by donating on-line, go to their web site at www.uusc.org.

The UUMass Action Network (UUMAN) is a new statewide network of ministers and lay members led by a Board of Directors made up of ministers and lay leaders from each of the three districts. Nancy Banks is the Executive Director. The goal is to build a statewide education and advocacy network anchored in the UU faith that can inspire and mobilize coordinated action while raising the visibility of Unitarian Universalism and its values to policy makers and the larger community.

Please take the survey that will help to identify priorities and then sign up to be a member! If you are interested in heading up this initiative at First Parish, please contact Sue Beck.

www.uumassaction.org or 617-835-5426.