2025-06-01

JUSTICE ACTIONS 

Our faith reminds us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” It bends because people of good faith fueled with love and righteous anger show up to put their values into action. 

We have many ways to show up. As an INDIVIDUAL we can make our unique voice heard; together in COMMUNITY, that voice is amplified. With JOY, we recharge and restore our resilience for the ongoing work of bending the arc toward justice. 

1. INDIVIDUAL JUSTICE ACTION Tell Our Senators to Defend Solar Jobs & Protect Our Future (See below)
2. COMMUNITY JUSTICE ACTION Attend one of our First Sunday Fellowship dinners with 1U members and friends. Or enjoy a delicious array of food at the Vegan potluck in Gore Hall on Thursday, June 5 at 7 pm. (Bring a dish to share or $10 and a smile!)
3. JOY JUSTICE ACTION Laughter and music are portals to joy. Share a funny meme with a friend; or turn the volume up and play Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, or Taylor Swift loud and proud! 

INDIVIDUAL JUSTICE ACTION 

Tell Our Senators to Defend Solar Jobs & Protect Our Future

The House just passed a bill that would slash clean energy investments, threaten solar jobs, and raise energy costs — especially for those who can least afford it. Now it’s in the Senate, and we must act.

As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to side with love — love for people, planet, and future generations. Our shared values call us to act for climate justice, economic fairness, and care for our interconnected world. Defending federal investment in clean energy is one powerful way to put that love into action.

Call ASAP

•   Sen. Rick Scott – 202-224-5274
•   Sen. Ashley Moody – 202-224-3041

SUGGESTED CALL SCRIPT

Hello, I’m calling to urge you to protect federal investments in solar energy that are creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and strengthening our communities.

Solar tax incentives, including the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), have helped create over 330,000 good-paying jobs nationwide. If these programs are cut, tens of thousands of jobs could be lost, energy bills could rise, and clean energy progress would stall.

Please support:

•   The 30% ITC (25D) for rooftop solar
•   Direct pay for schools, nonprofits, and local governments
•   The Solar for All program to expand access to clean energy for low-income families
•   The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small businesses in rural areas

These smart investments benefit families, communities, and the economy — and they enjoy strong bipartisan support. I urge you to stand up for solar jobs and a clean, affordable energy future.

Thank you for your time.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE ACTION 

First Sunday Fellowship Gatherings

On the first Sunday of each month, 1U members and friends gather for fellowship and conversation in different geographic areas. We currently have groups in Celebration, Conway, Downtown, West Orlando [including Winter Garden, Clermont, Windermere and Apopka], East of 436, and Winter Park.

Groups typically meet on the first Sunday evening at restaurants in their area. Each group decides where and when to meet. Area hosts maintain email invitation lists and send out monthly reminders with details. 

These gatherings are opportunities to meet new people and deepen existing relationships. All are welcome to attend any group. Attending different groups helps visitors, friends and members to get to know more people in the congregation. 

If you’re interested in being added to an area invitation list or in getting more information, contact us here.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date… The next nationwide day of action is June 14, just a few weeks away. 

IDEAS FOR THE DAY OF ACTION:
If you’re staying at home: plan a taco party!

If you’re going out:
Attend a No Kings protest
OR
Attend a Pride event
OR
Attend an early Juneteenth event.

Every action counts.

For more Orlando area specific 50501 Actions and Info, use this link. (NEW)

50501 Virtual Action: Click on this link to find different ways you can take action online anytime.

For Information and Action Steps

5 Calls – 5 Calls is the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to make a political impact. NEW

Resistbot – Resistbot is a chatbot that turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes. NEW

Immigration Links: This is a list of agencies and organizations that provide services to those involved in the immigration process in the US. The list was compiled by Abiding Presence Faith Community.

The UUSC launches the Resistance Network: a mobilization hub designed to take immediate action when civil liberties, democracy, and human rights are at risk. The threats we face are vast, but history shows us that resistance works when we act together. The Resistance Network is an opportunity to live our values as Unitarian Universalists and take collective action.

Democracy Forward – “The fight for democracy is the fight for people. Democracy Forward uses the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant, democracy for all people.”

Community Resilience Hub: This is a UUA website page where information is curated for UUs to meet this moment.

Side With Love Action Center Weekly Update: This is our go-to place for analysis of critical issues in this political moment, immediate actions you can take, and helpful resources to deepen knowledge and practice of our collective work to side with love.

Important Things You Can Do…

Trust that LOVE is greater than hate.

Stay informed. Focus on what is real and share accurate, useful information. Guard and support your trusted sources of information.

Encourage democracy. Support democratic leaders and groups working for social justice and to preserve American values.

Resist evil. Speak up and Side With Love, every chance you get.

Provide help and support to those in need. Identify people and groups who need help, and seek ways to help as much as possible.

 Expand skills and knowledge. Educate and train yourself and others in useful skills. Side With Love (see below) is a wonderful resource in this regard

SHARE 1U’s posts, events, etc. on your timelines to let others know about us and our offerings

Other Important Things You Can Do

Participate in our Democracy! Become a member of LWVOC. Or you can opt in to “alert lists” emails.

Pride Chamber of Commerce – “We are the LGBT Chamber of Commerce dedicated to the business equality movement in the Greater Orlando area and beyond. The Pride Chamber’s strategic focus is to serve as a resource to small businesses and large corporations, and bridge the gap between them. We welcome you to get engaged in our mission to strengthen equality in Greater Orlando’s business community.”

Join or support Greater Orlando NOW (National Organization for Women) – NOW focuses on six priority issues: • including reproductive rights • ending sex discrimination/constitutional equality • promoting diversity and ending racism • economic justice • stopping violence against women • LGBTQIA rights)

Connect with UUSJ (Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice) for actions, involvement, more.

And, Remember Your Community is Here

Sign up for emails from our social justice group:   1ujustice@googlegroups.com

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Join our 1U Justice facebook group.

Read our blog at 1ublog

As You Show Up for Justice In Person or Online

• KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT THE BORDER/AIRPORTS NEW
• Emergency Planning – English
• Emergency Planning – Spanish
• Peaceful Protest Checklist
• Take care of yourself and fellow travelers. Nurture yourself and your networks so you can stay balanced, strong, and safe.  
• Respect your limits and boundaries and those of others. Understand that each of us, individually and in groups, has to manage this turmoil in our own way and at our own pace.
• Stay vigilant. Know that your actions and resistance may have a cost, and identify what risk you can tolerate.
•  Pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint — a relay race.
• Take precautionary measures such as:
  • Delete Me makes it quick, easy and safe to remove your personal data online.
  • Possibly moving away from X (Twitter) and WhatsApp, and toward Blue Sky social and Signal messaging apps as alternatives as a security measure.
  • Keep in mind that your social media posts, comments, etc. will be recorded in history and can easily be found in an internet search. So, think beyond the heat of the moment before posting.

To suggest additions to the events listing or the organization listing, or to make corrections, please email minister@orlandouu.org.