Emerson’s Social Justice Work

Our Social Justice Team Mission: Organize and prioritize Emerson UUC’s social justice work and education in light of our Unitarian Universalist faith with an understanding of the root causes of white supremacy culture and social inequities which have created marginalization.  We create spaces to have the uncomfortable conversations required to change ourselves and the world. We partner with others in this work toward the creation of the Beloved Community.


We at Emerson are working towards justice in many areas by: educating ourselves,  listening to those most impacted, and  working through demonstration and systemic accountability to  support deep and sustaining changes in ourselves, at Emerson and in our local community.


Below are some of the areas of justice we are currently focusing on - please join us in our efforts. Our team meets monthly to organize and prioritize our activities. Contact Justice Ministry Associate Ann Mason for more information or Join us at Emerson on the third Monday from 7 - 8:30.


Contact Ann to Get Involved

Racial Justice

  • We strive to understand the many facets of race and racism through education and accountable relationships.
  • We believe that this will enable healing to occur in ourselves, at Emerson, and throughout our local community.
  • Create educational opportunities regarding race and racism for the Emerson congregation and our local community
  • Connect with local churches and racial justice groups 
  • Listen to voices that we have not heard yet in order to honor the truths of others.
  • Put our faith into action to partner with local efforts towards promoting our denomination’s principles that Black Lives Matter.
  • Stay connected to the Unitarian Universalist Association’s work toward racial justice.

Immigration Justice

Emersonians come together in community support of immigrant families in Cobb County to listen and respond to needs, build awareness of issues, advocate and act as allies.


Examples of our Immigration Justice activities:


  • Communicate regularly with organizations that work with immigrant communities such as GA Latino Alliance for Human Rights (an official grassroots partner of the UUSC),
  • New Sanctuary Movement of Atlanta and others 
  • Stay aware of local policy that affects the immigrant community
  • Attend relevant county or city government meetings 
  • Invite guest speakers to talk about immigration issues from the pulpit, for ARE sessions and other events
  • Offer support to El Refugio as needed, including visiting at Stewart Detention Center
  • Partner with Freedom University to support their students
  • Attend court hearings as liaisons and witnesses
  • Train for and attend state legislation lobbies

LGBTQI+ Justice

Our Social Justice Committee works to ensure inclusion and visibility of LGBTQ+ people at Emerson and to educate our congregation about issues related t gender identity and sexual orientation.


 In keeping with the first principle of Unitarian Universalism we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every LGBTQ+ person. Working with the Worship Team, the Faith Exploration teams and the minister we create ways to recognize LGBTQ+ Days of Observance and help organize other activities related to LGBTQ+ Welcoming and Justice

FOOD JUSTICE:

MUST Ministries Food Collection & Breakfast Crew

Emerson’s connection with MUST Ministries began in 1991 under the leadership of Joe Tomichek.  Joe continues to be our leader and inspiration.


The Breakfast Group goes to the Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen 14 times a year: every second Monday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  On the job at 5:30 AM, we cook a hot breakfast for the residents of the shelter as well as for the community service workers.  We cook 10 dozen eggs, sausage, potatoes , cheese grits, and biscuits.  We also serve some fruit with the meal.  It is a most gratifying and humbling activity to connect with and serve our brothers and sisters in need.  We could use some new members to our team!


 Long-sleeve shirts, close-toed shoes, masks, and hairnets are required.  Once everything is ready to serve, we leave.  The residents of Elizabeth Inn do the serving. 


In addition we do a weekly food collection for MUST. Each Wednesday volunteers collect food donations from 10 am - 1 pm outside Emerson. We also gratefully collect donations anytime the building is open and on Sunday mornings. 


Contact Ann for More Info
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