UUS Social Justice in 2025
Post Author
Sally Hartman
Skip reading this if you think UUS social justice does not apply to you! If you do think social justice is integral to who we are as UUs, read on. The Social Justice Team wants to share three things with you. First, what are some plans the coming year, as in what is our Project 2025. Second, what were our 2024 immigration activities, and how to support immigrants this coming year. Third, who are our partners in Social Justice?
2025 Social Justice Planning
The UUS Social Justice Team members have a variety of passions, including racial justice, immigration, income inequality, and hunger. Planning for 2025 incorporated all those interests. One plan is to hold a monthly Day of Service instead of a yearly one day event. Last month was our start of this format, and many of showed up to create holiday baskets and wrap presents for our Circle of Friends families.
Throughout January we collect toiletries, backpacks, t-shirts, underwear and socks for men associated with the Inside Out Reentry Community. Many are leaving prison with nothing. Look for a donation box in the UUS entry.
The following month, join us on February 15 at 1 pm for the Day of Service Valentine’s party for immigrant children and their families. We will serve snacks, play games, and give small gifts. There might be a piñata or even dancing. All are invited!
The second 2025 plan involves encouraging contact with our state legislators by writing letters, but also by attending Lobby Days held by social justice organizations. Both Interfaith Alliance and Citizens for Community Improvement have scheduled a lobby day in February where one-on-one conversations with legislators takes place. Let’s carpool and show up at the Capitol!
Immigration 2024 and 2025
What are Carmen and Yoel up to? Yoel has been working and learning to drive. Carmen is job hunting and in the meantime sews and works on learning English. In November they welcomed Carmen’s son, Lázaro and his partner, Yeneys. A great team of folks has been working with both couples. Thank you, Peg Voelker for the timely donation of furniture, and John Cunningham for providing housing to our newest Cuban couple. Many others have contributed by tutoring, providing transportation, job searches, completion of forms, and numerous other tasks. A special thanks goes to Fanny and Tom Carver for housing Carmen and Yoel for six months.
What is up for 2025? Many agencies and organizations are gearing up for an uncertain but possibly painful year for immigrants. Our presence brings hope to those fearful of what the future may bring. For this reason, support for immigrants compels us for heart-felt action.
Three things we can do to support immigrants… and that we can’t do when it is too late.
- USE YOUR VOICE: Write legislators by making a plan. Consider how you would be most likely to follow through. Do you need to designate a day of the week for letter writing? Is it easier with a friend or group? Do you have the email addresses of your legislators? Have you researched or found a fact sheet to help you make points? Choose a focus. Are you going to write about mass deportation or the use of Iowa National Guard for enforcement? Here are some points about mass deportation:
- Family separation means family trauma
- Exorbitant costs of such action will be borne by the taxpayers
- Communities who depend on workers face a huge loss, including hotels, construction, including roofers, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
- MAKE CONNECTIONS: Increase your proximity to men, women and children who are immigrants. Then you will understand their challenges and be able to act. You could volunteer for an organization that serves that population. Check their websites:
- UU Society Circle of Friends: contact Sally Hartman (sallyahartman@hotmail.com)
- Immigrant Welcome Network: Volunteer to help families new to Iowa City (see below)
- Open Heartland: Volunteer to sort clothing, tutor, etc. openheartland.org
- Center for Worker Justice: (see below)
- Catholic Worker House: volunteer in two immigrant houses: iowacitycatholicworker.org/
- TAKE ACTION: Get ready and show up. To start, attend informational meetings, tune into podcasts, and read articles. Attend rallies, public witness, and protests. Attend lobby days at the Capitol sponsored by such groups as Interfaith Alliance and Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI). People in turmoil will need transportation, monetary support, food, housing, and visits in jail. Learn empathy and advocacy. Time at the sidelines is over.
Community Partners
UUS Social Justice involves working as a team, but it also calls us to connect with community partners to build rapport and trust. Here are a few of our Community Partners we rely on for assistance. We can give back by donating and volunteering.
Immigrant Welcome Network Johnson County: The focus of IWN-JC involves settling immigrants new to Iowa City. Other options are not possible, so families often move in with another family. Two families at a time stay in the rental house. IWN-JC started a campaign to purchase their own house. Donate to ensure a softer landing for immigrants coming to our community. Check the website: www.iwnjc.org
Center for Worker Justice: CWJ is known for their tenacious pursuit of those who steal wages from workers. They recently recovered $27,000 for two workers, and their next project of theft involves $54,000. In addition to wage theft issues, CWJ is working on affordable housing, confronting banks not honoring the Johnson County Community ID, and offering computer, English, and sewing classes. A new Rapid Response Team will challenge threats against immigrants. Join them: cwjiowa.org
Houses into Homes: Our own Ian Cawley serves as the Director of Operations for this organization. Donations of furniture and household items are passed on to needy families. Ian says they have a need for volunteers and would love for UUS members and friends to join them. Contact Ian: ian@housesintohome.org
