Social Justice

This is a graphic of a yellow background arrow; There is a white circle with a black outline; inside the white space is a black H; To the right in a white rectangle: Healing a Broken World; Next line with a yellow background and black lettering: Opportunities centered around our commitment to racial justice and issue advocacy

We are passionate about social justice at this church. We are an open, informed, interfaith community and our passion for social justice manifests in a variety of activities such as public witnessing, anti-racism training, online communication, canvassing neighborhoods, and inviting diverse groups to facilitate conversation in the church. Our social justice and outreach programs are grounded in the faith community and relate back to the eight principles of our faith. We also use the concept of social capital. Social capital is a concept used in sociology and economics to define networks of relationships which are productive towards advancing the goals of marginalized individuals and groups.

Here is a YouTube video clip used from Rev. Amy’s 8/31 sermon on rivers and boats.

UUSJ offers news and actions in a wide variety of topics and opportunities to offer social justice support. Click below to learn more and to subscribe to their monthly newsletter. Subscribe to UUSJ eNews.

We approach our social justice initiatives through direct service, policy and procedural work, and fighting for systemic change.  Each of our initiatives strives to be intersectional in outlook and practice. Our social justice programs hope to provide a space for open communication and reflection, as well as the chance to facilitate reflection and time to discern next steps.

What have we not thought of that you want to make happen?  We welcome your ideas!

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GIRLS FOR A CHANGE FUNDRAISER

Graphic titled "Kwanzaa Principle in Action: Ujima" with colorful geometric patterns and two logos.

Transcribed Text:

Kwanzaa Principle in Action: Ujima (Collective work and Responsibility)
First Unitarian Universalist RICHMOND
girlsforachange.org

As you may remember from our Kwanzaa service, First UU is raising $6,500 by April 1st to sponsor one girl for the “Her Journey Home: Ghana 2026” leadership fellowship and trip. Our hope is that the girl who is sponsored by First UU will be our speaker at the 2026 Kwanzaa service.

Her Journey Home: Ghana 2026 is a year-long, culturally grounded program for girls (8th–12th grade), Her Journey Home culminates in a transformational 10-day journey to Ghana in 2026. Rooted in the wisdom of the Sankofa bird—the belief in looking back to move forward, this is a life-changing opportunity to explore identity, resilience, and global Black girlhood through workshops, storytelling, service, and cultural immersion.  With only 10 participants selected, the program is designed to be an intimate and intentional experience. Chaperones, alumnae , and a film crew will join the trip, documenting the brilliance, freedom, and possibilities of Black girls traveling the world.

Consider pooling resources together to sponsor one girl for the “Her Journey Home: Ghana 2026” leadership fellowship and trip; please follow this link. Any amount will help!

Please state “First UU Sponsorship” in the Comments section when you make your donation. After you donate, please email Reggie Gordon so he will know there’s been a contribution. The amount can be kept confidential.

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