Small Groups
Faith in Action
RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Housing Network) [2009-10]
Contacts:
Sara Berger, Co-Coordinator: 288-0876; sberger@rochester.rr.com
Dean Brown, Co-Coordinator: 461-9137; deansteve@frontiernet.net
more information
We host homeless families overnight in the evenings in our church for a week at a time (4-5 weeks a year), joining with other congregations in the Rochester area. We use inflatable beds in our church school rooms for the guests, provide evening meals, and support to our guests. Each time we host, we need: meal donations and hosts 5-7pm, 7-9pm, and overnight.
Peace Advocates [2009-10]
Contact: Andrea Porter
467-9432; porter.aa@gmail.org
more information
The "Peace Advocates Task Force" of First Unitarian Church is open to all and works to bring the troops home from Iraq and to question our reliance on military might in general. A few of our many volunteer opportunities: Setting up/attending peace vigils at First Unitarian, hosting our Sunday table in Williams Gallery (before and after the Worship Services), or tables at community events, preparing food for quarterly Military Family Dinners (held here), and special projects, such as concert and film screenings.
Honduras Project [2009-10]
Contacts: Mary Jane Curry
442-9242; mjcurry@Warner.rochester.edu
Barbara Gawinski
442-8111; Barbara_Gawinski@URMC.rochester.edu
more information
The Honduras Project seeks to improve the quality of life and health in San Jose, San Marcos del la Sierra, by doing water projects, scholarships and curriculum aid, latrines, and microfinance projects. There are a variety of places where volunteers can help.
UU/Schools Partnership [2009-10]
Contact: Stuart Burke
381-8146; stuartmburke@aol.com
more information
This program has provided program enrichment support to the children and staff since 1988 at School 22, and since 1991 to the Children's School. Thirty volunteers work with children in classrooms, after-school clubs, or the library on a schedule mutually determined by the volunteers and the teachers. Help is also needed at the "Saturday Academy." Our volunteers are retirees, high school and college students, homemakers, the self-employed, or those in jobs where time off for volunteerism is encouraged.
UKnitarians [2009-10]
Contact: Jane Davis
442-3592; bejadavis@frontiernet.net
Come and make mittens. Knit, stitch or crochet with other Uknitarians. Bring your own patterns and materials or use donations to work on hats, scarves and mittens for children from schools served by our UU Schools Partnership.
3H Task Force [2009-10]
Contacts: Pat Swinton
288-8112; nereid7@juno.com
Sydney Sutherland
546-7586; Sydney_Sutherland@URMC.rochester.edu
more information
Our local, regional, state, federal, and international communities face tremendous problems of Hunger, Housing and Homelessness (3H) including inadequate food and housing for many which results in homelessness, as well as other problems. In Rochester alone, one fourth of our children live in homes that are considered to be below the poverty level! Help is needed supplying Sunday dinner to St. Joseph's House of Hospitality as well as at tables for letter writing in Williams Gallery.
Reproductive Rights [2009-10]
Contact: Tris Downer
582-2843; tris@rochester.rr.com
more information
Our Unitarian Universalist values guide us to believe that women are moral agents, endowed with the intelligence, compassion, and wisdom to make reproductive choices that are in the best interest of themselves and their families. This task force is focused on maintaining legal access to abortion, broadening access to emergency contraception, and securing comprehensive sexual education in public schools. Volunteer opportunities include: meeting with legislators, letter writing, condom distribution, and special events.
Justice for Low Wage Workers [2009-10]
Contact: Carole Hoffman
381-9129; choffman002@rochester.rr.com
more information
We will join the national effort by UUSC and Let Justice Roll to achieve a $10 minimum wage in 2010. We will also augment Rev. Kaaren Anderson's effort with Rochester Clergy and Laity United for economic justice to institute fair Community Organizing Standards. There are instances where contracts require service charges that are not actually passed on to the staff. We will investigate this and seek remedies if necessary.
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee [2009-10]
Contact: Jack Maniloff
jkmf@mail.rochester.edu
more information
The UUSC is the social justice arm of our denomination that focuses on advancing social justice and human rights nationally and internationally. Volunteers are needed to help with the work of the UUSC representative for our church. This includes work on the "Guest At Your Table" program in late November and December, UUSC holiday card sales, expanding UUSC membership and responding to action alerts.
October 14 2010