Reducing Gun Violence

Posted on by

Reducing Gun Violence in Washington”
begins in sadness, turns to resolve
Thanks to leadership by the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church and their collaboration with other faith communities, the move toward gun responsibility in Washington State continues to grow. A fundraising and awareness-raising event in Seattle brought out 1,200 people resolved to make Washington State safer for all. The momentum by citizens who support universal background checks on gun purchases is building as the initiative process moves forward.
-          Susan Morrisson, WA State UU Voices for Justice Board President

After the Newtown shooting last December, members of our EUUC P&J Committee shared our common stories of grief and resolve at our January meeting.   Once again guns and the lack of safe gun laws was at the center of the discussion.  July’s Aurora theater shooting was still fresh  in our minds, and the broader Seattle community had not yet healed from the May massacre at Cafe Racer.   One of our congregants had been present that night, but luckily missed being targeted as she crouched under a table.

As we were just considering possible ideas of action, Pamela Van Swearingen, an attorney in Edmonds contacted EUUC asking for the possibility of pulpit time to discuss her first-hand experiences with gun violence and also our assistance in presenting a public panel on reducing gun violence in Washington.   Pamela had been a guest speaker at EUUC a few years back in a service re human rights abuses/protection in Snohomish County and was familiar with our congregation.

With the encouragement of our Minister, Eric Kaminetzky, the P&J Committee and our Worship Associates moved into action.   Two Sunday services on April 7 were secured, including a time for talk-back/personal sharing after the second service.

With Pamela’s guidance we also made plans for “Reducing Gun Violence in Washington” the following Tuesday, April 9, through the gracious collaboration of Edmonds United Methodist Church who had a larger, more central (and safer) location than EUUC.  We publicized it widely through our website, radio spots, fliers, the NWUUJustice Network, Facebook and personal contacts.  For a list of the panelists, you can visit our EUUC website/ Publications/ ComUUunicator, Page 10 , “Spotlight on Issues” by John Tucker.

The event was successful on many counts; in attendance, in content– both by panelists and audience participation maintaining respectful discussion guidelines, in fellowship and collaboration with a neighboring congregation, and with hope and a common commitment toward the pursuit of just and respectful laws, restrictions and methods toward making Washington a safer place for all its residents.

Barbara Powers
P&J Committee Member
Edmonds UU Church

Gun Background Check Initiative Filed in Olympia

The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, supported by many faith groups, filed an initiative on Tuesday in Olympia.   The initiative would require criminal background checks for almost all firearm sales and transfers, including private sales, online transactions, and purchases at gun shows.  Background checks currently are required for sales from licensed gun dealers.

The initiative to next January’s Legislature requires about 246,000 valid signatures.  If lawmakers do not accept it, it will go to the ballot in November 2014.  Polls show broad support for the initiative as the signature-gathering process begins.

UU Voices Coordinator Position Opening

Posted on by

WA UU Voices Coordinator

WA UU Voices seeks a visionary Coordinator to lead the seven-year old organization into the future by forging connections among UU congregations, maintaining relationships with other State Legislative Networks (SANs), Unitarian Universalist justice organizations and advocacy allies, and developing effective events that mobilize Unitarian Universalists to work for social justice and influence policy.

Organization and Context
Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice, a 501 (c) (4) organization, was founded in 2005 as a statewide justice ministry which strengthens the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public square. An important goal of the organization is to raise the visibility of Unitarian Universalist values and principles to public policy makers and the larger community, and does so by educating and organizing to support public policies that reflect UU principles of justice, compassion, sustainable living, and civic engagement.

Qualifications of the successful candidate include:

  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and writing skills
  • Well-grounded in Unitarian Universalism and UU social action as a minister or layperson
  • Ability to work with qualified persons to manage websites, social media sites

Position Summary:

The Coordinator is the chief executive of the organization. He/she is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership to the organization. This includes but is not limited to people management and administrative systems and processes that achieve the goals of the organization.
The Coordinator is also responsible for maintaining internal procedures to assure that the organization is in compliance with nonprofit fiscal standards, the By-laws of the organization, and all applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities
I. Congregational Outreach and Coalition-Building
The Coordinator is responsible for developing strong relationships with UU ministers, congregations, social justice teams and individual volunteers throughout Washington, and for putting in place systems that sustain and enhance these relationships.  He/she is also responsible for building effective coalitions with other faith-based and social justice organizations with similar goals and values.

II. External Representation and Communication
The Coordinator represents the organization to its external constituencies, including the Unitarian Universalist Association and its local districts; the UU State Advocacy Networks; UUSC; UU Ministry for Earth; UUMA chapters; the UU congregations of Washington; other faith organizations and non-faith organizations with shared interests and values; local, state and national legislative bodies; the press and other media; and the public. The Coordinator leads WA UU Voices in a manner that fosters collaborative relationships of trust and mutual respect with our allies.

III. Public Policy Leadership
The Coordinator is responsible for assuring the creation and leadership of programmatic activities which support and implement the mission and goals of the organization. This may be accomplished through appropriate combination of Board member, staff, and volunteer activities, and/or collaboration with other organizations having similar goals.  The Coordinator is expected to assure that each program is monitored for effectiveness and to remain aware of changes in the external environment which may call for new or revised approaches.

IV. Fund Raising
The Coordinator, works with the Board to create and lead fund-raising activities, and participates actively to demonstrate the vision, goals, programs and values of the organization. This includes establishing and maintaining relationships with funders, cultivating new funding sources, preparing and submitting grant proposals, and ensuring that all aspects of an effective fund-raising plan, systems and follow-up are in place.  If the day-to-day fundraising leadership is delegated, the Coordinator will participate in the creation of fund-raising strategy and in representing the organization to donors.

Additional Information

Board Relations and Development –The Coordinator is guided and counseled by the Board of Directors. The Coordinator participates with the Board of Directors in WA UU Voices’ strategic planning and in identifying programs and initiatives which support and further its mission and goals.

Together with Board members, the Coordinator seeks out and develops relationships with talented individuals who may be called upon to serve on the Board in the future.

Availability – Evening and weekend availability is required for attending Board and Committee meetings, congregational and fund-raising events, and other relevant workshops and meetings.

Affiliation – Well-qualified lay leaders with extensive understanding of Unitarian Universalist traditions and values are invited to apply. If the candidate chosen is a UU minister, he/she will be expected to be in good standing with the accrediting bodies and the UU Ministers’ Association.

Information Requested of Applicants:

Resume citing all previous work experience, education, publications, and professional affiliations, and current compensation.

Letter outlining why you want to serve in this position, how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate, and your future vision for the organization.

Compensation

The Fulltime Equivalency is as a ¼ time position with the expectation that time worked will vary through the year with more time working during Washington’s annual legislative session. The position is Developmental thus the successful candidate will be employed on an interim basis and may, by mutual agreement, be awarded a continuing and perhaps expanded contract.

The compensation package is $10,000 per year stipend and can be allocated proportionately as stipend, housing allowance and other expenses, as appropriate. Additional compensation and enhanced FTE is dependent on fundraising.

Please submit your information to UU Voices Board President, Susan Morrison at president@uuvoiceswa.org

Tell Legislators To Close Big Oil Tax Loophole

Posted on by

 

EPC

The Environmental Priorities Coalition urges the public to encourage the Senate to pass a Bill discontinuing a $41 Million Dollar Tax Loop hole for Big Oil and reinvest the money into Education.

Where do you want your tax dollars to be spent?

Contact your Senator here:

http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5168/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=14347

Lummi Nation and Coal Trains; GA proposed Action of Immediate Witness

Posted on by

ENVIRONMENT
(Earlier this week an important voice was heard regarding the impact of coal train shipments and the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.  Many thanks to members of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Social Justice Committee for writing this report for WA UU Voices.)

Lummi Speak to Protecting Cherry Point As Sacred Land
-      A report from the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

On Memorial Day 2013, tribal leaders of the Lummi Nation held two presentations at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, in Bellingham, Washington.  In the morning session, Lummi members spoke to leaders of the surrounding faith community and in the evening session they spoke to representatives of area social and environmental activist organizations.

The purpose of the presentations was to share with faith and activist communities, the cultural and historical significance, to the Lummi Nation, of the lands and waters of Cherry Point that are currently being targeted for development of the Gateway Pacific Terminal.

The response from both communities was unprecedented.  The morning session for faith community leaders was attended by representatives from 32 area faith communities including Unitarian Universalists, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews and other faith-based organizations.  The evening session was attended by representatives of 44 area social and environmental organizations.  Many more representatives from both communities indicated their support even though they were unable to attend the presentations.

Lummi Tribal members making the presentations included Councilmember Jeremiah (Jay) Julius and Elder Jewell James.  Also present in supportive roles were Sovereignty and Treaty Protection staff Kurt Russo and Darren Jones.   Other tribal members were also present.

Speaking first, Councilman Jay Julius described 3,500 years of Native American oral history in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the impact of “historical traumas” on Native American families.” He described the recent revitalization of cultural practices and language, their sacred need and struggles to protect their ancestral burial grounds, and their right to protect land, water, and animals for future generations.

Councilman Julius spoke of the impact on Indian children, being forced into boarding schools and foster homes that devalued their tribal teachings. As a result, many families were broken apart, unable to love and nurture their children and grandchildren.

He also spoke to how the tribe was nearly annihilated by smallpox epidemics introduced by white settlers. People died by the thousands while settlers offered no cures or treatments.  In 1855, a treaty was signed that resulted in the removal of the Lummis from their accustomed lands to the reservation they inhabit today.

The Lummi Nation, with roughly 5,000 members, is working to ameliorate the effects of past wrongs. The tribe recognizes the importance of “youth development.” Members allocate resources for early childhood education because they know that a child is best able to learn during its early years (0-5).  Councilman Julius announced another promising venture,  a planned Boys & Girls Club on the reservation.

Councilman Julius attended Northwest Indian College and Calvary Chapel Bible College in California. He was interested in becoming a minister but returned to the Lummi tribe as a fisherman who continues fishing in the traditions of his father and grandfather. Julius says he and his people, unlike many non-Indians, “can’t leave” their homeland because their identity is tied to the land and waters and to their family, tribe and their ancestors buried there.

The Lummi Nation is united in its position regarding the preservation of natural resources. The tribe opposes the proposed “coal trains” from the east and the planned Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.

Councilman Julius says the coal dust that would enter the air, contaminate the land and foul the Salish Sea, were this project approved by local governments, presents great danger to the well-being of the Lummi Nation and to all the people who live in this region.

Moreover, the lands and waters of Cherry Point are part of the tribe’s ancestral hunting and fishing grounds and the burial grounds of its ancestors.  Archeological activities on and around Cherry Point and oral traditions of the Lummi have established the People have had at least a 3,500 year presence in this place.  The Lummi have suffered the destruction and desecration of other ancestral sites and burial grounds already and want to be allowed to protect what little remains of their history, sacred spaces and lifeways.

Elder Jewell James, the second speaker, elaborated on the Lummi Nation’s stand against the Gateway Pacific Terminal and railroad expansion that would further erode the rich natural environments of the Pacific Northwest.

Coal dust is not the only threat to the Pacific Northwest. Huge tankers that would be traveling through the Sound to load at Cherry Point, pose a grave threat to the food chains that support the fish that sustain all living beings.  Mr. James predicted, “In the future, water will be more important than oil or coal.”

The presentations concluded with questions and statements from those attending. Many discussed ways to combine efforts in order to combat the reported $1.5 million marketing campaign of the corporations that stand to profit from the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal. Among these are SSA Marine, Carrix, Goldman Sachs, Berkshire Hathaway, Burlington Northern and Peabody Energy.

UPCOMING EVENTS
“From Promise to Commitment”

2013 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
June 19-23, Louisville, Kentucky

Among the many events planned for this year’s General Assembly is discussion around proposed Actions of Immediate Witness.  Several UU State Advocacy Networks (SANs) are supporting Move to Amend, which proposes a constitutional amendment to overturn the U. S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizen’s United case that gave corporations the rights of individual citizens.

Read the proposed Action of Immediate Witness.   For more information, you can contact the AIW supporters named at the end of the proposal.

Lummi Nation Burial Grounds- In Danger

Posted on by

 

By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

Developments on the Gateway Pacific Terminal  endanger Lummi Nation Burial Ground in Cherry Point, Washington.

lummi

. The proposed site for this terminal would take over this sacred land, which is a registered archaeological site. Additionally, this site would be a large exporter of coal. The company filing for permits has already begun to bulldoze the Lummi Nation’s land. 

UU Voices Stands in Solidarity with the Lummi Tribe.

you can find more information in a video: 

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=1061340&file=1

and here:

http://seattletimes.com/html/picturethis/2019227696_coaltrainlummi22.html

and at

http://treatyprotection.org/

 

350.org and This American Life- Climate Change

Posted on by

By Katie Rickman- Voices for Justice Intern

How can we make change at the legislature? 

Bill McKibben thinks everyone, businesses and individuals, should divest or pull investments out of fossil fuels. When everyone participates in clean energy investments then we can have an effect on Climate Change.

350

Reposting from 350.org:

“Host Ira Glass tells the story of writer turned activist Bill McKibben. McKibben is trying to reinvent progressive politics when it come to climate change. He’s attempting to create a divestment campaign modeled after the successful campaign against apartheid in South Africa.”

 

Listen here:

http://act.350.org/signup/This_American_Life/?akid=3192.883332.vC3YOR&rd=1&t=1

tml

Transitions and Preparing for General Assembly

Posted on by
Transitions
Last month, WA UU Voices announced the Reverend Carol McKinley’s retirement from her position as the organization’s Coordinator.

WA UU Voices’ Board of Directors is beginning its search for her successor, and would appreciate your help in identifying potential candidates by distributing the Position Announcement.

WA UU Voices Coordinator

WA UU Voices seeks a visionary Coordinator to lead the seven-year old organization into the future by forging connections among UU congregations, maintaining relationships with other State Legislative Networks (SANs), Unitarian Universalist justice organizations and advocacy allies, and developing effective events that mobilize Unitarian Universalists to work for social justice and influence policy.

Organization and Context
Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice, a 501 (c) (4) organization, was founded in 2005 as a statewide justice ministry which strengthens the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public square. An important goal of the organization is to raise the visibility of Unitarian Universalist values and principles to public policy makers and the larger community, and does so by educating and organizing to support public policies that reflect UU principles of justice, compassion, sustainable living, and civic engagement.

Qualifications of the successful candidate include:

  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication and writing skills
  • Well-grounded in Unitarian Universalism and UU social action as a minister or layperson
  • Ability to work with qualified persons to manage websites, social media sites

Position Summary:

The Coordinator is the chief executive of the organization. He/she is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership to the organization. This includes but is not limited to people management and administrative systems and processes that achieve the goals of the organization.
The Coordinator is also responsible for maintaining internal procedures to assure that the organization is in compliance with nonprofit fiscal standards, the By-laws of the organization, and all applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities
I. Congregational Outreach and Coalition-Building
The Coordinator is responsible for developing strong relationships with UU ministers, congregations, social justice teams and individual volunteers throughout Washington, and for putting in place systems that sustain and enhance these relationships.  He/she is also responsible for building effective coalitions with other faith-based and social justice organizations with similar goals and values.

II. External Representation and Communication
The Coordinator represents the organization to its external constituencies, including the Unitarian Universalist Association and its local districts; the UU State Advocacy Networks; UUSC; UU Ministry for Earth; UUMA chapters; the UU congregations of Washington; other faith organizations and non-faith organizations with shared interests and values; local, state and national legislative bodies; the press and other media; and the public. The Coordinator leads WA UU Voices in a manner that fosters collaborative relationships of trust and mutual respect with our allies.

III. Public Policy Leadership
The Coordinator is responsible for assuring the creation and leadership of programmatic activities which support and implement the mission and goals of the organization. This may be accomplished through appropriate combination of Board member, staff, and volunteer activities, and/or collaboration with other organizations having similar goals.  The Coordinator is expected to assure that each program is monitored for effectiveness and to remain aware of changes in the external environment which may call for new or revised approaches.

IV. Fund Raising
The Coordinator, works with the Board to create and lead fund-raising activities, and participates actively to demonstrate the vision, goals, programs and values of the organization. This includes establishing and maintaining relationships with funders, cultivating new funding sources, preparing and submitting grant proposals, and ensuring that all aspects of an effective fund-raising plan, systems and follow-up are in place.  If the day-to-day fundraising leadership is delegated, the Coordinator will participate in the creation of fund-raising strategy and in representing the organization to donors.

Additional Information

Board Relations and Development –The Coordinator is guided and counseled by the Board of Directors. The Coordinator participates with the Board of Directors in WA UU Voices’ strategic planning and in identifying programs and initiatives which support and further its mission and goals.

Together with Board members, the Coordinator seeks out and develops relationships with talented individuals who may be called upon to serve on the Board in the future.

Availability – Evening and weekend availability is required for attending Board and Committee meetings, congregational and fund-raising events, and other relevant workshops and meetings.

Affiliation – Well-qualified lay leaders with extensive understanding of Unitarian Universalist traditions and values are invited to apply. If the candidate chosen is a UU minister, he/she will be expected to be in good standing with the accrediting bodies and the UU Ministers’ Association.

Information Requested of Applicants:

Resume citing all previous work experience, education, publications, and professional affiliations, and current compensation.

Letter outlining why you want to serve in this position, how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate, and your future vision for the organization.

Compensation

The Fulltime Equivalency is as a ¼ time position with the expectation that time worked will vary through the year with more time working during Washington’s annual legislative session. The position is Developmental thus the successful candidate will be employed on an interim basis and may, by mutual agreement, be awarded a continuing and perhaps expanded contract.

The compensation package is $10,000 per year stipend and can be allocated proportionately as stipend, housing allowance and other expenses, as appropriate. Additional compensation and enhanced FTE is dependent on fundraising.

Please submit your information to UU Voices Board President, Susan Morrison at president@uuvoiceswa.org

______________________________________________________________________

“From Promise to Commitment”

General Assembly 2013:  A Meeting of Congregations
June 19-23, Louisville, Kentucky

The theme of the 2013 GA is “From Promise to Commitment.”  Building on the experience of Justice GA in 2012, Unitarian Universalists will gather in Louisville to examine and renew our covenant to our faith, one another, our congregations and the larger world.

Programs will explore the kinds of promises our religious communities are called to make as we seek to live out our Unitarian Universalist values; how we make these promises, with whom, and how we hold ourselves and each other accountable. Here are just some of the topics that will be addressed:

  • environmental justice
  • the next steps in immigration justice
  • anti-racism
  • anti-oppression multiculturalism
  • organizing for justice
  • multigenerational work
  • growing Unitarian Universalism
  • leadership education
  • spiritual growth and theology
There will also be many, many opportunities to worship!
Washington UU Voices for Justice will be at 2013 General Assembly!

Planning to be in Louisville?  We welcome volunteers to join us at the State Advocacy Networks booth in the Exhibition Hall, which is our opportunity to let UUs around the country know about justice advocacy work in our states.

It is also a great opportunity to meet UUs from other states who share your passion for justice and the public good!

You can sign up for a 2-hour shift at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ao6Aj7LQ_2FOdENiS3NpeHB6NmdKLUtmcFpCV3JVMHc#gid=0

Let WA UU Voices’ Coordinator know you are coming, so we can plan to get together during GA!  Contact Carol McKinley at coordinator@uuvoiceswa.org

EPA- Environmental Justice Public Comments

Posted on by

By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s

Environmental Justice has created: 

“Action Development Process

Interim Guidance on Considering Environmental 

Justice During the Development of an Action”

epa2

 

This document is a guide to environmental justice policy making at the Federal level but could be a helpful tool for forming policy in Washington State.

The goal is, “to more effectively protect human health and the environment for overburdened populations by developing and implementing guidance to incorporate environmental justice into EPA’s rulemaking process.” 

Found Here:


http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/policy/considering-ej-in-rulemaking-guide-07-2010.pdf

This document is accepting Public Comments for 60 days,a great way to participate in democracy beginning May 2013. Comments end July, 8th 2013.

The EPA will conduct a Science Advisory Board review of the guidance in June 2013.

Comments Received:

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OA-2013-0320.

Dalai Lama’s Environmental Guidelines

Posted on by

 By Katie Rickman- WA Voices for Justice Intern

 

dali

“[. . .] In the early part of this century, everyone foolishly thought that nature’s resources were limitless and at the disposal of humanity. Today ecological ideology even influences political parties. All these changes stem from the experience we have acquired as human beings.

In the same way; the concept of human rights, whether individual or general, such as the right to self-determination for a given group, has evolved. These ideas are now universally recognized. Such progress gives me hope for the future.“

-HH Dalai Lama
Imagine All The People

 

May 9th-11th 2013  HH Dalai Lama visited the Pacific North West for the purpose of environmental education. On Saturday May 11th, he held an “Environmental Summit” in Portland OR discussing environmental ethics and policy with an excellent panel including:

  • Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber

oregov

 

 

  • Dr. David Suzuki- Scientist, Broadcaster, Author

David-Suzuki

 

 

  • Andrea Durbin- Executive Director, Oregon Environmental Council

AndreaDurbiN_fitbox_350x350

 

The panel discussed a carbon tax, ways to improve the economy to include environmental protection and the “inner environment” of the mind. The Dalai Lama spoke about “inner wealth” and “external wealth”. The importance of respecting the Earth as our home for our “inner wealth” is healthy for our minds and leads to better environmental practices.

 

2013 Dalai Lama Environmental Summit Environmental Guidelines

External Environmental Guidelines:

-reduce negative environmental impacts

-Support the local economy

-Promote green actions in everyday practice

 dalailama2

Inner Environmental Guidelines:

-Inner peace and harmony throughout the planning of an event

-Foster a the spirit of the community

-Maintain vigilant awareness of larger goals

-Create clear, respectful, open communication

-Generate a sense of joy to overcome challenges

 

Additional Resources for the Dalai Lama’s Environmental Ethics can be found:

http://www.dalailama.com/messages/environment