Yearly Archives: 2012

2013 Session Planning – Lobby Days

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2013-14 Legislative Priorities

  • Immigration reform
  • Death penalty repeal and criminal justice reform
  • Coal train prohibition and environmental protection
  • Revenue and taxation reform

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End the Death Penalty in Washington

WA State UU Voices for Justice joins the campaign for Safe and Just Alternatives to support legislation that eliminates the death penalty in favor of life incarceration without the possibility of parole.

At a November 29th press conference, Senator Debbie Regala of Tacoma and others who lost family members to murder emphasized that the death penalty is a broken and costly system that fails to bring closure to victims’ families or to serve as a deterrent to future crimes. She and other murder victim family members urged the Legislature to enact legislation that would replace capital punishment with life in prison.

The Safe and Just Alternatives Lobby Day will be held in late January.  The date for the Lobby Day will be either Monday, January 28 or Wednesday, January 30 to coincide with a public hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Because of the recent change of leadership in the Senate, that date will not be confirmed until early January.  WA UU Voices will let you know as soon as the date is finalized.

Lobby Day Training:

Saturday, January 12, 2013

10:00 AM to Noon

Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation

2300 East End Street NW, Olympia 98502

Speakers will include advocates from the Safe and Just Alternatives campaign and WA UU Voices for Justice.

For More Information:  Contact Mishi Faruquee, Campaign Manager, at mishi@sjawa.org

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Planning Ahead for the Legislative Session

2013 LEGISLATIVE SESSION EVENTS

WA State UU Voices for Justice will be an active participant in

 these 2013 advocacy days in Olympia.  Plan to join us as we

 bring our Unitarian Universalist values to the Capitol!

Monday, January 14 The 2013 Washington Legislative Session opens at noon.

 Monday, January 21   POVERTY ACTION DAY

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event includes morning presentations and workshops, followed by a noon march to the steps of the capitol and visits to legislators. For updates, check www.povertyaction.org

Monday or Wednesday, January 28 or 30    SAFE & JUST ALTERNATIVES LOBBY DAY

Death penalty repeal is the focus of this day-long event that includes advocacy training and appointments with legislators.

Tuesday, February 5    IMMIGRANTS DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Workshops, advocacy training, and meetings with legislators will focus on immigrant rights in Washington.

Monday, February 11   HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS ADVOCACY DAY

Plan now to spend the day in Olympia speaking out for homelessness prevention programs and affordable housing.

Monday, February 18   REVENUE RALLY

Our Economic Future Coalition brings people to the Capitol to call for increased revenue to fund essential programs

Monday, February 18   INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY

Join with people of faith from across the state to advocate for the most vulnerable and the environment.

Tuesday, February 19   ENVIRONMENTAL LOBBY DAY

Join the state’s leading conservation groups and supporters to advocate for the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s 2013 legislative agenda.

Updates on advocacy days and other legislative session events will appear

Regularly in the WA UU Voices online newsletter and at

www.uuvoiceswa.org

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Legislative Action Alerts

Deejah Sherman-Peterson, a member of University Unitarian active in justice advocacy, is organizing a statewide UU legislative database to provide action alerts directly to those who sign up to receive the alerts.  All you have to do is download the form for your congregation, have congregants fill it in, and email it back to her. She’ll send action alerts directly to the people who signed up.

It is more important than ever that our voices be heard, and that we speak out as persons of faith!  Deejah started this database in her work with other area UUs in the NW UU Justice Network Economic Justice Money Out of Politics issue group.  She will send alerts on that topic as well as WA UU Voices for Justice legislative priorities.

More info, and to download a database form: http://www.nwuujn.org/news/view/208187/?topic=74724.

 

 

2013-2014 Legislative Priorities and Spokane Conference Report

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2013-14 Legislative Priorities

  • Immigration reform
  • Death penalty repeal and criminal justice reform
  • Coal train prohibition and environmental protection
  • Revenue and taxation reform

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Report:  Spokane UU Voices Legislative Conference

Nearly 30 UUs and friends gathered November 17 for WA UU Voices’ first Legislative Conference in Eastern Washington.  Keynote Speaker Senator Lisa Brown, who represents the 3rd Legislative District and serves as Senate Majority Leader, focused on the budgetary realities facing the 2013-14 legislative sessions.

Other important social and economic issues that will be before the Washington Legislature in the coming biennium were addressed by speakers, including:

  • Immigration:  Dr. Martin Meraz-Garcia, Assistant Professor of Chicano Education at Eastern Washington University;
  • Equality and inclusivity in Washington:  Sandra Williams, Coordinator, Eastern Washington University Pride Center;
  • Transgender rights:  Sevan Bussell, TransPeople of Washington
  • Economic reform:  Liz Moore, Director, Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane

Following small group discussion, the following were selected by Spokane conference attendees as WA UU Voices 2013-14 legislative priorities:

  1.  Death penalty repeal and criminal justice reform
  2. Revenue and taxation reform
  3. Immigrant rights
  4. Environment and coal trains in Washington

Other state issues named by conference attendees include education funding, health care reform, and protections for aging and vulnerable citizens.  WA UU Voices will follow and report on these issues during the upcoming biennium.

Thank you, Spokane UUs!

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The Social Justice Council at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane did a superb job of hosting the conference, suggesting speakers, and providing a wonderful soup and salad lunch.

The Reverend Todd Eklof, the congregation’s minister, greeted us warmly, reminding us that we have a religious imperative to live out our faith’s values through our actions.  The Reverend Marian Stewart, Northlake UU Church and WA UU Voices’ board member, said why she believes legislative advocacy work is important religious work.  The conference’s closing words were provided by the Reverend Tray Springberry, minister of North Idaho UUs.

WA UU Voices looks forward to having legislative conferences in both Eastern and Western Washington, fulfilling our mission as a statewide legislative network.

Conference Resources from the Spokane and Olympia conferences are at the WA UU Voices website, http://www.uuvoiceswa.org

Immigration as a Moral Issue The UUA study guide and other materials found at:  http://www.uua.org/immigration/re/moral/guide/index.shtml

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January 17-18, 2013:

Michelle Alexander, civil rights activist, law professor, and best-selling author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness, is the keynote speaker at a January conference in Bellingham,

“Tangled Webs:  Race, Immigration, Poverty and Prisons:  Mass Incarceration and Alternative Futures”

The conference will bring together students, teachers, researchers, activists, lawyers, and other concerned community members to examine the historical origins and social impacts of mass incarceration in the U.S., and to dialogue about existing and possible alternatives to this system.  The conference is sponsored by the Center for Law, Diversity, and Justice at Western Washington University.

Cost:  $35 until Dec. 15, with some complementary tickets for the keynote.

Information and registration are at the Center’s website, http://www.wwu.edu/tangledwebs

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Coal Trains and the Environment

Environmental Impact Hearings on proposed regional terminals are taking place now in various parts of the state.  The next hearing is on the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal.

When:  Thursday, Dec. 13, 4-7 PM.  (Arrive by 3 PM for a press conference, if possible)

Where:  Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, Ballroom 6F.

Information and talking points on coal train impacts are at:http://www.involveddemocracy.org

Register for Spokane Conference, Olympia report and Ref 74 post-election wrap up

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Spokane UU Voices Legislative Conference
Join us next Saturday, November 17, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane for our first Legislative Conference in Eastern Washington!
Registration, coffee and refreshments begin at 9:30 AM, and the Conference opens at 10 AM.  Keynote speaker Senator Lisa Brown will look at some of the issues that face the 2013 Washington Legislature when it convenes in January.  Immigration, the budget and state economy, and a diverse society will be addressed by other speakers, including:

  • Sandra Williams, Coordinator of the Eastern Washington University Pride Center
  • Sevan Bussell, transgender rights
  • Dr. Martin Meraz-Garcia, Assistant Professor, Chicano Education, EWU
  • Liz Moore, Director, Peace and Justice League of Spokane

Small groups will discuss educational and legislative strategies around the issues before the conference adjourns at 3 PM.
Haven’t Registered?   Go to www.uuvoiceswa.org today!

Report:  Olympia UU Voices Legislative Conference
More than 40 UUs and friends gathered November 10 for the 7th Annual Legislative Conference in Western Washington.  Keynote Speaker Nancy Amidei, founder of the Civic Engagement Project, spoke on “Effective Legislative Advocacy.”
Other speakers spoke of important social, environmental, and economic issues that Washington Legislature faces, including:

  • Immigration:  Roberta Ray, longtime immigration rights activist; Larry Warren, chair of the Northwest Detention Center Roundtable
  • Coal trains and safe children’s products:  Jessie Dye, Earth Ministry
  • Criminal justice reform and death penalty repeal:  Safe and Just Alternatives members
  • Campaign finance reform, Patricia Chapman, Seattle

Following small group discussion, the following were selected by Olympia conference attendees as WA UU Voices 2013-14 legislative priorities:

  1. Immigration and the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma
  2. Environment and coal trains in Washington
  3. Revenue and taxation reform; education and public assistance funding
  4. Money and politics, including repeal of Citizens United ruling
  5. Death penalty repeal and criminal justice reform

Marriage Equality Comes to Washington!

Thanks to all of you who worked for marriage equality!  Each of you, as people of faith, brought our message of love, inclusion, and equality to our friends, neighbors, and communities in a powerful way.

WA UU Voices has immense gratitude for our positive message expressed by sign wavers, forum presenters, letters-to-the-editor writers, doorbellers – all who Stood on the Side of Love in Washington!

Read about the response from UUs in Washington, Maryland, Maine, and Minnesota in this week’s article in the UU World:

“UUs celebrate historic wins for marriage equality”
Popular votes in Maine, Maryland, and Washington approve same-sex marriage; Minnesotans reject marriage ban.
By Donald E. Skinner and Michelle Bates Deakin, 11.12.12
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/280934.shtml?utm_source=n

Thank you for your support!

Legislative Conferences, Post-Election Events and Vashon Island Event report

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NEED TO REGISTER FOR ONE OF THE
WA STATE UU VOICES FOR JUSTICE
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCES?
Do it today at

Great Speakers, Great Company!  Our Annual Legislative Conferences bring together advocates who are working to preserve vital state programs and services, expand the arc of justice, and carry our Unitarian Universalist values of equity and compassion to all people in Washington, especially in these difficult economic times.
Join Us – be part of WA UU Voices’ decision-making process as we select the priority issues for the 2013 Washington State legislative session. Now, more than ever, we need your voice to help us speak out for economic justice, social equity, and a sustainable world.

November 10th, 2012
9:30 AM – 3 PM
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
2300 East End St. NW, Olympia 98502

For directions, see the OUUC Website

November 17th, 2012
9:30 AM – 3 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
4340 W. Fort Wright Dr., Spokane 99224

For directions, see the UU Spokane website
For out of town visitors, the hospitable folks at UUCS are making home stays available.  Contact Marion Hammer, mariondhammer@gmail.com, for information and reservations.

Register Today at UUVoicesWA.org
$15 for WA UU Voices members; $20 for non-members.  Includes lunch and conference packets.

Conference agendas are at WA UU Voices’ website

Marriage Equality for Washington!

Post-Election Interfaith Gatherings
Olympia
“Hope for the Journey”
Interfaith and Ecumenical Worship Service
Wednesday, November 7, 7:00 PM
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
201 8th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Please join people of faith gathering together in worship
throughout Washington in response to Ref. 74.
Come – join us to share, sing and prepare
For the journey that lies ahead.

For more information contact: Rabbi Seth Goldstein, rabbi@bethhatfiloh.org

 Kirkland

A Time to Weep or Laugh -
Mourn or Dance
Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 7:00 PM
Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church
308 4th Avenue South (at State Street), Kirkland
(Co-hosted by Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church)
Potluck Dessert
Blessing of All Relationships!
This is an open event for the Eastside. Invite everyone!
We will gather to weep and mourn or laugh and dance following the outcome of the election.  This will be a service of words and music and blessing of all relationships whether same sex or opposite sex.Bring your friends, your neighbors, your families.
And most importantly, bring your stories to share with one another.
Hundreds Attend Vashon Island Marriage Equality Event
& Candle Light Vigil

from Harmon McKendrie Arroyo, Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship

The rain had just let up. The black highway glistened. The crescent moon broke through the dark retreating clouds.
Sunday evening, October 21, the first of almost 300 attendees at the Shelter the Flame event supporting marriage equality stepped from Vashon Theater. Meeting them were members of Vashon Island’s Unitarian Fellowship handing out and lighting tapers and guiding them across the highway and toward the Methodist Church.
Inside the theater, VIUF’s minister, Rev. Carmen McDowell, helped shepherd the audience toward the candlelight vigil awaiting them, while Shelter speakers and musicians began leaving and theater owner Eileen warmed up her movie projector.
Down in the aisles were Rev Carla Pryne of the Episcopal Church, Rev Bruce Chittick of Burton Community Church, Emma Amiad of Havurat Ee Shalom, Rev Kathy Morse of the Methodist Church, Rev Bjoern Meinhardt of Vashon Lutheran Church, and Friend Tim Baer of Vashon’s Quaker community. During the previous hour and fifteen minutes, these faith leaders, introduced by VIUF Social Justice Chair Charles Torrey, cast a rainbow of compassion and understanding above the enthralled Shelter audience.
So had Guest Speaker Senator Sharon Nelson who shared her personal insight into the courage required of the best of our Olympia representatives in passing Washington’s historic marriage equality law.
The night’s music celebrated love, relationships, commitment, and wonderment and showcased the talents of Islanders Mark Wells, Paul Colwell, Jasper Forrester, Jean Richstad, Steve Amsden, Harmon Arroyo, and Matt Eggleston.
At the vigil afterward, the Methodist church bells tolled ten times and a hundred flickering candles, sheltered by love, lit up the dark.
The bells tolled again, the vigil dispersed, and the heartfelt celebration of the covenant of marriage as a sacred trust between two individuals came to a beautiful conclusion.
We hope and pray that on November 6 the Marriage Rights Law and Justice prevail.

OUUC Youth take to the streets in support of Referendum 74

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OUUC youth took to the streets to demonstrate their support for voting to approve Referendum 74.