Contact justice@uusaratoga.org for more information
1. UU MAID RALLY IN MARCH
Join us on March 25 from 10 AM-12:30 PM for a rally of
Unitarian Universalists in support of Medical Aid in Dying.
This rally is organized by Marian Bigelow, a member of the Saratoga Springs congregation and the NYUUJ MAID Issue Team, in partnership with Compassion and Choices NY. It is designed to publicize both MAID and Unitarian Universalism. We will join other UUs in the state and share some time together at noon with both Rev Joe and Rev. James T. Galasinsk of the Canton UU at noon. Let either Marian know at marianbigelow@gmail.com or Lucy Manning at lucymnnng@gmail.com if you plan to come. We are meeting in the UU parking lot Tuesday morning to carpool, leaving at 9:00am.
2. Save the Date for Movie Night on May 18
We will view a collection of short films, including animations, from the Climate Future Film Festival. Check their website for a preview: https://www.climatefuturefilm.com/host-the-festival/
3. Join us for the UU Common Read starting April 6
The 2024-25 UU Common Read is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families (Skinner House, 2023).
Look for information here and how to register: https://uusaratoga.org/authentic-selves/
4. Help Stop the SAVE Act:
Phone Bank: https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/758610/
Petition: https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congress-reject-the-anti-voter-save-act/?can_id=eda65290cdebc64c9d5d83d82dc6d1f5&source=mobile_message-022825_sms_pet_save-act&mobile_message_referrer=mobile-message_52567
5. Immigration and Sanctuary Spaces
UUA joined a multifaith coalition of twenty-seven religious plaintiffs bringing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, seeking to keep houses of worship safe from raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Learn how the UUA is protecting immigrant rights.
https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/ice-agents?fbclid=IwY2xjawIa9AZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTY8y9MFqXvYTGVbmq1oN_yc9zdzfWLg03f1qEdW48kcDSv4Ya-A1JSGww_aem_ltEB503ryBDBDNTosjGUOQ
A bill is being introduced in Congress to make the former ICE policy protecting “sensitive locations,” including churches, a matter of law. Please urge your representative to sponsor this bill.
Congressman Tonko use form at https://tonko.house.gov/contact/
Senator Schumer: use form at https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Senator Gillibrand: use form at https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me/
Click here for the sample letter
Read our Sanctuary Resolution of April 9, 2017:
https://uusaratoga.org/justice-inclusion/congregational-resolutions/
6. Click here for information about NYUUJ Monthly Call to Action opportunities.
7. Climate Justice Revival
Your Social Justice Team has a sub-group lead by Linda Giancola who is preparing a worship service on April 27 and other events highlighting activities for all ages created by Side With Love. Email Linda if you are interested in being part of the planning team at lkg2370@yahoo.com
8. Weekly Action Updates from Side With Love
https://sidewithlove.org/action-center-updates/2025/3/18/31825-action-center-weekly-update
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IN THE COMMUNITY
1. The Saratoga Area Welcome Circle (SAWC) is pleased to announce that they were assigned a family of 6 from Afghanistan earlier this week and they just arrived after midnight very early Thursday!
The Mohsini family of 6 consists of Ihsanullah (M) and Shamim (F) and their children Maihan (M) -8, Azin Sama (F)-4, Shahryar (M)-2 and Hasti (F) -just 2 weeks old.
Ihsanullah has a bachelor’s degree, reads and writes English proficiently and Shamim speaks a little English. Ihsan is eager to be self-sufficient and looking for work doing anything. If you know of any opportunities, please let Lucy Manning know at lucymnnng@gmail.com ASAP!
They have a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) which has been issued to Afghan allies of the US, Afghans who worked in Afghanistan for the US government, and can no longer live in safety in Afghanistan as they are direct targets of the Taliban. These visa holders are among the few still being allowed to legally immigrate and arrive with green cards and work authorization.
The refugee family previously assigned had their flight canceled and there is no current path for them to immigrate to our country. Unfortunately, information about their present circumstances is not available and we can only hope and pray for their safety.
2. Monday, March 24, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM: Catholic Social Teaching and Work with Migrants and Refugees at a Time of Uncertainty
Co-sponsored by Jesuit Refugee Service and the Center for Migration Studies.
Washington DC in person or on-line.
Details and registration here.
3. Monday, March 24, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Care4ImmigantFamilies Mobilization Day
State Capitol, Albany.
Demand that Governor Hochul include $165M for immigration legal services in this year’s budget and pass the Access to Representation Act (S270/A141).
Registration here. For more information contact Jahaira Roldan jroldan@nyic.org .
4. Thursday, March 27, 7:00 PM: Saratoga Springs Board of Education Meeting
Robert S. Meade “Teaching Auditorium,” Saratoga Springs High School, West Ave. and West Circular Street.
The Board will be voting on a resolution “Affirming Our Support for All Students,” with special concern for defending LGBTQ and immigrant students against current attacks. Come out and show community support! See news story here.
5. Saturday, March 29, 4:00 -7:00 PM: Voices at the Table: An Immigration Forum
Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls.
Sponsored by Adirondack Regional Response Collaborative.
Tickets free (or with optional donation) here. Flyer.
6. Sunday, March 30, 3:00 PM: Voices of Ukraine
Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs
Under the musical direction of Yelena Kurdina (Metropolitan Opera), the concert features guest soprano Vedrana Kalas, Skidmore faculty artists, student soloists, and the Vocal Chamber Ensemble. A special highlight of the evening is the Zorepad Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, led by Skidmore student and artistic director Lucas Lewyckyj. Free and open to the public. No tickets required. Details here.
7. SARATOGA IMMIGRATION COALITION EMERGENCY FUND
As “mass deportation” rips workers out of our community and tears families apart, SIC has re-launched the GoFundMe site to receive donations to meet immediate needs of our immigrant neighbors, in small amounts, enough to pay for a month’s rent, weekly groceries, or other daily needs while longer-term solutions are sought. Referrals come from service providers and faith leaders at work in the community, who in many cases are already familiar with the circumstances of those in need. And the fund is designed to serve the community well known to SIC, primarily Saratoga, Washington and Warren Counties.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-saratoga-area-immigrants
or search for “Saratoga immigrants” on GoFundMe homepage https://www.gofundme.com/ .