Contact justice@uusaratoga.org for more information
- New Movie Opportunity on May 3!
On Saturday, May 3rd at 3pm, we will present a screening of the new feature documentary film by Saratoga Springs resident Michael Wayne, How to Save Democracy.
How to Save Democracy is a film that looks at why democracy in the U.S. is struggling to survive. It looks at the roots of democracy, the periods when democracy has flourished and struggled, and how things can be restored to the true promise of what democracy holds. The people interviewed in the film–Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, authors, activists, constitutional scholars, and historians–all give depth and perspective on what it would take for the U.S. to realize the true aspirations of democracy. The film includes archival images and footage from the 19th and 20th centuries, including talks and speeches by Franklin Delano Roosevelt that will be sure to truly inspire you.
While the times we live in right now seem dark, we can’t give up hope, and this film will surely give you that hope. It tells the story of where things went wrong, and shows how things can go right.
After the film showing, the filmmaker Michael Wayne will be joining us to have an open discussion about the film, answering questions, and discussing observations and any takeaways we may have about the film.
For more information about the film and to see the trailer, go to: https://savingdemocracyfilm.com/
- Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) rally at the state capitol –
Tuesday, May 6! Meet in our parking lot at 9am to carpool. Hurray that it passed the Assembly this week, but now all attention is on the Senate. Contact your senator and ask them to please pass this needed Act! We have 20 days before the end of the session for them to pass it and send it to the governor.
- 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/
4. Social Justice needs a new Chair – or two or more! Lucy Manning is stepping down in mid-May as chair of the Team and the position can easily be shared to lessen the workload for one person. Here’s a list of duties that can be divided among several people:
Create Agenda and Run Meetings (this can rotate)
Submit monthly report to the Board of Trustees (should be the
same person)
Submit weekly reports to Journey Well (multiple people could do
this by rotating each week)
Advertise events as needed outside of the congregation (via Loop,
SIC newsletter, Saratoga Today, neighboring UUs, etc)
Be the point person for activities (this can rotate)
Please email Lucy with any questions and consider taking on some of these duties! lucymnnng@gmail.com
- It already passed the House.It’s up to the Senate to stop it. Please call your Senator!Help Stop the SAVE Act:
- Weekly Action Updates from Side With Love
https://sidewithlove.org/action-center-updates/2025/4/22/042225-action-center-weekly-update
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IN THE COMMUNITY
- Time to help with the Interfaith Garden!
Here’s a way to combine a love of gardening with community service!
To find out more about or to volunteer at the Interfaith Healing Garden at the Presbyterian Church send an email to Judy Beers at judybeers53@gmail.com.
- 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/ .