JOIN US FOR THESE IMPORTANT SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES!
Contact justice@uusaratoga.org for more information
1.
Let’s join this nationwide protest! On Monday we will meet in the UU
parking lot at 11:15am to carpool. It is advertised from noon until 5pm, but we
will only attend from noon until 2pm. (Organizers say it won’t last until 5!)
2. Support the 24 hour “black out” on purchases on Friday, Feb. 28
Join Americans pledging to stop making any purchases for a full 24 hours on
February 28. The national economic blackout is scheduled as a way for
Americans to boycott major retailers that have pulled back on diversity, equity
and inclusion (DEI) policies as a response to President Donald Trump.
3. UU Common Read is here in March
The 2024-25 UU Common Read is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary
People and Their Families (Skinner House, 2023).
Discussion Series:
March 2, 9, 16, and 30. 6:30-8pm in sanctuary
4.
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.
. Please review: https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/ice-
Write to your representative now: A bill is being introduced in
Congress to make the former ICE policy protecting sensitive
locations, including churches, a matter of law. Please urge our
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
Same letter:
Dear [Name],
I’m reaching out to urge you to be an original cosponsor of the Protecting
Sensitive Locations Act of 2025, being introduced by Representative Espaillat
and Senator Blumenthal. As a member of a sanctuary church, the Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs in New York, this issue is very
important to me.
Since 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Sensitive
Locations policy, also known as the Protected Areas policy, prohibited
immigration enforcement actions in places that provided vital services
important to being. However, on January 20, 2025, the Trump
Administration rescinded the Protected Areas policy and instead directed
immigration officials to use “common sense” as it applies to immigration
enforcement in previously protected areas.
The guidance on limiting enforcement in and near sensitive locations plays a
critical role in providing immigrant families with a sense of security in places
they access every day in order to thrive and contribute to their communities.
The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would codify policy that had been in
place for over a decade, and once again provide immigrants with that sense of
safety in places, such as health care facilities, schools, child care facilities,
places of worship, and other places crucial for immigrants and their families
to be able to access. It is imperative that Congress codify this policy into law
so that future administrations cannot disregard those protections that
provide immigrant families safety.
For a one pager on the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act of 2025, and a list of
over 500 organizations that have endorsed please click here.
To cosponsor or for any questions related to the bill please reach out to Mary
Rogers (mary_rogers@judiciary-dem.senate.gov) or Nia Thomas
(nia.thomas@mail.house.gov)
Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Address (unless already supplied on form)]
Read our Sanctuary Resolution of April 9, 2017, on the web site:
5.
We are organizing an all-UU rally in Albany to support passage of the Medical
Aid in Dying Bill (MAID). UU Congregations from around the state are
invited to unite and come join us on March 25! Save the date and get your
yellow shirt ready!
6.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
IN THE COMMUNITY
1. The Saratoga Area Welcome Circle is now working with some of the
Afghan newly arrived refugees in Albany who have been left without
caseworkers or initial financial support.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED:
Jobs are needed: Do you have any connections or knows of someone
with connections for such jobs in Albany..warehouse, cleaning, food
service. general labor?
They need some seasonal clothing. In particular a pair of womens size
41 (10) winter boots. Also need any large or xl or xxl winter coats, pants
and tops (sweaters, etc). Food items too.
Contact Donna Olson at olson64@yahoo.com if you can help
2. Sunday, Feb. 23, 1:00-4:00 PM: Film showing, Journey to
Freedom, with community discussion
Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St.
Sponsored by MLK Saratoga.
Screening an episode from the award-winning documentary series that
highlights veterans of the civil rights movement who reside in the capitol
region, followed by discussion with members of
the Journey to Freedom team.
3. Sunday, February 23, 2:00-4:00 PM: Black & Banned: Refusing
to Let Our History Be Whitewashed
Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs.
Lifting up banned books either penned by Black authors or illuminating
racism and Black American history. Flyer.
4. Feb. 28-March 1: Refugee Shabbat
Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Temple Sinai welcomes all community members to local observance
of HIAS’ Seventh Annual Refugee Shabbat,
5.
Friday, Feb. 28 : Family Shabbat & Refugee Shabbat Service will begin at
6:00 PM with refreshments at 5:30 PM.
Saturday, March 1: Refugee Shabbat Service at 10:30am followed by
“Lunch & Learn.”