Social Justice Team Notes – October 3, 2025
Franklin Community Center Volunteer Opportunity – Update
Julianna Luciano, of the Franklin Community Center (FCC), contacted us about community service opportunities, and we selected a gardening project at the Jefferson-Vanderbilt Terraces Apartments. However, the City Public Works employees completed the project (delivered and spread the mulch), so we’re discussing a holiday activity for FCC clients, details to follow next week.
MLK-Saratoga: Invitation to Help Plan MLK 2026 Celebration
We are excited to begin the planning for the 2026 MLK Celebration Weekend here in Saratoga Springs. Our theme this year is “Love is the greatest force in the universe; it is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos.” We would really like to expand our connection with local organizations and invite people to show love to our community not just during the weekend but year round. We would love your input!
Please fill out this short interest form, and if possible please plan on attending our next planning meeting on Thursday October 16 at 6:30 pm in the parlor at Nolan House at the Pres-UCC Church at 24 Circular Street!.
Full link for the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zjpe_gER5uuLGxQ-o2sXLALfS2eRJiQMtSrbFQCoNQY/viewform?edit_requested=true
Thank you so much!
~The Board of MLK Saratoga
Saratoga Peace Week, Sept. 21 – 27, 2025
The events went well, with one cancellation – thanks to:
The Presbyterian/United Church of Christ (planned, funded, and publicized)
Civility Puppets (Julie & Art, SSPL – hosted),
Katie Long (Zentangle teacher),
SSNY United Methodist Church (hosted Peace by Chocolate film)
Frederick Allen Lodge – Upcoming Event:
- 10/05/25 + Annual Jazz BBQ Fundraiser > 2:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
- Link: https://www.frederickallenlodge.org/jazz-bbq
Saratoga Book Festival October 2 – 5, 2025
Link: Bookfest
Indivisible ADK/Saratoga:
NO KINGS 2: America Has No Kings!
We Need Your Help to Plan a Historic Day of Protest!
On October 18th, Indivisibles across the country are taking to the streets again for NO KINGS 2! This is our chance to build on the momentum of June’s protests and send an undeniable message to those in power: America has no kings.
- Indivisible ADK/Saratoga & LWV-Saratoga County are planning the event
- Details will be announced soon, so stay tuned
- The announcement says that teams can be formed. It’s been suggested that UUs could wear our yellow “Side with Love” T-shirts
- Please tell SJT members you’re interested
Ongoing opportunity to Stand for Justice
Here’s a question–has Social Justice advertised in JW about the ongoing Saturday morning vigils in front of the Saratoga Post Office, organized by Indivisible/ADK? I haven’t seen any info about this in JW but perhaps I’ve missed it. We have been gathering there every Saturday from 12-1 since the big protest in April. I’ve not seen any UUs there on the many Saturdays I’ve attended, so I thought I’d mention it. I know we are ramping up for the No Kings 2 march on the 18th. Last Saturday Joe Seeman said the current plan is that we will meet at the Post Office corner at 4:30 (There will be earlier protests in Albany and Glens Falls, as well as other area places, probably) and march on the sidewalks to Congress Park where there will be speakers and music. There is also the idea floating that the march might begin at Skidmore. So I’ll be checking my Indivisible emails. I would hope this day of protest across the country will be the largest we have ever seen…the times demand it!
May truth and justice prevail – Faye Mihuta:
Saratoga Immigration Coalition News
Terry Diggory’s update:
Dear Welcoming Immigrants Task Force:
Last Tuesday, we welcomed a new guest to Nolan House, Yulimar from Venezuela. Jorge knew her through employment at Saratoga Racecourse and attendance at the Spanish-language church, Aguas Vivas. She, Jorge and Zulay share similar reasons for leaving Venezuela. Yulimar’s arrival brings our current total number of residents to 11.
I am happy to report that a new laptop was purchased for the immigrant student at SUNY Adirondack about whom I wrote earlier. Several Task Force participants generously contributed to cover the cost.
As I announced today in church, “heavy lifters” are needed to help an Afghan refugee family move into permanent living quarters this coming Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 AM. If you can help or know someone who can, please text Donna Olson at 518-527-6573.
Some supplies are needed at Nolan House (not necessarily new, but in good condition):
Blankets, light to mid-weight, one for double bed, two for twin beds (not comforters)
4 towel sets
If you can donate any of these items, please contact Julie in the church office or me: tdiggory@skidmore.edu; 518-860-0262.
Thanks for your continuing interest in this mission!
Terry
Click here for an email from Compassionate Choices
Cheers,
Mark Long
518-316-9740
In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower. —Audre Lorde