Social Justice Notes – February 13, 2026:
Monday evening (February 9), at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ, around 50 activists sang Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Minneapolis in support of neighbors arrested, deported, injured, and killed by ICE thugs. A video will be sent to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. We’ll share the video when available.
UU Social Justice Team Meeting Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30
All are welcome. Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/95819528646?pwd=dEwxY0Y1SVl4RTdNWVRkSFhrUmJZUT09#success
Agenda:
Taking stock of the world today
Clarifying priorities, strengthening alliances, and developing resources
Raising UUC-SS’s visibility
Upcoming Events and News
Draw the Circle Wide: Unity in Song
2:00 – 4:00 PM Sunday, Feb. 15
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church (UMC) 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs
Join us for this concert/sing-along as we lift our voices to sing in solidarity in support of those who
are suffering as a result of the current immigration strategy in our country. Musicians will lead us in
sacred and secular songs of love, unity, justice and peaceful resistance.
We will also share the story of one young immigrant family who became a part the Newtonville
UMC church family in the Albany District last year. They were recently forced to return to their
home country as they sought protected asylum status.
Light refreshments and fellowship will follow. There is no charge to attend.
For more information, contact Carrie Boyer @ 518-316-6314 or Julie Borden @ 518-480-9814.
Welcoming Immigrants Update
Dear Welcoming Immigrants Task Force: Time for another update on the progress of our mission. The annual report that I sent you at the beginning of January listed seven residents in Nolan House. Oriana, from Peru, was the most recent of these. Since her arrival, two more guests have taken up residence: Lyuba and her daughter, Katie, from Ukraine. So the total number of residents now stands at nine.
Dennys, one of our Venezuelan guests, has found a job that he likes very much at a dairy in Schuylerville, but getting to and from work has presented a challenge, since Dennys has neither a car nor a US driver’s license. I have recruited a team of volunteer drivers (which any of you would be welcome to join) but Oriana, who drives for Uber, has been doing most of the driving, for a fee. I have offered some assistance from our Welcoming Immigrants funds (donations always welcome!), which benefits two of our residents, Dennys and Oriana. I hope you will agree that this support is
justified. But please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
In addition to monthly meetings of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition, PUCC has recently hosted some special events: an ICE Watch and Know Your Rights training on January 31 (135 attendees!) and the “Sing for Minneapolis!” recording session this past Monday, February 9. A petition urging government officials to rein in ICE, offered to the PUCC congregation under the sponsorship of the Faith in Action Committee and energetically promoted by John Peck, has gathered 67 signatures.
In a separate email I alerted you to the Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Days coming up in Albany February 23-24, sponsored by the New York State Council of Churches. Pastor Amaury will be the keynote speaker on the 23rd and immigration will be a major focus throughout. Details and registration (before February 18) here. Please let me know if you plan to attend and we might be able to arrange a carpool.
As always, your comments/questions/suggestions are welcome!
Happy Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras (so close together this year)!
Terry Diggory
518-860-0262
Saratoga Immigration Coalition, link: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saratoga-Immigration-
Coalition/100077366816869/
Ongoing: Vigils at the Post Office (corners of Broadway & Lake/Church)
Organized by: Indivisible ADK/Saratoga, Linda LeTendre (AKA – Notorious RBG) and other troublemakers. Saturdays – Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Join our band of allies – great vibes from supportive honking, an occasional pair of loud MAGA pickups. Signs – provided or create your own, Humor Trumps Hate. Fine fellowship and furballs.
Cheers!
Mark Long
(518) 316-9740
19abrican@gmail.com
Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. — Franklin D. Roosevelt
PS: JUST IN! Click here for info from the Saratoga Immigration Coalition