What is at stake? Did you know that the SF Bay Area is expected to gain 1.7 million more people by 2035? Join UULMCA in promoting a vision of a truly sustainable and equitable Bay Area by participating in the Plan Bay Area process. On May 17 the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will vote on a “preferred scenario” for Plan Bay Area, a plan to invest $277 billion in transportation and housing for the Bay Area over the next 30 years.
You can make a difference!We expect that the opposition will be out in full force at this meeting -- folks who are critical of urban planning in general and claim this plan is all about "stack-and-pack housing" and "forcing people out of cars." We need your witness to ABAG and MTC that you support a regional sustainable community strategy that stops sprawl and reduces carbon emissions that threaten our climate while transforming our communities into neighborhoodswhere all have access to healthy food, schools, jobs, affordable housing and other essential services via walking, bikes or public transit.
Email your MTC Commissioner today! Even if you can’t attend the May 17 meeting, please take a moment to share your vision of a sustainable Bay Area with your MTC Commissioner before the meeting. Click here to send your email today.
What is SALT? The Spiritual Activist Leadership Training (SALT Fellows) program trains, empowers, connects and releases the potential of young adult UU justice leaders through development of justice and organizing skills, faith development, spiritual deepening and community building.
We start with a retreat on the northern CA coast in mid-August 2012, travel to the borderlands with Mexico in March and finish up advocating for Justice at the State Capitol in May 2013. Through monthly travel, webinars, justice projects and theological reflection we experience California’s justice history, learn from current leaders and deepen our capacity to sustain our commitment to justice.
SALT is a part-time non-residency training designed to accommodate students and/or working young adults (18-35). Applications are due by May 4, 2012.
Immigrant Justice Day 2012: One California • May 21 in Sacramento
May 21, 2012
9:30AM - 2:30 PM
State Capitol, Sacramento
(walk in from corner of
11 St. and L St.)
Unitarian Universalists will join immigrants, advocates, community
members, and policy makers in raising our voices on behalf of all of
California's immigrant families. We are pleased to collaborate with the
CA Immigrant Policy Center and many other immigrant justice groups for
this day of education, witness and advocacy.
We will be supporting AB1801
(Ammiano), the TRUST Act—a bill to restore trust and accountability to
California's participation in the S-Comm program, respecting the wish of
local communities to opt-out of the program and implement safeguards to
guard against racial profiling.
Training is available for those interested in
attending (not required).
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012: 3PM – 8:30PM Where: Watsonville – meet at Gizdich Ranch Cost: $30.00 regular/ $15.00 for young adults (18-35) – fee includes farmworker dinner
What is a Justice Plunge? Experiential learning from community leaders, theological reflection, justice skill development and building community. The “Justice Plunge” model was developed by UULMCA's Spiritual Activist Leadership Training (SALT Fellows).
Starting at Gizdich Ranch strawberry fields where Ramiro Lazcano will talk about his life, picking strawberries and supervising other pickers, participants will have an opportunity to pick and purchase berries. Visit Buena Vista Migrant Labor Camp where farmworkers will share a look at their living quarters and give testimonies on their wages, working conditions, the use of pesticides and the challenges their children have in receiving an education. Conclude our day with a farmworker dinner.
Understand the conditions of Mexican farmworkers in Northern California and both sides of the border. Learn about farmworkers demographics, how globalization propels immigration, the prospects for passage of AgJOBS and immigration reform. For those who wish, Ann Lopez will sign copies of her recent book, The Farmworkers’ Journey, at the discounted rate of $15.
Grab some UU friends and others who care about water justice and enjoy a powerful new film, being released just in time for National Drinking Water Week.
Film Showings of Last Call at the Oasis:
May 4: Los Angeles at Landmark 12 next to Westside Pavilion
The Central Coast Water Quality Control Board recently passed historic new regulations in to protect ground and surface water from agricultural pollution. For more information on the "Ag Waiver" and its importance on protecting ground water, read "Support Safe Drinking Water on the Central Coast," by Clean Water Action. Thanks to all who have been standing with affected communities to protect drinking water!
Video - San Jerardo residents offer powerful testimony.
What is the next step toward Marriage Equality:
Back to the Ballot or wait for the courts?
Unitarian Universalists support the rights of same-sex couples to become legally married. It is a matter of religious freedom and human dignity. We have submitted interfaith briefs in the courts, helped to change hearts and minds in the court of public opinion, supported legislation and opposed Prop 8. Now that we are waiting for the courts to decide if Proposition 8 is constitutional, some are asking if we should take the question back to CA voters to overturn Prop 8 in November 2012. UU Legislative Ministry's Marriage Equality Leadership Team's questions and concerns about returning to the ballot can be found here.
You can make a difference! We expect that the opposition will be out in full force at this meeting -- folks who are critical of urban planning in general and claim this plan is all about "stack-and-pack housing" and "forcing people out of cars." We need your witness to ABAG and MTC that you support a regional sustainable community strategy that stops sprawl and reduces carbon emissions that threaten our climate while transforming our communities into neighborhoodswhere all have access to healthy food, schools, jobs, affordable housing and other essential services via walking, bikes or public transit.
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012: 3PM – 8:30PM
Unitarian Universalists support the rights of same-sex couples to become legally married. It is a matter of religious freedom and human dignity. We have submitted interfaith briefs in the courts, helped to change hearts and minds in the court of public opinion, supported legislation and opposed Prop 8. Now that we are waiting for the courts to decide if Proposition 8 is constitutional, some are asking if we should take the question back to CA voters to overturn Prop 8 in November 2012. UU Legislative Ministry's Marriage Equality Leadership Team's questions and concerns about returning to the ballot can be found