We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  We believe that every person should have the same rights and privileges, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religious beliefs, or physical capabilities.  We work to bring better awareness and understanding about issues of fairness and equality.  If you believe what we believe, we hope you will join us at our next committee meeting.

Examples of our activities include group volunteer days at Transitions and Harvest Hope, the Inclement Weather Shelter, and the Share the Plate Program.

There’s a lot going on with Social Action!

• SCUUJA Jubilee training: this anti-racism training takes place remotely from April 12-14, but the time to register is now! Note that all UUCC congregants, not just SCUUJA members, are eligible to participate. Scholarships are still available! More info is available by clicking here.

• March 30 demo for a Gaza ceasefire: Our friends at Carolina Peace have been calling for a ceasefire every Saturday at the statehouse. But March 30 is Palestinian Land Day, and will be a notable gathering. If we field enough participants, we could take our UUCC banner and make a visible stand for peace!

• SCUUJA Jubilee 3 training: There’s still (barely) time to register for this anti-racism training! It will take place remotely from April 12-14, and scholarships may be available. Note that all UUCC congregants, not just SCUUJA members, are eligible to participate.

• Social Action is looking at a road (day) trip! We’re building a participants list to visit the new African-American Museum in Charleston, tentatively in early June. So if you might like to go, or if you have questions, please let Kevin or Connie know at: socialaction@uucolumbia.org
• We’re working hard on our Vote Your Values campaign, and plan to begin in earnest in May. Watch for it!

• Vote Forward/UU the Vote! is coming, to our congregation, and especially our social hour, so watch for opportunities to participate!

For more information contact Kevin or Connie.

More Upcoming Events

Fourth Sunday of the Month Following the Service (approx 12:15pm)

The Social Action Committee will meet in person 15 minutes after the end of the UUCC service in the Sanctuary observing indoor Covid protocols.  We will stream the event as well.   Meeting details should be on the Meeting Info page under News in the dropdown.  Questions?  Contact Kevin McKinney or Connie Quirk at socialaction@uucolumbia.org for more info.

Winter Shelter Donations

Drop off your donations in the Social Hall! The Social Action Committee collects donations of lightly used clothing – especially hats, gloves and coats – shoes, current magazines and unused personal-sized toiletries for the Inclement Weather Center, the “winter shelter” for Columbia’s homeless.  You may place your donations in the container in the Social Hall.  The shelter, managed by Transitions, is open from November 1 to April 1 when the temperature falls below 40F.  Last season, over 100 adults used the facility each night it was open. Please contact Tom Clements (tomclements329@cs.com, cell 803-240-7268) with any questions.

Harvest Hope Food Donations Needed

Please bring your donations, such as any canned food items; rice; pasta; disposable baby diapers.  Do NOT bring expired items, glass containers, or fresh produce.  The Harvest Hope grocery cart can be found under the windows in the social hall.

SCUUJA News

Our own Rev, Dr. Pippin Whitaker, along with Rev. Dr. Jean Heriot, co-founded the South Carolina Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance (SCUUJA) in 2021.  Since then, Rev. Whitaker has moved on to a settled ministerial position for the UU Fellowship of Athens (Georgia).  Rev. Heriot remains in her position with SCUUJA and they have hired Rev. Nathan Woodliff-Stanleyas their new Executive Director.  Learn more about Rev. Nathan here.

Be sure to see our Past Social Justice Activities and Charitable Activities