Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ
A UU voice for justice, equity and compassion in NJ
By Jane Gaertner, Criminal Justice Reform Task Force member
In the latter half of 2022, the New Jersey Legislature advanced multiple bills which will affect the recent achievements to make our state more equitable for all. “One step forward, two steps back.” Long-time activists know the slog.
A Conversation with Carol Loscalzo and Jami Thall, Co-Chairs of the Reproductive Justice Task Force
With the sudden reversal of Roe v. Wade brought on by the Supreme Court’s Dobb’s decision, UU FaithAction NJ’s Reproductive Justice Task Force has been engaged in protecting and expanding abortion access in New Jersey.
New Jersey, which leads the nation in percentage of people of immigrant heritage, has a long history of welcoming immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum from unthinkable dangers and oppression. UU FaithAction NJ, through the work of its Immigration Justice Task Force, has sought to educate the public on immigration issues and advocate for legislation that accounts for the dignity and civil rights of immigrants.
UU FaithAction NJ is fortunate to have two passionate new leaders of the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force: first-time Co-Chair Claudia Sanders, and former Board Member, long-time volunteer, and Chair, Tom Moran. Both are drawn to the work because the safety and humane treatment of those incarcerated can positively change lives and impact society as whole, and they enjoy working with a robust coalition of partner organizations.
When asked about their priorities, Moran says, “Being a presence in the regulatory space, making sure laws passed are being implemented, is one way we can make a difference.”
Do you envision a more just, equitable and compassionate New Jersey? This #GivingTuesday consider a gift that will ensure UU values are represented in critical policy issues facing our state with a donation to UU FaithAction NJ’s #GivingTuesday campaign.
Everything you need to know for our hybrid Fall Issues Conference, November 12th, 10 AM – 2 PM!
By Taylor Epps, Criminal Justice Reform Summer Intern
When I started my college career, I never intended to receive a master’s degree, especially not in Nonprofit Management, but it was the route I ended up taking. After my first semester of studying nonprofits, I knew I wanted to incorporate this type of organization into my career field.
Coming to a UU congregation near you—our Reproductive Justice Task Force has launched a Postcard Campaign for Reproductive Equity, and we need all-hands-on-deck to distribute, sign and stamp postcards!
Postcard campaigns build a steady, strong voice to back a stagnant piece of legislation. The Reproductive Equity Act (S2918/A4350) is a top priority of reproductive justice advocates across the state. To move this legislation forward, we don’t need an urgent, one-time action: we need a steady, incessant stream of support.
Newly appointed Department of Corrections ombudsperson Terry Schuster released a special report on “Heat in NJ Prisons.” For several years, there have been reports of extreme temperature — heat in summer and cold in winter, within the prisons. For incarcerated persons, this constitutes a form of “cruel and unusual punishment.”
Send a message to Gov. Murphy, your NJ state legislators, the Commissioner and the Department of Corrections and the Ombudsperson to let them know that it is imperative to take action now.
Registration is now open for the 2022 Issues Conference.
The conference will take place on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-2pm at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (and online via Zoom). This year’s theme is “Stronger Together” which recognizes that, to be most effective, the work of UU FaithAction NJ needs to be grounded in the work of UU Congregations across the state. At its heart, the Issues Conference is about accountability between our organization and the congregations that make this work possible.
