Category: Liaison CC Minutes

Liaison Call 5/2/19 Minutes 

Liaisons on the Call:   Rob Gregson, Clara Jenkins, Joe Houle (Lincroft), Kathy Allen (Summit), Eileen Bird (Princeton), Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing), Sally Gellert (Paramus), Toby Tyler (Morristown), David Reskof (Lincroft)

Welcome and Introductions (7:00 – 7:05pm): Rev. Rob Gregson

Liaison/Congregational Updates (7:05 – 7:40pm)

• Kathy Allen mentioned the recent shootings in North Carolina and Pittsburgh.  She also said Florida recently passed a law allowing teachers to be armed. Apparently there is internal strife in the NRA and their tax-exempt status is being challenged.  She is asking that everyone wear orange on June 2, which is GVP Awareness Day.
• Joe Houle suggested each congregation job post for their social justice committees.  He suggested it be broken down from “little involvement” to “major commitment”.
• Middletown town council opposes the police directive to separate local police from immigration police.
• Toby Tyler mentioned Morristown works closely with RAMP on immigration issues.  There is also strong support on the Green Earth Movement.
• Toby mentioned the Red Hot Minute as Communications Chair.  He encourages all liaisons to read and distribute to increase awareness of UU FaithAction.
• Sally Gellert said it is ministerial candidate week in Paramus.

Legislation/Task Force Update (7:35 – 7:55pm):

There is discussion around Sponsorship vs Sanctuary for immigrant detainees.  There appears to be a new “underground railroad” and UUs are needed to meet greyhound buses at NJ bus stations.

UU FaithAction Updates (7:35 – 7:55pm):

• It was suggested that UU FaithAction needs to beef up our website in terms of UU FaithActions history and impact.  It was also suggested that every UU congregation should be listed on our site and we should be prominent on every congregations website.
• Rob would like to add the Racial Justice toolkit to our website.
• Clara is expanding the Information and Resources page to include Ted Talks, podcasts, books and other reference material.
• Website should also contain a UU FA in the News.
• The next Liaison Call is scheduled for Thursday, June 6th.

Liaison Call 3/21/19 Minutes 

Liaisons on the Call:   Rob Gregson, Clara Jenkins, Joe Houle (Lincroft), Mark Williams (Plainfield), Eileen Bird (Princeton), Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing), Kristen Peck (Summit), Susan MacDonnel (Princeton), Al Stawsky (Palisades), Jamie Evanini (Washington Crossing)

Welcome and Introductions (7:00 – 7:05pm): Rev. Rob Gregson

Criminal Justice Task Force Update (7:05 – 7:35pm)

• Susan said the process is to look at the Issues and draft bills from those issues.  Currently focused on voting rights, legalizing marijuana, ending isolated confinement and the Rule Change at the DOJ.
• There are behind the scenes negotiations regarding the legalization of marijuana.  Some considerations are where will the tax profits go? To the State, the county, the town?  Will tax be on the dispensing level or the sales level?  
• The Drug Policy Alliance is happy with the language of current bills, but we are not in terms of the social and racial justice.  There is no language regarding expungement nor a home-grown component.
• According to the Institute for Social Justice there is no movement on voting rights.
• Cape May County does video visitation only, which goes against DOJ regulations.  This is lucrative to the facility as no additional staff is required.

Legislation/Task Force Update (7:35 – 7:55pm):

Jamie Evanini said Washington Crossing is working with Immigrant Justice Groups on Universal Representation.  These groups think that the fund needs to be between 15 to 18 million to be considered full-funded. The budget is currently for 2.1 million.  Current level funding shows 0 appropriated for Universal Representation.

Ted Fetter and Paggy Hayden follow the lead of our immigration partners.  Currently NJ does not have a bond fund.

Jeannine Calyton-Coyne is stepping down as the chair of the Gun Violence Prevention task force. Kathy Allen is willing to co-chair.

UU FaithAction Updates (7:35 – 7:55pm):

• We requested and received a 10k grant to aid our Immigration Task Force.  We will be hiring a summer intern with this money to work on Immigration Justice initiatives.
• The next Liaison Call is scheduled for Thursday, April 4th.

Liaison Call 6/6/19 Minutes 

Liaisons on the Call:   Rob Gregson, Clara Jenkins, Joe Houle (Lincroft), Mark Williams (Plainfield), Sally Gellert (Paramus), Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing), Anthony Torres (Paramus), Kathy Allen (Summit), Ted Fetter (Princeton)

Welcome and Introductions (7:00 – 7:05pm): Rev. Rob Gregson

Check-in and Liaison/Congregational Updates (7:05 – 7:40pm)

• Mark Williams expressed his excitement on being on UU FaithAction’s Board.  Plainfield is getting an Intern for a few months as AnneMarie has gone to Somerset Hills.  They feel hopeful as they balanced their budget and are making plans to notify the Fanwood/Scotch Plains residents of their location.  The food pantry is vibrant, although they struggle with involvement with social justice issues.
• Nick Mellis said Washington Crossing is on good financial footing and that they are starting a racial justice initiative.  
• Joe Houle suggested congregations should “job post” for social justice and for UUFA task forces.
• Sally Gellert announced they have a new called minster, Rev. Andree Mol (they, their).  Paramus is also starting a capital campaign to renovate the 1956 building.
• Kathy Allen indicated the first Friday in June is GVP Awareness Day and the whole weekend Beacon will recognize the event.  Thus far, 76 New Jerseyians have been murdered with guns.

Legislation Update (7:40 – 7:55pm):

Ted Fetter, Immigration Justice Task Force Chair, indicated the TF continues it’s work with Let’s Drive NJ and that there will be a big push in the fall.  The legal representation fund was increased from 2.1 million by an additional million. This fund is designed to aid immigrant detainees who would otherwise not be able to obtain legal representation.

Beacon and Princeton are currently set up to offer temporary housing for asylum seekers.  Ted indicated that ICE wants these people to be housed and First Friends of NJ/NY are key partners in this movement.  Both Ted and Peggy Hayden, vice chair, are working on a program whereby UU FaithAction can offer training and then take a larger role in the housing initiative.  The TF is also working on accompainiment where UUs can go to the court, ICE hearings or schools, etc with immigrants so they don’t feel so alone.

Finally, the Immigration task force indicated that they will need volunteers to meet greyhound buses carrying undocumented families to NJ.  These travelers often have no water, food, toys, information, etc. Volunteers would meet the buses and hand out information and sustenance.

The Criminal Justice task force is working on a change to the regulation on video visitation.

The Reproductive Justice task force is pushing hard for the passing of the Adress Confidentiality Bill, which is a UU Faithaction initiative.  The final vote is scheduled for June 10 in the Senate. The Women’s Center in Cherry Hill will join the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the NJ Policy Perspective to advise Gov Murphy on Roe vs Wade.

Kathy Allen is taking over the Gun Violence Prevention task force from Jeannine Clayton-Coyne.  A focus will be on Use of Force in NJ.

The Environmental Justice TF is considering a speaking event on the Green New Deal and carbon dividends.  

• The next Liaison Call is scheduled for Thursday, September 5th.

Liaison Call 04/05/18 Minutes

Liaisons on the Call:   Toby Tyler (Morristown), Eileen Bird (Princeton), Diane Finn (Montclair), Sally from Paramus, Debra from Newton, Kristen Peck, Dave Reskoff.

Liaison updates: Morristown May 17th Program about human trafficking

Princeton: April 8th Marijuana Legalization Speaker

Selling UU FaithAction T-shirts at coffee hour. If you would like to sell T-shirts at your congregations please email us at admin@uufaithaction.org.

Montclair Update:

1. Had a Marijuana Legalization panel on March 20th with Blue Wave. Rob was the moderator. Letter from the Coalition for Marijuana Legalization Reform for NJ legislators

7:16 pm  Paramus Update:

1. April 18th Social Action Film and Discussion : The Reluctant Radical
2. Talking about Racism program for youth in May

7:19 pm  Newton Updates:

1. Working on undocumented and DACA issues
2. Planning a Marijuana Legalization discussion to target delegates to write letters

7:22 pm  April Plenary is around the corner

When: Sat. April 21 11 to 4:30

Where: The Unitarian Society (E. Brunswick)

SPECIAL LIAISON BREAKFAST 10-11 a.m. with Rev. Rob, Board members and fellow liaisons to discuss new delegate and reporting approach (to encourage better congregational “buy in” on final issues chosen), best practices and postcard campaigns.PLEASE RSVP to admin@uufaithaction.org by April 9 so we can plan for food!

7:28 pm  Toby Tyler and the Newsletter

 

• Toby Tyler is working on a monthly newsletter following our successes, what’s going on with and what’s coming up from UU FaithAction.

7:30 pm Economic Justice

Lots happening in Trenton around Pay Equity for Women and Earned Sick Leave (and Minimum Wage coming up)

EJTF has its first “issues” meeting via Zoom conference call with new Task Force chair, Jerry Fried (Montclair) and NJ legislative head of NJ Citizen’s Action, Dena Mattola Jaborska, TOMORROW, Fri. April 6 12:30-1:15 p.m.  Here is the link to get on the videoconference: https://zoom.us/j/3422164493

For folks who have never used Zoom before and would like to know how to use the system, look at this:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-

Or call in on a phone: iPhone one-tap : +16699006833,334652499#

Or Telephone:+1 669 900 6833  or +1 646 558 8656

   Meeting ID: 334 652 499

7:33 pm  Immigration

Campaign to expand driver’s licenses to include many without standard documentation

Two bills, one in the Assembly, A1738, the New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act.  Senate bill will take the lead. Message for now: Please support upcoming legislation. Table and ask your congregation to sign the petition being circulated (sent today as an Action Alert, link here to see the petition)

Also next Wednesday, April 11, from 9:30 to 10:30 am in Somerville, advocates meeting with Assemblyman Roy Freiman at his office at 50 Division St., Somerville.  If any of you know Assemblyman Freiman, or if you are ready to join a small group to meet with him let me know and I will pass your name to Dina Mansour of NJAIJ

State Sanctuary Challenge recognition ceremony at Plenary

Is your congregation one of those being presented with our frameable certificate letting members (and visitors!) know you have acted together to support immigrants and undocumented people?  Do you know if the be there to receive the award? Can you get the word out after plenary to alert others in your congregation of your work for immigrants/work towards your own State Sanctuary Challenge certificate?

7:36 pm Reproductive Justice:

Rob and Carol Loscalzo (TF chair) arranging meeting with Asw. Pamela Lampitt, prime sponsor in the Assembly for UU FaithAction signature bill, Address Confidentiality for Reproductive Health Care Clinic Workers (

7:40 pm Al Swatsy from Englwood and Kristen Peck from Beacon join call

7:45 pm Gun violence prevention:

Passed the House Assembly and soon to be scheduled for Senate vote

• * A1016 (Johnson / Vainieri Huttle / Eustace / Wimberly) – Establishes commission to approve personalized handguns; requires firearm retailers to sell personalized handguns.
•     * A1181 (Jones / Mosquera / Sumter / Downey / Barclay) – Requires firearms seizure when mental health professional determines patient poses threat of harm to self or others.
•     * A1217 (McKeon) – Authorizes gun violence restraining orders and firearm seizure warrants.
•     * A2757 (Greenwald / Holley) – Requires background check for private gun sales.
•     * A2758 (Greenwald) – Codifies regulations defining justifiable need to carry handgun.
•     * A2759 (Greenwald / Murphy) – Prohibits possession of ammunition capable of penetrating body armor.
•     * A2761 (Greenwald) – Reduces maximum capacity of ammunition magazines to 10 rounds; exempts firearms with .22 caliber tubular magazines from 10 round limitation.

7:50 pm Criminal Justice Reform:

Solitary Confinement bill kick off 2/25: Still waiting for Intro to Assembly

Voting rights for prisoners/probationers/parolees)

8:03 pm Postcards for GVP to send to representatives and Governor Murphy

8:09 pm Assembly Legislative Hearings coming up

 

• New Jersey Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee Hearing: Central Jersey Saturday, April 14, Middlesex County College, Edison, 10:00 am

• New Jersey Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee Hearing: South Jersey Saturday, April 21, Rowan University, Glassboro, 10:00 am

• New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Hearing: Atlantic City Tuesday, April 24, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Second Baptist Church 110 Rev. Dr. Isaac Cole Plaza Atlantic City, NJ 08401

• New Jersey Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee Hearing: North Jersey Saturday, May 12, Bergen Community College, Paramus, 10:00 am

Marijuana/Cannabis Reform: Multiple panels: (Englewood Feb., Montclair March, UU Princeton April 8 12:30 p.m.

New website with special password protected Liaisons page (Password: UuFaLiaison) https://uufaithaction.org/congregational-liaisons/

Website walk-through video introduction especially for UU FaithAction leadership:

Topic: Website Walkthrough

Date: Feb 27, 2018 11:47 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Click here to download or view your recording:

https://zoom.us/recording/detail?meeting_id=P9lqYquqS3CSvUHIjEBeiw%3D%3D

Recording-1 (334 MB):

https://zoom.us/recording/play/bUzcEkEgc9Umv_JByAi1ndmCT7Z216t78LbtBBXf8BJolJim688VAmRUAvGra9Zf

Audio Only-1 (27 MB): https://zoom.us/recording/play/0CvrBQAS0epMhzIDHLYrkUK_qXQEE1aS2cT1-QVAGtQTI7yTHDssigargY04gkf0

 

Liaison Call 09/06/18 Minutes

Liaisons on the Call:   Rob Gregson (ED), Clara Jenkins (Asst. to the ED/Outreach Coordinator), Georgiana Hart (Montclair), Sally Gellert (Paramus), Mark Williams (Plainfield), Joe Houle (Lincroft), Dave Reskoff (Lincroft).

Welcome and Introductions (7:02 – 7:08pm): Rob Gregson

Liaison updates (7:09 – 7:27pm):

• Sally mentioned area schools with current multicultural/diversity programs are attending a racism workshop hosted by Central Unitarian Church in Paramus on October 15.
• Sally indicated Hudson County reported a “path to exit” for their ICE contract by 2020.  She also indicated a 5 million dollar infirmary was to be built at the Elizabeth Detention Center.
• Georgiana mentioned the Montclair congregation held a Social Justice Action overview spearheaded by Johanna Foster and Teresa DeSousa.  The goal is to be more viable, detailed and organized. They will be working in conjunction with the Poor People’s Campaign. Ms. Hart indicated interest was high.
• Georgiana has been out for a while recovering from an illness.  Good to have her back!
• Joe and Dave indicated Lincroft had a meeting last evening (9/5/18) regarding Gun Violence Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform in efforts to align their Congregation with the efforts of UUFANJ.  
• Dave said there was a discussion regarding the Solitary Confinement Bill.  He indicated that there is a planned national prison strike – aware of but not participating in.  He also mentioned upcoming legislation on campaign finance reform.
• Mark Williams said member of the Plainfield Congregation marched in the 9/6/18 Driver’s License Rally in Trenton.  He said that the march began slowly and by 11 had built up momentum as bus after bus arrived.  The speakers were not audible and spoke primarily in Spanish.
• Mark also said the Plainfield Congregation is actively working on disseminating mail-in voter information.

Agenda Items (7:28 – 8:04pm):

 

• Rob attended a Reproduction Rights Rally in Trenton 9/6/28.  Not widely covered as Gov. Murphy was in East Brunswick at a meeting regarding $15 minimum wage.  Is unclear if residents of NJ realize how close they are to seeing Roe v Wade overturned.   Rob indicated a “pledge of non-support” was being circulated among NJ legislators.

 

• As so many handouts and links were attached to the agenda, it was determined to prioritize the information given to the congregants:

 

• Issues Conference October 20, 10-4 at Beacon: UU Congregation in Summit.  Please make sure the “Save the Date” post (and subsequent communications that will come from our office) get into your newsletter, website, Social Justice bulletin boards, etc.  This is a critical part of being a liaison for UU FaithAction–we need your help to get the word out! Register here: https://hq.salsalabs.com/salsa/hq/p/salsa/email/common/hq/edit?object=email_blast&key=1383017&tab=1

 

1. “Social Justice” Lay Preaching Workshops.  Part 1: October 20 9-11 (just prior to Issues Conference) and also at the Ridgewood and Lincroft congregations.  Part 2 on Nov 10 at E. Brunswick congregation from 2pm -5:30p.  Attendees must attend both sessions.
2. Sept. 2018 Immigration Fact Sheet (with thanks to Peggy Hayden, Immigration Reform Task Force V. Chair and Ted Fetter, Chair, for compiling)
3. Murray Grove Homecoming Weekend Sept. 29-30 with Rob leading a 1-hr. “Advocacy at NJ District Legislative Offices” workshop https://www.murraygrove.org/homecoming-1

 

• UUFANJ is currently looking for 4 Board members to replace current and expected vacancies.  Please spread the word!
• Climate Change Rally this Saturday.  Apparently there are regional marches, not just the one in Morristown.  https://riseforclimate.org/#map shows all the locations and times of rallies and marches.
• Rob indicated that Gov Murphy is willing to sign an End-to-Solitary/Isolated Confinement bill but that it will have to be reintroduced and moved out of the various committees to end up on the Governor’s desk.  Tricia Idrobo (Beacon/Summit) is UU FA point person on this issue working through the Criminal Justice TF.
• 1844 No More: An effort being led by NJ Institute for Social Justice (Newark) to restore voting rights to “returning citizens” – formerly incarcerated individuals.  So although “…In New Jersey, any person who is no longer in prison, on parole, or on probation as a result of a felony conviction can register to vote. See N.J.S.A. 19:4-1. Thus, any ex-felon who has satisfactorily completed the term of his or her sentence can register to vote in New Jersey.” it is apparently a difficult and largely unpublicized process.  The proposal asks for it to be done automatically upon release.
• Rob brought up the Hayes Prison for Girls and Jamesburg Boys Prison.  There is talk about a rally on October 14 to call for the end to the Hayes Prison for Girls in Bordentown.  Here is a link highlighting the issues. http://www.njisj.org/institute_releases_bring_our_children_home_a_prison_to_school_pipeline_for_new_jersey_s_youth
• 3 Hours, 3 Saturdays – In an effort to inform residents of every candidate currently on the ballot and to aid them in registering to vote, Montclair is hosting a 3 Hour, 3 Saturdays grassroots effort – volunteers will meet face-to-face with residents and go over the candidates and issues with them in a strictly non-bipartisan effort.  It is critical to not only encourage them to vote, but to educate people on the issues.
• UUFANJ has a table at this year’s Anti-Poverty Network Summit on October 26 from 8:30 to 3 pm at Rutgers.  There are 4 seats remaining. Please reach out to Rob if interested.
• UUFANJ is seeking a Chair for the Development Committee.  Does not need to be a UU.  Must have strong financial background.
• Rob is available to preach one Sunday a month with advance notice to member congregations.
• Retired professor Mike Wilson (UU Washington Crossing) is offering an adult RE course on “Steps to Strengthen Democracy”.  He is also available to preach on the same theme.  Mike can be contacted at drmikewilson@yahoo.com

Reminder: The liaison call for October has been RESCHEDULED for MONDAY October 1, 7:00-8:00 pm.  Please note it on your calendars.

 

Liaison Call 10/1/18 Minutes

Liaisons on the Call:   Rob Gregson (ED), Clara Jenkins (Asst. to the ED/Outreach Coordinator), Eileen Bird (Princeton), Toby Tyler (Morristown), Joe Houle (Lincroft), Jamie Evanini (Washington Crossing), Debra Kaiser (Sussex), Sally Gellert (Paramus)

Welcome and Introductions (7:00 – 7:05pm): Rob Gregson

Liaison updates (7:05 – 7:27pm):

• Debra Kaiser shared that swastika’s were being painted on public buildings.
• Joe said Lincroft has a Social Justice Committee that is active.
• Toby indicated that Morristown has welcomed their 3rd immigrant family, staying with a member of the congregation.  They have successfully launched two families. He mentioned RAMP is increasingly vocal about (anti) marijuana legalization.
• Jamie said that Washington Crossing has an “Action Table” providing information to their congregants. They also have a gathering every other month to provide emotional support when people take civic action.
• The perennial question of how to motivate people to join in and take action.  
• Action Alerts – a question was raised as to the number and frequency of these alerts. Suggested that AA be categorized along our 6 Task Force objectives only.
• Eileen said their congregation’s first Social Justice meeting was occuring the 2nd week of October.  Once all renovations are complete, they expect to be a sanctuary congregation.

Agenda Items (7:28 – 8:00pm):

 

• The Annual Fall Issues Conference, though well attended, fell short of the number of attendees from last year.  Senator Lesniak gave a inspirational keynote address and all Task Forces were able to determine their areas of focus for 2018/19.

• The lay-preaching workshop, hosted by Rev. Karen Johnston (E Brunswick UU) was also well-attended.  The 2nd part is scheduled for November 10 from 2:30 to 5:30 at The Unitarian Society (E. Brunswick).
• There was a Liaison Breakfast prior to the Issues Conference, hosted by the UU FaithAction Board.  It was nice seeing many of your faces there!
• Marty Rothfelder has accepted the position of Chair of the Development Committee.  We are still looking for 3 to 4 Board Members.
• Rob and several other UU’s, including Ted Fetter, Eileen Bird and Clara Haignere, attended a rally at the State Assembly on Monday, October 29 to support an initiative to allow undocumented immigrants the privilege to hold NJ driver’s licenses.
• Rob attended the Anti-Poverty Network’s annual Summit on October 26.  Nick Lewis, Board President, was also in attendance.
• As a reminder, our UU FaithAction Community Calendar is your Community Calendar!  If your congregation is hosting a film, a speaker, a meal, etc that is open to the public, let us know by sending the details to admin@uufaithaction.org

 

Next Liaison call November 1, 7pm-8pm