UUFANJ News – Page 12 – Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ

Invitation to March Together at #RiseUpOctober

by UU FA OfficeOctober 12, 2015

UULMNJ allies! Here is an opportunity to join other UU’s and stand together for racial justice. Please join members of the Fourth Universalist Society, All Souls Unitarian Church’s Racial Justice Initiative, and First UU Brooklyn at the #RiseUpOctober March on Saturday, October 24^th. We will join with protesters from around the country in resistance to the mass incarceration and continued violence against people of color at the hands of law enforcement. Together, we will affirm that #BlackLivesMatter.

We will wear our Standing on the Side of Love gear and gather at the south east corner of Washington Square Park, near the Bobst library for the opening rally beginning at 11 am. The march is scheduled to begin at 1 pm and end at 4pm near Columbus Circle.

For more information about marching with us, contact Rachael Hayes (hayes.rachael@gmail.com). And for more information about #RiseUpOctober, see the call to action on their website, here: http://riseupoctober.nationbuilder.com/

To show your support for the Black Lives Matter movement, change your social media profile photos. It’s and easy way to show your support and start a conversation with your friends, family, and colleagues. http://twibbon.com/support/blacklivesmattertouus

Concerts to Benefit UULMNJ

by UU FA OfficeOctober 5, 2015

Dreaming Tree Coffeehouse is a contemporary folk music series at the Old Stone Church. Sponsored by the First Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hunterdon County, Dreaming Tree Coffeehouse spotlights nationally renowned musicians playing in a historic building with superior acoustics. The concert series will benefit organizations that promote social justice. The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ will be the beneficiary of two concerts this year!

The Appleseed Collective – October 16, 2015 7:30 (doors open at 7:00)

Formed in 2010, The Appleseed Collective has become a force of nature powered by their local community and developed by a strong sense of do-it-yourself drive. In an age of corporations and climate change, the band’s commitment to buying & selling local, eating from gardens, and being their own bosses has led to the kind of success that feels simply organic. According to Aarik Danielsen of the Columbia Daily Tribune, “Young Love sweeps out the various corners of American music, taking a long look at both the sublime and the strange. The group explores both dark and light in a way that other string-band revivalists haven’t touched.” Advance tickets are just $15! Get yours now!

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Pat Wictor – March 18, 2016 7:30

“…Pat Wictor walks onstage and sits down. He places a Guild DV-52 flat across his lap and begins playing slide guitar. The sounds are snaky and sizzling….”
–Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live

Pat Wictor first burst on the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for doing fresh and memorable versions of traditional and contemporary songs. He’s become a well-regarded singer and songwriter, writing material grounded in the rural country, gospel, and blues traditions of our nation. In the past year he’s been touring nationally as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering festival bookings and a #2 CD on the Folk DJ charts. Tickets not yet on sale.

2015 Fall Issues Conference

by UU FA OfficeAugust 27, 2015

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 12!

Join other people who want to make a difference by putting their FAITH into ACTION!

Saturday, October 17, 2015 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Unitarian Church in Summit, 4 Waldron Ave, Summit, NJ

Anyone interested in the work of Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ is encouraged to attend. We will identify UULMNJ focus issues for the coming year for each of our task forces: economic justice, reproductive justice, criminal justice reform, immigration reform, environmental justice, and gun violence prevention. You will have an opportunity to meet with justice leaders from other New Jersey Congregations while learning how to mobilize UULMNJ in your home congregation!

Special Guest, Keynote Speaker, Janice Marie Johnson, Multicultural Ministries and Leadership Director, UUA

Janice Marie Johnson has served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee Board of Review, as a trustee of The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, as a trustee in our UU United Nations Office, on the Commission on Appraisal, and as president of DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries). At UUA General Assembly 2006, Ms. Johnson was presented with the President’s Award for Volunteer Service.

Check-in starts at 8:30am with coffee and bagels; the program will begin promptly at 9:00am.

There will be a working lunch provided. Donations will be collected at the conference to help cover costs.

Parking Notes from the Unitarian Church in Summit

We encourage our members, friends and visitors to use public transportation and city parking lots. When driving to UCS, please keep the following in mind:

Utilize Summit Downtown Parking sites as your first choice.
Be mindful of neighbors’ driveways when parking. Remember that we share this community and want to continue to be good neighbors.
Be mindful of others who also need to park. How much room do you actually need? Can another person park in front or behind you?

Police enforce parking regulations in Summit. If you block a driveway, you will get a ticket or get towed. There’s nothing we can do!

The Funeral Home next door spaces are not available for parking at any time. Unless otherwise noted by the UCS office, all unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

Download a low ink flyer Download a color flyer

Criminal Justice Reform Panel with Senator Cory Booker and Rev. Craig Hirshberg

by UU FA OfficeAugust 16, 2015

Close to three hundred people gathered at Christ Episcopal Church on Tuesday evening, August 11, 2015. They came to hear a panel of experts discuss race, mass incarceration, and the role of faith in addressing these issues. Providing the keynote address and sitting on the panel was U.S. Senator Cory Booker.

Also sitting on the panel were U.S. Attorney for the District of NJ, Paul Fishman, Rev. Charles Boyer of Bethel AME Church, President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Jiles Ship, and our own executive director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg.

On the minds of many of the people in attendance was the recent spotlight on police brutality and the daunting statistics that indicate a culture in which minorities, particularly black men, are being unjustly charged, arrested, and incarcerated. “We can not arrest our way out this problem,” commented Director Ship. It was recognized by all on the panel that as a religious community, as a community of compassion it is up to us to engage and strengthen the reentering prison population to reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Rev. Boyer said “if anyone can help people get back into society, it is the religious community.”

A champion of prison and criminal justice reform in his first term as the junior senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker has sponsored several pieces of legislation, including the REDEEM Act which would expand expungement laws, particularly for incarcerated youth. Seeking to cut government spending on incarcerating non-violent criminals, Senator Booker calls on his colleagues to “redirect resources into community policing and public defense” and a radical expansion of federally funded human services programs.

When asked “what can I do to help?” Rev. Hirshberg calls us all to “be a collective voice for justice” while Rev. Boyer suggests “we need a radical embrace” of the newly released prison population into our communities.

The panel was moderated by NJTV News anchor, Michael Hill who broadcastef live at the beginning of the event. View his interview with Senator Booker and Mayor of East Orange, Lester Taylor here. Were you there? See photos from the event and tag your friends!

Laurice Grae-Hauck is the Outreach Coordinator of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ.

ACTION ALERT July 29, 2015: Tell Rep. Smith and Garrett to Rescind FADA support!

by UU FA OfficeJuly 29, 2015

A bill has been introduced in the US Congress, the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which would allow entities, such as universities, to receive federal benefits even if they discriminate against people in same-sex marriages. On June 26, 2015 we all celebrated as the Supreme Court of the United States made same sex marriages legal in all 50 states. This bill would legalize discrimination and two New Jersey congressmen have signed on as sponsors.

We must let our representatives know that we continue to stand on the side of love. Call Congressmen Chris Smith (732-780-3035) and Scott Garrett (201-444-5454) and ask them to rescind their sponsorship of this bill. Below is a suggested script:

“I’m a New Jersey resident, and like so many others in this state, I’m a strong supporter of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The First Amendment Defense Act is legalized discrimination. As a Unitarian Universalist, the first principle of my faith is the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, which applies to people of all sexual orientations. As a person of faith, I call on Congressmen (Smith or Garrett) to rescind his co-sponsorship and come out against this hateful piece of legislation.”

Or you can email Rep. Smith’s Press Secretary, Jeff Sagnip, and Rep. Garrett’s Communications Director, Chris Carofine, and tell them to rescind their support of this hateful legislation:

Latest News on the Million People’s March

by UU FA OfficeJuly 22, 2015

Will you be one of the New Jersey UUs in Newark this Saturday? So far we have 12 congregations being represented! Here is the latest information:

The March will begin with speakers at 12:00. The march will step off at 1:30 PM. It will be followed by more speakers at the end. If you have trouble standing for long periods of time and don’t intend to march, you may want to bring a portable folding chair;
If you would like to march with UU’s from around the state, meet on the corner of University Ave. and West Market Street. We will begin gathering at 11:00. We will have the UULMNJ Black Lives Matter banner and signs for you to carry or you can get inspired and create your own. Be visible! Wear your Standing on the Side of Love gear if you have any. Please bring paper tube rolls (like from wrapping paper) to post and carry the signs. Also bring water, sun block if needed, and sustenance;
The actual march will be 3 miles in length —1.5 miles to the Federal Building at 970 Broad Street and back. You can join all or half of the event. If you would like a map of the area and route click here for a PDF;
If you are taking the train to Newark Penn Station (highly recommended), the site is approximately a 6 block walk from Penn Station on Market Street;
Another option is to park at the Grove Street Park & Ride lot in Bloomfield then take the Light Rail from Grove Street to Washington Street. This station is two blocks from the monument. Daily parking rates at the Grove lot are $2. Light rail fair is $1.50 adult and $0.70 senior one way;
If you plan to drive there is paid parking throughout the neighborhood. Bus parking has been designated in Lot A on West Market Street. To get to the neighborhood using a GPS system use 303 University Avenue (Essex County College) or 50 West Market Street (Veterans Courthouse);
Just a reminder, this is a grass roots effort. There are no corporate sponsors or celebrities. It is truly power to the people by the people. Accordingly, there will be a voluntary collection taken before the march to help defray costs. So if someone approaches you with a bucket for contributions, please help out.
The latest information will be here on this website;
Please help us count the UU representation and register!

Take the Bus for Progress to the Million People’s March

by UU FA OfficeJuly 20, 2015

Do you want to attend the Million People’s March this Saturday but don’t want to drive north alone? Get on board the Bus for Progress. There are three pickup points on the Garden State Parkway:

10:00 Monmouth Rest Area at mile 100

10:20 Red Bank Rest Area at mile 109

10:45 Cheesequake Rest Area at mile 120

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

With a full restroom, couches, tables, chairs, a microwave, coffee maker and cooler, you’ll enjoy the ride and make new friends along the way.

If you are attending we ask that you take a moment to register yourself and any congregation members who may be coming with you so we have a more accurate count of the UU presence. This will also help our friends at People’s Organization for Progress to know how many people to expect on Saturday to better coordinate with local officials.

We are getting more information daily so keep checking this website for the latest information. The weather looks great for Saturday! We hope to see many of our UULMNJ friends in Newark!

UULMNJ Update on the Million People’s March

by UU FA OfficeJuly 16, 2015

Are you planning on marching with UULMNJ at the Million People’s March on July 25^th in Newark? Here is important updated information:

The March will begin with speakers at 12:00. The march will step off at 1 PM. It will be followed by more speakers at the end.
If you are taking the train, the site is approximately a 6 block walk from Penn Station.
Another option is to park at the Grove Street Park n Ride lot in Bloomfield then take the Light Rail from Grove Street to Washington Street. This station is two blocks from the monument. Daily parking rates at the Grove lot are $2. Light rail fair is $1.50 adult and $0.70 senior one way.
The actual march will be 3 miles in length —1.5 miles to the Federal Building and back. You can join all or half of the event
If you would like to march with UU’s from around the state, meet on the corner of University Ave. and West Market Street. We will have the UULMNJ Black Lives Matter banner and signs for you to carry. Please bring paper tube rolls (like from wrapping paper) to post and carry the signs. Also bring water, sun block if needed, and sustenance.
If you plan to drive, Park in Lot A on West Market Street.
For the latest information, please register and regularly check the UULMNJ march page.

UULMNJ Statement on the Marijuana Laws

by UU FA OfficeJuly 13, 2015

The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry has joined New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform. The board released a statement supporting the decriminalization/legalization of marijuana at the 2015 Spring Plenary in Montclair. UULMNJ will be joining forces with ACLU-NJ, NAACP, Garden State Equality, and others to pursue this important social justice issue. To learn more visit www.NJUMR.org. Read the UULMNJ statement below or download the PDF to share with your congregation.

The UULMNJ Statement on Marijuana Laws

UULMNJ is intending to take a stand on the decriminalization/legalization of Marijuana. This is a bold step for a faith community. We take it with considerable forethought and awareness of its implications for our society. UULMNJ does not endorse the recreational use of marijuana, just as it would not endorse the recreational use of tobacco or alcohol. The UULMNJ position is based on the concern for social justice. The current drug policy laws and the resulting incarcerations for minor drug possession adversely affects life opportunities for many young people, and especially young black men.

The taxation and regulation of marijuana is not a new issue for Unitarian Universalists. In 1970, the Unitarian Universalist Association passed a general resolution calling for the legalization of marijuana. The resolution stated that the drug laws are making criminals of and causing undue and unjust punishment to many persons who have no criminal intent in the use of marijuana; and are being used as political weapons against those who dissent in politics or lifestyle from the accepted norms. It states that no reliable research on the effects of marijuana has shown its use to be as hazardous to the public or the individual user as the use of tobacco, alcohol or many other stimulants and depressants legally available to the public.

Now fast-forward 45 years. Many things have changed. We have learned that marijuana has some significant medical use in controlling seizures and pain. We have learned that a number of states have either decriminalized or legalized the use of the substance, allowing for significant regulation and taxation. Sadly, though, we now have documented the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been ruined because of arrest and incarceration due to minor drug charges. The cruel realities of these minor drug arrests have limited employment, education, family relationships and future opportunity for those who have been caught in these draconian policies. And people of color have particularly suffered.

Marijuana Reform is fast becoming a central focus of current efforts to dismantle the mass incarceration/”New Jim Crow” system and its widespread destructive effects on society and the lives of millions. In 2013 there were almost 700,000 marijuana arrests in the U. S., more than 45% of all drug arrests and more than for all violent crimes combined. This is a major part of the mass incarceration system which makes us, by far, the largest imprisonment country in the world. Criminalization of marijuana, and resulting incarceration and stigmatization, cripples lives and serves to increase rather than constructively address problems of drug use.

Despite this draconian and disproportionate system of alleged justice, marijuana continues to be the most widely used illicit drug in America, admittedly used at one time or another, by more than 114 million Americans. The true indictment of this system is the fact that marijuana arrests disproportionately target and affect people of color by rates nearly four times greater than others despite data showing very similar usage rates across racial and ethnic lines. The State of New Jersey typically accounts for more than 20,000 possession arrests annually with some counties showing arrest disparities of 4 or 5 times greater for people of color.

Eighteen states and Washington D. C. have enacted or initiated approaches to decriminalize marijuana possession. Five of these have lifted the prohibition of marijuana altogether with various approaches to control and regulation. About two dozen countries have taken steps toward drug decriminalization and legalization with constructive programs most notably Portugal, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina. This experience has demonstrated societal benefits and little or no increase in drug use or crime.

Decriminalization along with treatment programs when properly implemented can

Substantially reduce arrests and incarceration and the crippling effects of a criminal record,
Increase drug treatment and public health and safety,
Reduce criminal victimization of people of color,
Reduce criminal justice and incarceration costs and make funds available for needed social programs,
Help redirect law enforcement efforts to prevent serious and violent crimes,
Improve relations between law enforcement and the communities.

The call of our faith communities to demand regulation and taxation of marijuana is a call for justice. It is a call for compassion. The UULMNJ supports measures directed to eliminate criminal penalties for marijuana possession and to a broad expansion of harm reduction and drug treatment programs. In addition we support a serious examination and discussion of regulatory alternatives to drug prohibition to address the major drug related societal ills not alleviated by simple decriminalization. The New Jersey Unitarian Universalist Congregations are invited and urged to join us in this effort and discussion to eliminate this obstacle to social progress.

May 27, 2015

For more information, contact:

Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Executive Director

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey

Director@UULMNJ.org

Download this Statement as a PDF

Gov. Christie Must Sign S2381 and Save Hundreds of New Jerseyans from Heroin Addiction

by UU FA OfficeJuly 9, 2015

UPDATE: Governor Christie signed this bill into law on August 10, 2015!

According to CDC director Thomas Friedan, “heroin use is increasing rapidly across all demographics.” Roughly 1 in 50 heroin users will die of overdose each year. In New Jersey, death by heroin overdose is more common than homicide, suicide, or even death due to car accidents. The numbers are staggering. In 2013 there were 741 heroin deaths in New Jersey, a number triple the national rate. The number continues to rise with 781 deaths in New Jersey in 2014. And in Camden and Atlantic Counties the number of heroin overdoses was greater than the number of deaths due to flu or pneumonia combined. But why New Jersey?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has found that heroine is being trafficked heavily through Port Elizabeth and Port Newark. Recent tests done by the Drug Enforcement Administration found that the types of heroin being sold and consumed in New Jersey are more pure than samples found anywhere in the US.

The Director of the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy believes that “Access to medication-assisted treatment can mean [the] difference between life and death.” Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for treating opioid dependence. Currently, most drug courts in New Jersey do not allow drug court participants to use MAT, even if it is recommended by a treatment professional or doctor. Drug court participants who are on MAT are usually required to discontinue their treatment in order to “graduate” or complete their drug court program. Demanding that an individual discontinue legitimate, necessary medication that supports their recovery and progress is morally, legally and medically unacceptable.

On June 25, 2015 a bill that is part of a broader package to address New Jersey’s addiction problem passed both houses. Bill S2381/A3723 would allow those who are in the special probation drug court programs to graduate with medication-assisted treatments, defined as the use of any medications approved by the federal FDA to treat substance use disorders, in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling. This bill clarifies that any urine test for drug or alcohol use conducted in the course of the drug court program which shows a positive result for an individual using medication-assisted treatment would not constitute a program violation unless the positive test result is for substances unrelated to the individual’s medication-assisted treatment. This change impacts incarceration and recidivism for drug violations.

The bill was approved by the Assembly with a vote of 76-0 and the Senate with a vote of 39-0. It now sits on the Governor’s desk, awaiting his signature. Christie has spoken out in favor of addiction treatment for heroin in the past. “I think what we’ve seen over the last 30 years is it just hasn’t worked,” he said. “And there are some people who make one bad choice to try drugs one time and their particular chemistry leads them to be an addict from the minute they try it. So we need to treat it as a disease. And not having mandatory incarceration for non-violent offenders but having mandatory treatment is something that’s going to yield a much greater result for society in general and for those individuals in particular.“ In 2014 Christie expanded a statewide Narcan program which equipped thousands of first responders with the ability to administer a life-saving antidotal medication that can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. While the governor campaigns for the presidency we need to remind him that he has a job to do here in New Jersey. Write Governor Christie and urge him to sign S2381/A3723, keeping addicted people out of prison and on the road to recovery.