The Legal Advocacy Project (LAP) of UU FaithAction NJ was formed for the purpose of broadening the impact of FaithAction’s work to coordinate grassroots advocacy and establish public policy that is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The LAP helps our Task Forces to research and introduce new legislation and regulatory rules through the NJ Legislature and various state governmental agencies. It also utilizes the State and Federal judicial and administrative courts of New Jersey to achieve UU inspired reforms. The aim is for the LAP to identify and participate in legal actions involving questions that implicate Unitarian Universalist principles and/or current FaithAction priority issues, creating a “full-court press” for social change.
The LAP has participated in the New Jersey judicial process in a number of ways. For example, it has:
- Filed amicus curiae briefs in existing lawsuits seeking social change;
- Undertaken efforts to have UU FaithAction NJ serve as plaintiff in such suits;
- Provided public comment on proposed regulatory changes involving law enforcement issues; and
- Partnered with progressive non-profit institutions seeking social change in New Jersey in a manner consistent with Unitarian Universalist values.
The LAP would welcome the referral of appropriate pro bono matters in which the LAP might join either as an advocate or a party. The contact information for our Legal Director is:
Bill Potter, J.D.
Legal Director, UU FaithAction NJ
potterrex@cs.com