Social Justice Team
About the Unity of Gaithersburg Social Justice Team
Our purpose is to focus attention on current issues of social justice and to suggest ways that we as a spiritual community may address these issues. We are a small but dedicated group and we enthusiastically welcome others to join us in this exciting new team. We meet periodically on Zoom. Please email admin@unityofgaithersurg.org for more information on joining the Team.
Here is an excerpt from the Unity Statement of Social Action Position
The Unity movement stands for and will tirelessly work for harmony so all people may know
the freedom of peaceful expression; so they may know their own inner worth and essential contribution to the whole of life.
• Where there are divisions of opinions, beliefs and perspectives, Unity embraces curiosity, exploration and expanded awareness of the gifts of diversity.
• Where there is fear of “the other,” Unity stands for inclusivity and peaceful acceptance of another’s right to create the life of his or her choosing.
• Where there is oppression and hatred, we stand for justice and understanding, and for extending compassion, kindness and forgiveness to restore balance.
• Where there is discrimination, we stand for inclusivity and equality. We pledge to be an advocate for the wellbeing, respect and civil freedom of every human being.
Click here to read the entire document.
Resources for those experiencing economic and other challenges during the pandemic
Montgomery County has a webpage dedicated to giving folks resources during the pandemic.
Click here to go to the page. The team has also compiled a long list of resources for those experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. Click here for the list.
Unity of Gaithersburg Digital Food Drive for the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB)
The holiday season is over, but food insecurity in our region is still surging. Our Social Justice Team is sponsoring a digital food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank. In light of the risks presented by COVID-19, the food drive will be digital, rather than actual physical food items. Our financial contributions go much farther given the quantity discounts available to CAFB. And, our funds can be directed to the items most in need. Our contributions to CAFB will help alleviate food insecurity to many of our neighbors in great need at this difficult time. To make a donation, click here.
Special Dates to Remember This Month
January is National Braille Literacy Month. This month, we recognize and honor the legally blind and visually impaired for National Braille Literacy Month. The mission of this month is to raise awareness of the importance of Braille to the blind and visually impaired community. For further interesting details on the origins of Braille, and ways to celebrate National Braille Month click here.
January 13: Opening session of the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session! Over the next few months, our legislators will meet in Annapolis to discuss and vote on policies that will determine Maryland’s future.
January 13: Make your dream come true day January 16: National Religious Freedom Day January 18: MLK, Jr. Birthday (celebrated on the 3rd Monday of the Month). January 24: National Compliment Day January 29: National Freethinkers Day (Thomas Paine’s DOB). January 30: National Seed Swap Day January 31: National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day.
Events of Interest
Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7:15 PM: The Montgomery County Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (MC-FACS) holds its monthly meeting of green leaders working together to address the climate crisis in the county.
Click here for details.
Thursday, January 28, 12 PM EST: "Toward a More Perfect Union: Voting Rights Then and Now", a webinar sponsored by the United States Capitol Historical Society. For more information, click here.
Jan. 28 at 6:30PM: The Audubon Naturalist Society is hosting a webinar on MoCo’s draft Climate Action Plan via zoom. Click here to register.
Washington Post Live: An archive of the discussion, Race in America: Dismantling Structural Racism with Opal Tometi. Click here to go to the web page .
Creating a Racial Equity & Social Justice Policy: Montgomery County leaders have created and adopted a Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy for Montgomery County. Click here for details on this ground-breaking work!
Climate Action in Montgomery County – a Chance to Voice Your Opinions!
Montgomery County is working on a groundbreaking plan for addressing climate issues in the county. Click here for more details about this ground-breaking plan.
Reviewing and commenting on the CARP is an excellent example of how UoG folks can make an additional positive impact on the environment by giving voice to our concerns.
Recycle Unwanted Electronics at Shady Grove Processing Facility
A lot of electronic items are being purchased as gifts during the holiday season. That means that many older or no longer usable electronics will be on their way out. For more information on how to recycle your electronics, click here.
Ways to reduce your carbon footprint!
These four handouts provide dozens of simple, practical suggestions for reducing our personal carbon footprints and helping the environment in terms of recycling, transportation, food and water and home energy use. Click on the handout link to download the pdf.
1. Sustainable food practices 2. Transportation 3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 4. Home Energy
Organizations by young people that are doing good work in the world
Earth Echo: "Earth Echo builds capacity for the youth-led environmental movement – inviting young leaders worldwide to connect with and learn from a community of their peers; to co-create innovative campaigns focused on ocean health, water quality, and biodiversity; and to take on leadership roles driving the programs of an international non-profit organization focused on inspiring young people to act now for a sustainable future.". Click here to learn more.
Youth Action Net: YouthActionNet equips the world’s greatest asset—young people—to solve our greatest challenges. Click here to learn more.
