The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley has a rich history of commitment to and involvement in social justice. Some of our current work and projects are described below. Additionally, many members of the congregation are involved in social justice issues on their own.

If you would like to become more involved in the church's social action mission, please contact a member of the Social Action Committee or stop by our monthly meeting held on the 2nd Monday at 7:15 PM in the Friedemarie's Kitchen. Hope to see you there.

2014 Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) on "Escalating Inequality"
At the UU General Assembly in 2014, a CSAI was selected for four years of study, reflection and action. The issue is "Escalating Inequality." The Study Guide HERE has great resources for our congregation to use on this topic.

Promoting Social Justice, Peace, and Compassion for All - UUCLV

UUCLV Fourth Friday Film Series
Each fourth Friday at 7:15 PM (except December), we show a thought provoking film/video to raise awareness and promote action on a social, economic, environmental, or immigration justice issue. A discussion and ways to stay informed, get involved, and take action follow the film. Click HERE for information about the series.

UUCLV Men's Emergency Sheltering Program
As a partner of the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Program, each Wednesday night from December through the end of March, we provide a safe warm place and food for men with no place to be sheltered during the coldest part of the year. Click HERE for info about the program.

HAVEN at UUCLV
In 2001 through a congregational vote, the UUCLV officially became a "Welcoming Congregation" to GLBT persons. Shortly thereafter, the UUCLV formed HAVEN (Hope, Acceptance, Validation, Equality, Nurturing), a unique opportunity for GLBT youth to meet once a week in a safe and supportive environment. Click HERE for more on HAVEN programs and activities.

Shared Plate - Monthly Social Action Focus
Each Sunday, one-half of the non-pledge plate collection during our service is donated to a cause or group (both local and national/international) chosen by the members of the Social Action Committee. This is a way for the entire congregation to directly participate in the justice work of the UUCLV.

Fair Trade Coffee Sale
Our church strives to serve Fair Trade coffee for all events. Please consider a small (like 50¢) donation to the basket near the coffee to enable the church to continue purchasing fair trade coffee, thus supporting small coffee growers around the world. Fair Trade coffee and chocolate from "Equal Exchange" are available to purchase each Sunday at the Grocery Card table at a reasonable price.

Annual Global Mama Fair Trade Sale
Each year the Social Action Committee holds a sale to benefit Global Mamas, a non-profit organization seeking to "transform the lives of women in Africa by creating sustainable income opportunities which lead to financial independence." Global Mamas increases wages and generates new jobs through the production and export of fair trade products, improving the standard of living for women, their families, and the larger community. Click HERE to read more about Global Mamas.

Turning Point Back-to-School and Holiday Projects
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is a safe place where victims of domestic violence and their children can find refuge. Before start of the school year, the generous member and friends of the UUCLV donate gifts, money and supplies to the families affected by domestic violence. The impact of these gifts cannot be measured. It shows the children and women that there are kind and caring people in their community and gives them hope. Click HERE for the Turning Point website.

Promoting Social Justice and Peace - Alliance with PA, National and International UU's

The Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network (UUPLAN)
The UUPLAN is our state advocacy group that works to support our UU values in Pennsylvania state policies and legislation. Click HERE for more on the UUPLAN. Consider signing up for the UUPLAN monthly e-newsletter, becoming a member, and joining one of the 6 issue teams.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
The UUSC is our national advocacy organization. It advances human right and social justice in the United States and around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. Click HERE for more on the UUSC.

The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO)
The UU-UNO is engaged in international advocacy work at the United Nations based on Unitarian Universalist values. Click HERE for more on the UU-UNO.

Supporting other Lehigh Valley Peace and Social Justice Efforts

Lehigh Conference of Churches (LCC)
Lehigh Conference of Churches addresses food and nutrition, housing, mental and physical health barriers which prevent LV citizens from succeeding. The mission of the LCC is to unite communities of faith as ecumenical partners. Putting our faith info action, we minister to and advocate for those in need and encourage all to reach their full potential. Click HERE for the LCC website

Pride In The Park Lehigh Valley
Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley has been organizing the Pride Fest since 1993. What began as a small community festival has evolved into the dynamic, arts and culture celebration of today. The event includes vendors, merchants, artisans, business service, and community groups, games and live entertainment. The UUCLV supports Pridefest, marching in the opening parade and having a booth at the festival. Click HERE for the Pride Fest website.

Silent Witness Peacekeepers
Silent Witness PA (SWPA) is an organization of gay and straight allies dedicated to providing a non-confrontational buffer between those who condemn others based on their sexual orientation or identity and those they condemn. The UUCLV has members trained by Silent Witness PA and has held Silent Witness training in our church. Click HERE for the Silent Witness website.

Women' Center Escorts
Several mornings each week, members of the UUCLV provide escorts for women with appointments at the Allentown Women's Center. These woman are accosted by fervent radicals opposed to all forms of birth control and women's reproductive issues.

Second Harvest Food Bank
We encourage people of the Lehigh Valley to help those in need of food by contributing money to the Second Harvest. It is the most effective way to support this great organization. Click HERE for the website.

Trinity Episcopal Soup Kitchen
Trinity Episcopal is our neighbor on Market Street. They have a weekday soup kitchen from noon to 1:00 PM which we support each year through our "shared-plate offering." Click HERE for the Trinity Soup Kitchen website.

Annual Nazareth to Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage
For more than 50 years, peace-seeking people have been gathering in Nazareth in December to walk the 10 miles to Bethlehem, PA. This pilgrimage, symbolic of the journey of Mary and Joseph, emphasizes the heart of what Christmas really means. Walk with your family, friends, and others who seek a more peaceful world. Frequent rest stops and relief transportation are available. Click HERE for the Peace Pilgrimage website.