Social Responsibility
Unitarian Universalism has a long history of social action for peace and justice. Our groups welcome new members!
Groups Acting at the Local Level
The Mental Health Working Group: was formed to support the Ancoura supportive-housing initiative for people living with mental illness. This group also works to bring greater awareness of the problems that face those living with a mental illness and to counter the stigma associated with this illness.
Poverty Awareness Working Group: We create awareness in the congregation and take action on poverty and affordable housing issues.
Click here for the Poverty Awareness Working Group's Mandate Statement.
Refugee Working Group: We facilitate the settlement of individual refugees and/or families through such tasks as arrangements for housing, banking, schooling and health issues.
Environmental Action Group (EAG): EAWG is tackling the Climate Change Crisis, which was adopted in October 2019 by the Congregation as its principal focus for Social Responsibility activities up to & including 2023. This promotes our UU seventh principle: respect for the interdependent web of all existence. The EAWG is leading First U activities and programming, with the support of the Social Responsibility Coordinating Team and Council.
Welcoming Congregation Working Group: The Welcoming Congregation Working Group actively promotes the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) peoples in all their diversities in our church, involves itself in out-reach to like-minded community groups and educates the congregation on related issues.
Adopt-a-Riverbank Project: Our congregation has “adopted” three kilometres of the Ottawa riverbank from Woodroffe Ave. to Dominion Ave. Currently, an informal group of volunteers takes on a spring clean-up of the shoreline.
Groups Acting at the Global Level
Global Justice Working Group: We encourage congregational members to deliberate on issues of social justice, advocate for social change, and join with other people of faith and goodwill.
Unitarian GoGos Working Group: We raise funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the needs of African grandmothers and vulnerable and orphaned children, and stand in solidarity with the Grandmothers of sub-Saharan Africa.
UU-United Nations Office Working Group: We assist our congregation in learning about and participating in major United Nations issues such as human rights, peace, equity, and the environment.
Child Haven Working Group: We work to inform people of the efforts to raise and educate children in Child Haven International homes in several Asian countries.
