At USG, social justice is central to who we are. Our members put faith into action in many ways, from weekly vigils and local mutual aid to advocacy in Harrisburg and beyond. Wherever your concern for the world leads you, there is a place for you in this work. Here is what our own committees and groups are leading right now.

MLK Day of Service

Each January, several hundred volunteers come together for our signature day of service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by serving community organizations across our area. Learn more on our MLK Day of Service page.

Ending Racism Committee (ERC)

Active at USG since 2000, the ERC works to identify and fight racism in ourselves and our communities through readings, discussions, workshops, trainings, healing practices, teach-ins, service, and public witness. Its mission is to dismantle racism in all its forms (individual, institutional, and systemic) through self-examination, education, advocacy, public witness, and service, toward a society in which racial justice and equality are the reality for all. The ERC also maintains a lending library of more than 100 books, available Sundays after service and in the Sullivan lobby. Contact Treva Burger at endingracism@usguu.org, or join ERC Zoom meetings at bit.ly/USGEndingRacism.

End Gun Violence

USG’s End Gun Violence group tracks common-sense firearm legislation and creates opportunities for legislative advocacy in Harrisburg and in local communities, working as part of the UUJusticePA coalition. To get involved, email endgunviolence@usguu.org.

Hunger and Housing

We collect nonperishable food donations for St. Vincent’s Food Pantry every second Tuesday. Bring smaller containers with visible expiration dates to USG on Sunday mornings, or on weekdays from 10am to 2pm. USG also hosts families seeking permanent housing through Family Promise of Philadelphia, and takes part each year in Rebuilding Philly block builds, typically in mid-October. Contact rebuildingphilly@usguu.org.

Immigration Justice

USG’s Immigration Justice group works to protect Philadelphia’s status as a sanctuary city and to support our immigrant neighbors, coordinating with the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia.

Vigils

Join our weekly vigils in front of USG at 6511 Lincoln Drive. All are welcome, pets included.

• Black Lives Matter Vigil, Tuesdays from 5 to 6pm (4 to 5pm once daylight saving time ends in November)
• We Stand with Ukraine Vigil, Fridays from 5 to 6pm (4 to 5pm once daylight saving time ends in November)

For weather updates and details, check our Facebook event pages for the Black Lives Matter Vigil and the We Stand with Ukraine Vigil.