UUA Programs & Services: Social Justice

CHAPTER 3: THE ROLE OF THE CONGREGATION

In the previous section we talked about the importance of integrating social justice into the life of the congregation. In this section we want to discuss the role of the congregation in making decisions about social justice issues.

There are a number of ways the members of the whole congregation can be involved in making decisions about social justice issues. These include:

Define the congregation’s mission in the world
Establish priorities for task forces
Make commitments to key projects
Vote on controversial issues
Provide funds for social justice programs
Determine policies for socially responsible investing
Make decisions about General Assembly Resolutions

Define the congregation’s mission in the world Writing a mission statement is one way a congregation can develop clarity about its social justice ministry. The process of writing a mission statement enables a group to clarify the purposes for which it exists. This is why our UUA Statement of Principles and Purposes is valuable.

The First Unitarian Church of Oakland, CA involved all of the members of the congregation in writing a mission statement. Neighborhood meetings were set up where people could discuss what they thought the congregation’s mission should be. A statement was drafted and then voted on at a congregational meeting.

Establish priorities for task forces Several congregations have developed methods to involve all the members of the church in picking issues for task forces to work on. The First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY involves its members in a three stage process for picking issues, which goes on for several months. The UU Church in West Brookfield, WI votes on project proposals at their annual meeting. These methods, and others, are described in detail in a later section of this manual.Make commitments to key projects From time to time a congregation may have to decide whether to make a commitment to a major project. This may include using congregational resources to fund a community group, allowing a community program to use space in the congregation’s building, or establishing a non-profit corporation.

In the late 1960’s All Souls Church in Washington, DC involved the members of the congregation in a two year process to decide whether to form a non-profit housing corporation. A committee was established to research the project. After enough information was collected a series of hearings were held. Finally the congregation voted to join with a local community organization and form a non-profit housing corporation to build a multi-million dollar project.

A number of other congregations have used similar processes to determine whether to build housing projects for senior citizens.

Vote on controversial issues Congregations also have to take votes on how the church will respond to controversial social issues. In recent years dozens of our congregations have grappled with whether to provide sanctuary for refugees from Central America, or create a Nuclear Free Zone. Such issues can be contentious. There is a whole section in this manual called "Strategies for Managing Conflict in Congregations About Social Issues" which provides suggestions on how to process these issues.Provide funds for social justice programs Typically, each year, at its annual meeting, the members of the congregation vote on a proposed budget for the coming year. In this voting process the members determine the importance of each of the congregation’s programs: religious education, building maintenance, adult programs, music, and social justice. Those concerned that there be a vital social justice program can urge the members of the congregation to make it a priority in the budget.Determine Policies for Socially Responsible Investing Members of congregations can take steps to ensure that the investment of the congregation’s endowment funds are consistent with their principles. Do you have people in your congregation working diligently for peace while the church’s endowment fund is invested in defense spending? Do members of your congregation believe in racial justice while your church money is invested in corporations that support apartheid in South Africa?

In my opinion, the members of the congregation as a whole should vote to determine the socially responsible investing policies for the congregation. These decisions are not just the responsibility of the investment committeeor of the board of the congregation. The way the congregation’s money is invested is an expression of the values of that religious community. Therefore, all the members of that community should have an opportunity to express their needs and concerns. But some finance committees resist this approach because they think the congregation’s endowment funds are "their money."

One approach to socially responsible investing is to avoid companies that have poor records on particular social issues. Some issues to consider are: investment in companies in South Africa, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, defense spending in general, environmental practices, economic development, labor and community relations, equal employment opportunities, occupational health and safety, infant formula abuse, human rights, alcohol, tobacco products, and gambling.

Another form of socially responsible investing is more affirmative in nature. Such investments are often called "socially positive investments" or "alternative investments." Here the investor is looking to invest in companies which contribute to a just, healthy, and peaceful society. Alternative investments include community development corporations, minority businesses, low income housing, worker owned businesses, renewable energy projects, and other socially positive ventures.

One sure way to insure that your funds are invested ethically is to make them part of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s investment pool. The UUA is a participant in the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility which monitors socially responsible investing. To find out more about this possibility contact the UUA’s Treasurer at 617-948-4305.

Make decisions about General Assembly Resolutions Each year members of our local societies and delegates to the General Assembly have an opportunity to participate in the UUA General Resolutions Process. There are a number of places where congregations can be actively involved in this process including proposing a resolution, voting in the Parish Poll, and using the Study/Action Guides.

Congregational projects which are based on a General Resolution can be funded by the UU Fund for Social Responsibility.

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees of the congregation also has a role in providing leadership for the congregation’s social justice program.

Since the Board and the ministers have the responsibility for the total life of the congregation they can work to make sure that social justice concerns are integrated into the overall program. This involves infusing social justice concerns into the education, worship, and community building aspects of the church’s life. It means creating a healthy balance among all of the congregation’s programs.

The Board also provides leadership in ensuring that the congregation is a "moral community" which exemplifies the values its members think are important. This includes non-discriminatory hiring practices, socially responsible investing policies for endowment funds, and purchasing church supplies with environmental values in mind.

The Board should make sure that a viable structure—including task forces and a coordinating mechanism—exists for the social justice program.

The Board can also ensure that the social justice program has enough financial resources to carry out its program. This includes adequate funding in the congregation’s budget and the provision for special fundraising events.

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Social Justice Empowerment Handbook