Change the World
First Unitarian Church of Oakland received the Moral Beacon Award from the Pacific Central District of Unitarian Universalists. This award recognizes our "extraordinary courage and commitment in the work of creating a better world" through our many Justice programs and through our generosity (of time, spirit, and money). We are proud to have been recognized on behalf of all the church members and friends who work to make our community and our world a better place -- both through programs at the church and in their own lives.
Ella Baker Center Partnership
If you are interested in having an active role in the EBC partnership Faith Action Team or simply want to know more please contact any of the members of the steering committee -- Micky Duxbury (mickydux@earthlink.net) or Rev. Kurt Kuhwald (revkak@earthlink.net). Rev. Jacqueline (community@uuoakland.org) will be working closely with the steering committee. Learn more about the Ella Baker Center and their campaigns.
Justice Council
The Justice Council convenes, coordinates and builds community between the justice ministries of the church. Council includes: key leaders from Ella Baker Center partnership Faith Action Team, Boost! West Oakland, Center for Urban and Family Life, UU Legislative Ministry of California (UULM), UU Service Committee, Earth Justice/Green Sanctuary, Neighborhood campaigns, and Project Harvest Hope. Contact person: Rev. Jacqueline Duhart - community@uuoakland.org.
Boost! West Oakland (formerly the Lafayette School Mentoring Project)
Boost! West Oakland works to increase academic achievement and attendance in the students that attend the Lafayette School (K-5) in West Oakland, CA. Provides no-cost one-on-one academic and enrichment programs to low income West Oakland elementary students at the School. Learn more about Boost! West Oakland.
UU Legislative Ministry of California (UULM)
A statewide justice ministry to empower the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena. Members advocate and lobby on political issues in California. Current focus areas: Marriage equality, healthcare reform and water justice. Contact person (s): Tom Haw for Marriage Equality, and Laurel Egenberger for Healthcare.
Center for Urban and Family Life (CUFL)
A separate 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation sponsored by the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. The corporate entity under which two of our Justice programs function: McClymonds Merit Awards Scholarship Program and GotCOM computer online mentoring program. Both programs are designed to develop skills and opportunities for students in West Oakland schools. Contact person(s): Ben Thompson for Got Com, and Jane Voytek for McClymonds Scholarship.
UU Service Committee (UUSC)
International human rights organization supported by Unitarian Universalists worldwide. In November and December we host the Guest At Your Table (GAYT) campaign. Contact person: Evelyn Sheridan.
Earth Justice Associates/Green Sanctuary
Members who work within and beyond the church to deepen our respect and care for the earth. Activities include recycling at the church, educational programs, forums, community-building and legislative advocacy. Contact person: Brett Andrews.
Neighborhood Campaigns
Community action group to raise awareness about issues in our neighborhood. Works to build alliances with neighborhood and community groups in Oakland. Contact person: Bill Chorneau or Ann Parsons Greer.
Project Harvest Hope
Sustainable economic development project that supports rural life in the Unitarian homelands of Transylvania. Promotes local initiative and ownership, working in partnership with CIVITAS: Foundation for Civil Society, a Romanian Non-Governmental Organization. Contact person: Bev Smrha.
