Affiliations for Social Justice

Community Ministries of Rockville (CMR): CMR is an interfaith coalition of Rockville congregations founded in 1967 to serve those in need in Rockville and Montgomery County. UUCR is a member congregation and contributes financially. CMR operates an emergency assistance program, latino outreach program, elderly ministries to enable frail elderly to remain in their home, Chase Partnership House for homeless men, Jefferson House – transitional housing for homeless men, and Hope Housing. UUCR members bring meals to Chase men’s shelter and participate in other CMR programs. The Choir sings at the annual Thanksgiving Eve service held at one of the congregations. Contact: Antonio Carrillo.

Community Ministry of Montgomery County (CMMC): CMMC is an interfaith coalition of congregations in Montgomery County founded in 1972 whose mission is to pursue social justice by leading and engaging faith communities in Montgomery County in service, education and advocacy. UUCR is a member congregation and contributes financially. CMMC operates the Community Based Shelter in Rockville for homeless men and women. UUCR along with other churches agree to provide meals for the shelter for one week during the year. CMMC also operates an emergency assistance program, Friends in Action (a family mentoring program), Horizon House, Interfaith Clothing Center, as well as education and training on advocacy, issue identification, etc. Contact: Charlie Eisenhauer.

UUs for Social Justice (UUSJ): UUSJ is a membership organization of over 20 UU congregations, organizations and individuals in the Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia area. The mission is to provide leadership and coordination for collective action that strengthens UU social justice efforts. UUSJ supports and coordinates collaborative activities involving UU's from across the region and provides direct service to leaders of member congregations to help them enhance their local social justice programs. UUSJ supports task groups on Global Warming, Freedom to Marry, Affordable Health Care and Affordable Housing. UUSJ sponsors workshops, networking events and facilitates sharing of information. The website, www.uusj.org has information on social justice activities throughout the region. UUCR is a member of UUSJ. Contact: Terrie Barr or Dorothy Millon Ladd

UU Affordable Housing Corporation (UUAHC): UUAHC seeks to improve the lives of low and moderate income families and individuals in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area by promoting livable and inclusive communities with affordable housing, quality childcare, greenspace, and access to economic opportunity. UUAHC is a non-profit lender that channels resources from socially responsible investors and donors to community based developers of affordable housing. Since its founding 13 years ago, UUAHC has lent over $5.5 million dollars to experienced nonprofit developers at below-market rates. Contact: Terrie Barr.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC): UUSC, founded over 60 years ago, advances human rights and social justice around the world partnering with local grassroots organizations in four program areas. UUSC stands with these communities to confront unjust power structures and to challenge oppressive policies. Program areas: advancing economic justice; defending civil liberties and access to democratic processes; promoting environmental justice; protecting rights in humanitarian crises. The primary UUSC activity at UUCR is the annual Guest At Your Table program conducted at Thanksgiving. Families and children learn about international social justice issues by hosting and feeding a “Guest At Your Table” box at their dinner table for a month. Those who donate $40 or more become members; approximately 13% of UUCR members and friends are members. Several UUCR members have participated in UUSC-sponsored Stop Torture Permanently Campaign events. Go to uusc.org or contact: Mary Lanigan, 301-972-5442.

Amnesty International (AI): AI works on human rights abuses, especially torture, asylum seekers, indigenous peoples, and the death penalty. AI, Group 82 meets monthly at UUCR on the third Sunday of the month at 12 noon. Participants study local, national and international human rights issues, petition and write personal letters asking officials to stop human rights abuses. Contact: Roald Schrack.