North Georgia Social Justice Cluster Meeting

Northwest members Jay Kiskel and Helen Borland joined 20 other Unitarian Universalists at the North Georgia Social Justice Cluster quarterly meeting on November 7, 2015 at Emerson UU Congregation. The social justice cluster meetings, which rotate locations, started in August 2014. The meetings provide a venue for UUs from the North Georgia area to exchange social justice ideas and action plans.

Jay Kiskel noted, “We have very few opportunities to meet on a regular basis and these quarterly meetings enable us to develop personal relationships as well as harness our collected social justice energies.”

The agenda for this quarterly meeting included a post-event discussion on this year’s Atlanta Pride parade that was held on October 11. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA) takes the lead in coordinating the participation of metro area UU congregations. A report from UUCA noted the overall cost of participation in the parade ($1,600) includes parade and booth registration fees, vehicle rental and the cost of handout materials.

A report was also published about the various ways North Georgia congregations share their plate for social justice action. Northwest just recently adopted a new “Share The Plate” approach in which 50% of all undesignated donations are given on a monthly basis to the selected Share the Plate recipient.

The cluster team discussed, but deferred action on, developing a statewide Legislative Advocacy Network. The consensus was that more attention was required on building energy and engagement of UUs on local actions.

More in-depth discussion on Black Lives Matters was deferred to the next meeting.

Helen Borland provided an overview on voter registration and participation. Among the facts presented:

  • Oct 11, 2016 is the voter registration deadline for the up-coming presidential election
  • Reasons why people do NOT vote:
    • Schedule conflicts with work, school
    • Not registered, registration problems, inconvenient voting place
    • Too busy, out-of-town, moved, no transportation, disability or illness
    • Do not like the candidates, do not know enough, don’t care

 

The next North Georgia Social Justice Cluster meeting will be on Saturday, February 6 from 10:00 am – 1:00pm at the Northwest UU Congregation.