MUUSJA Connection
Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance 
 June 7, 2011
 
Greetings!

You are invited to the Spring Membership Meeting of MUUSJA! It's been a busy legislative session (and a special session awaits, with perhaps a shutdown or showdown, too?) and MUUSJA and our amazing volunteers have much to be proud of.  Join us this Sunday for a light lunch and a power-hour of review, renewal and readying for the next program year.

We have two wonderful candidates seeking election to the MUUSJA board this Sunday.  If you have an interest in serving MUUSJA as a board member, the nominating committee has posted a packet detailing the opportunities and responsibilities, and a short application. Nominations for these two-year terms are accepted throughout the year, and elections are at spring and fall membership meetings.

Though schools are winding down, and summer weather has arrived, there's still plenty on tap for June. This weekend meet Rev. Mark Kiyimba, a Unitarian Universalist Minister from Kampala, Uganda. Next weekend, hear Standing on the Side of Love's former campaign manager Adam Gerhardstein preach at White Bear UU, then head to First Unitarian for an art opening responding to issues of torture.

This and more is in store in June, listed below, plus even more partner events and actions are posted on our home page calendar and on Facebook.


Ralph Wyman
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MUUSJA Director/Organizer
612-998-6624

Uganda: Fundamentalist Missionaries Fueling Homophobia

Rev. Mark Kiyimba

A Samuel Morgan Community Forum
Saturday, June 11
9:30 - 11:30am
Unity Church-Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue, Saint Paul

Rev. Mark Kiyimba, Unitarian Universalist Minister from Kampala, Uganda and friend of the deceased LGBT rights leader David Kato will speak of the challenges facing LGBT people, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and how anti-gay church teachings have influenced the spread of HIV/AIDS among adults and children in his country. Learn how Unitarian Universalist and other faith leaders are Standing on the Side of Love in Uganda.

Rev. Kiyimba will also also preach at First Unitarian, 900 Mount Curve, Minneapolis, on Sunday, June 12, at 10:30 a.m.
GMM 

MUUSJA Spring Membership Meeting

Sunday, June 12
Noon - 1:15pm
First Universalist, Chalice Room
3400 Dupont Ave S, Minneapolis

Light lunch at noon, program 12:15-1:15.  We'll share our annual report of all the great activities and actions of our working groups, elect new board members, and discuss plans for the coming program year, including fighting the marriage amendment, a possible voter ID law, and more. A new Native American concerns working group of MUUSJA, based in north-central Minnesota is forming up too!
Our meeting is timed to afford you the option to also attend:


OAP Racial Equity Gathering

Sunday, June 12
1:30 - 5:30pm
First Universalist, 3400 Dupont Ave S, Minneapolis

The Organizing Apprenticeship Project (OAP) Racial Equity Gathering provides an opportunity for the networks and allies of racial justice groups to connect and share with others, act together and build a common agenda.
  • An opportunity for organizers, community leaders and youth to co-create and add to/build the existing Proactive Racial Equity Agenda
  • Space for cross-cultural and cross-issue training and sharing
  • Opportunities to connect and share with other racial justice leaders
  • A presentation to Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Commissioner of Education, focusing on achieving equity in Minnesota schools
$5 requested to offset costs. RSVP appreciated to (612) 746-4224 or freeman@oaproject.org

 

  

Still Standing on the Side of Love:

Building a movement from the ground up 

Sunday, June 19
9:30am Sunday Service
White Bear UU Church
328 Maple Street, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 map

Adam Gerhardstein was the founding Campaign Manager of the UUA's Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. He left the campaign to attend Law School at the University of St. Thomas. Adam will speak about the privileges of being a straight white man while working for justice in the LGBT community. Music from OVation. 



Torture Art ShowCanvas(ing) Against Torture:

torture makes victims of us all

Sunday, June 19
11:30 am - 2:00pm
First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis
900 Mt Curve, Minneapolis

Opening reception and program in recognition of the U.N.'s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26th). Also, closing reception and program July 24, 11:30 am.
Exhibitors: Ann Mohler, Terri Stark, Jane Evershed, Kirk Anderson, Hend Al-Mansour, Leili T. Pritschet, Sandra Barnhouse.


Pride Celebrations!
Watch for future issues of our e-news for plenty of UU justice news, calendar items, and links.
 
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