Social Justice


The Social Justice committee’s purpose is to help our congregation realize the last portion of our mission statement: "to equip ourselves to minister through the transformative power of love.”

Our congregation has identified three main areas of interest:

  • Hunger: We do periodic Saturday workdays at Good Shepherd Food Bank where we pre-inspect donated foods, and pack backpacks for schoolkids.
  • Healthcare: We host and support local events on this topic.
  • Reproductive Rights: We’re teaming up with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England to do work in this area.

We support economic justice by partnering with NASAP (New American Sustainable Agriculture Project) to provide space for a refugee farmer to sell her produce each Sunday from summer through fall.

We support social action by maintaining an activist list for sharing information on local rallies, demonstrations, and other opportunities. To be added to the activist list, email news@auburnuu.org.

Co-chairs of the Social Justice Committee are
Jane Pentheny, OD (janepentheny@verizon.net) & Toby Haber-Giasson (news@auburnuu.org)

2020-2021 Second Collection Cycle

Social Justice this year is doing something different with the Second Collection. In November, we asked committee chairs and others for suggestions of ways to use the money in support of the church that would align with our mission and values. Originally, we were planning to go through the voting process to pare down the list as we have in the past with the community nominations. However, we only received a few nominations, so the plan was revised. We will support each of these suggestions and continue to support the minister’s discretionary fund in the coming year through the second collection.

Social Justice is accepting feedback on this process so we can decide how to proceed in the future (2021). Please contact Sara Karam or Jane Pentheny with your thoughts and ideas.

Beneficiary Contact Person How the money will be used How this project aligns with the church's mission and values Collection Months
Souper Sunday Pastor Jodi February
Pastoral Ministry Ginny Starbird Help defray the costs of sending cards The inherent worth and dignity of every person March, June, October
Building and Grounds Greg Bianconi To repair cracks and repaint plaster on the north wall Getting more people involved in the church through the activity April, August, November
All church Retreat Anne Kinney Provide scholarship money Build church community, affirm UU values, celebrate our diversity May, September, January
Minister’s Discretionary Fund Pastor Jodi July, December