Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (RVUUF) Ashland, OR

Our fifth principle is all about conscience, and the democratic process in our congregations and society at large. Our congregation seems to hold this principle dear but how is democracy doing in our society at large? Let us explore our world and figure out the ways to affirm and promote democracy in our world on this Memorial Day weekend.

A forum about the "Move to Amend" resolution follows the service.

Sat, Apr 14, 5pm. Our Social Justice & Action Committee in conjunction with the South Mountain Friends Meeting is pleased to present Israeli professor Dalit Baum. Dr. Baum teaches "Gender and the Global Economy" at Haifa Univ. and Beit Berl College in Israel. She is active in many Israeli organizations including Coalition of Women for Peace and Zochrot. She is currently working with Global Exchange and is the coordinator of the Middle East Program of the American Friends Service Committee.

The talk is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by Dr. Gene & Bonnie Robbins. Please join us in peace for this unusual opportunity. Please contact Natalie Tyler with any questions.

Stimulated by the very informative presentation by Sarah Schendel (Immigration lawyer) and Diana (Dream youth) on the issues facing undocumented immigrants, our next session will focus on brainstorming ideas for actions to foster social justice for this population. These could include possible development of an interfaith coalition and more. Anyone concerned about the issue of unjust treatment of immigrants is invited to attend.

Mon, Apr 9, 7pm. The two-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill will be marked both in the U.S. and abroad with free* readings of Caridad Svich's new play, The Way of Water.

The play, about the lives of two Louisiana gulf fishermen and their wives directly addresses the aftermath of the oil spill and its effects on human health and the environment in the US Gulf region. The production is directed by Ashland resident Joanna Goff, a teacher/actor/director who is interested in theatre that explores social justice and relevant contemporary issues. Featured local actor/readers will be Eddie Lee, Fiona Fire, Thomas Letchworth and Jazmin Roque.

*NoPassport Theatre Alliance & Press is making the play available for local presentations free of charge during the month of April. Donations to benefit Occupy Ashland are requested. The author, a prolific Latina playwright, translator, lyricist and editor, is a winner of many awards, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this presentation. The Social Justice and Action Committee at RVUUF is sponsoring the free reading. For more information contact Andy Seles.

Sat, Feb 25, 9am-3pm. Join the Rev. Deborah Holder in this workshop at Atkinson Memorial Church, Oregon City that addresses: “Building Beloved Community: How Do We Talk About Race, Class and Privilege?”, “Shifting the Paradigm: Small Group Ministry and Social Change as Vocation”, and “At Home in Creativity”. Your congregational team can attend this day-long workshop for only $100 – total! And lunch is included!

Online flyer. RSVP needed to the district office by Friday, February 17 to let us know how many to expect. Leslie and Louise are planning to attend this workshop. If you are interested, contact them as soon as possible.

Tue, Feb 21, 4:30pm. Interested in supporting families and children at risk? Want to make a long term difference in children’s lives by affecting their early development? Come learn the model used by Family Nurturing Center, and then you can volunteer to help kids and parents.

Learn the skills to help children with the PCIT PRIDE Skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe with Enthusiasm
Discussion led by Therapist Wendy Bonsi, MSW
Sandwiches and goodies provided
RSVP to Rita Vance: Cell: (541)-301-8940

Fri, Feb 10, 7-10pm. 3rd Annual Bodacious Rainbow Ball. Celebrate the Mardi Gras Season with Us. Flyer

General Admission: $15 ◈ Students: $5 ◈ Children Under 12: Free
Proceeds Benefit Lotus Rising Project (Youth Led Social Justice Org.)

Blue Lightning Dance Band

Tickets Available at the Door ◈ Tobacco, Alcohol & Drug Free ◈ Childcare Available

Wed, Dec 14, 7pm. Southern OR Jobs with Justice, along with RVUUF's Social Justice and Action Committee (SJ&A) and several other co-sponsors, will host a forum as part of the Oregon Single Payer Campaign. Last June, following a three-year campaign, the Vermont legislature voted to create a universal health care program. Kate Kanelstein and Sarah Weintraub, Vermont Workers Center organizers, will talk about "How Vermont Won Health Care For All”, followed by discussion of what we can learn and apply from their experience. This is open to all, so spread the word! $10 Donation requested.

Sat, Dec 10, 3pm. The Speaker will be Deborah Brown, Leo Nevas Human Rights Fellow, UNA-USA, regarding Human Rights and the Responsibility to Protect. The event at RVUUF is open to the public. Co-sponsored with the Southern OR chapter of the United Nations Association of the US.

Sun, Dec 4, noon. Over 40,000 prisoners of conscience are free because of letters written by Amnesty International. You can help. Please join our international Write-A-Thon immediately after the services. You may take information home with you, or join others in writing letters at tables set up at RVUUF. Everything will be provided. We just need you. Your letters count.