Volunteer Message

• We encourage CUUC members and friends to learn about and become personally involved in social justice outreach activities.
• We serve as a repository for information about social justice programs outside of CUUC.
• We research areas within the broad theme of healing injustice that might be of interest to our congregation.
• We share our research with members and friends and listen to their responses.
• We coordinate the scheduling of charitable appeals to the congregation.
• We provide Helpful Hints for Starting a CUUC Social Action Project, a compilation of suggested elements to consider when starting a new project.
• We nurture project participants through mentoring, training, and spiritual reflection.

Support the Denver Indian Center

Our Split the Plate recipient for May 2013 will be the Denver Indian Center, Inc., which has been an established non-profit in Denver since October 1983. The mission statement of the Denver Indian Center is "to empower our youth, families and community through self-determination, cultural identity and education."

Many native families come to the Center seeking economic stability, education, and security for their families. This program serves as a clearinghouse for a wide variety of information and resources, while maintaining diverse cultural underpinnings of tribal individuals.

Please plan to donate generously to this worthy program. If you're unable to attend on May 19th and would like to contribute, please mail or deliver your check or cash with the notation on it to "Denver Indian Center STP."

Presentation by Dr. Kathleen Hynes, ACLU

Following the June 9th Service the Congregation is Invited to Attend a Presentation in the Sanctuary Regarding Certain Targets of Discrimination in our Society: JustAct invites all Columbine members and friends, and members of the community, to a presentation by Dr. Kathleen Hynes, a noted speaker from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). We have asked Dr. Hynes to focus her talk on the groups in our society who have been targets of discrimination over the year. Her primary focus will be on three social groups, for which JustACT has Advocates: the LGBTQ community (Bea Ward); Latino Immigrant groups (Maureen Flanigan) and Women's reproductive rights to have abortions (Monica Pearson).

Following Dr. Hynes' presentation there will be time for questions, after which, our three Advocates will welcome those attending to join one of three new Small Group Ministries to learn more about the impacts of these discriminatory behaviors, and steps we can take toward making a difference for them. The Small Group Ministries will have regular meetings for discussion and planning meaningful projects to support these minority groups.

A light lunch will be served for those attending, and childcare will be provided. Please sign up on the sheet on the ledge on the south side of the Sanctuary so we can have sufficient food, and childcare.

Book Discussion at First Universalist: Professor Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre, who teaches ethics at Iliff School of Theology will be discussing his book "Trails of Hope and Terror" from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, May 18, at the First Universalist Church of Denver on the corner of Colorado Blvd and Hampden Ave. Coffee and bagels will be available at 8:30 am. Among other things, he will discuss whether or not separation of children and parents constitutes child abuse, and whether NAFTA driving almost 2 million farmers off their land is a crime against humanity. All are welcome, there is no charge.

News from JustACT Immigration Advocate, Maureen Flanigan:

New Hope Baptist Church is offering a free screening of "The House I Live In" on Wednesday, May 21:

This documentary offers a poignant look inside US drug policies and the far-reaching impact on families and communities. Last March, JustACT sponsored a "CUUC Read" The New Jim Crow examining this issue. Since 1972, the War on Drugs has accounted for 45 million arrests and has cost more than one trillion dollars. As a result, the United States has become the world's largest jailer. The high volume of drug arrests has destroyed low-income communities, creating a vicious cycle. Executive producers include Danny Glover, John Legend, Brad Pitt, Russell Simmons, and Joslyn Barnes. Dr. Vincent Harding from Veterans of Hope will offer his insights at the screening. Additionally, public officials and advocate groups at the screening will provide commentary and information.

JustACT Immigration Advocacy

Join us at the GEO Detention Center Vigils on the
First Mondays of the Month!

February’s Detention Center Vigil on February 4th

All Members and Friends of CUUC are invited to attend February’s Detention Center Vigil on February 4th at 6:00 pm, at 11901 E. 39th Ave., Aurora, CO 80010. We will meet in the church parking lot at 5:15 pm to carpool or to drive. Take I-70 and exit at Peoria, and drive south to the corner of 30th and Peoria. This is the largest vigil of the year, and will be a poignant witness to our immigrant brothers and sisters who have been forgotten while awaiting deportation. Cheers and thanks to those in the congregation who made 28 Valentines after the January 13th Service to send to our brothers and sisters at the GEO Detention Center! For more information contact Maureen Flanigan at 303-972-9453.

Contact Maureen Flanigan for more information:
303-972-9453 or buckner-flanigan[at]juno.com

No se desanime. No esta olvidado. Do not be discouraged. You are not forgotten.

March 3rd Service Presented by the Welcoming Congregation Committee Revealed Risks and Pain for the LBGTQs in Our Culture, and the Importance of Passing the Civil Union Legislation in Colorado

As part of the service, Father Ron Ivins gave a lay testimonial about his life in San Francisco in the 1960’s, when discrimination of the LGBTQ community was terrifying, and, as late as 1978, resulted in the killing of Harvey Milk, a gay rights advocate and gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

The sermon was written and presented by Bea Ward, a new and active member of JustACT and Welcoming Congregation. Bea reviewed the history of discrimination, violence, and deaths that has threatened the daily lives of those in the LGBTQ community, and the impact on families having a member or members in that community. And she spoke about the painful experience of having a lesbian sister who was rejected by her parents.
Bea then addressed the present status of the current Colorado Civil Union Bill (SB11), which was in the process of being approved, after having been rejected by the House the last two years.

After the service, members of the congregation signed postcards addressed to their Colorado State Senators and Representatives, voicing their support for the bill. On March 21, 2013, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed SB11 into law, creating civil unions for gay and lesbian couples in our state. One Colorado is planning a “Civil Soiŕee” party to be held on April 30, the eve of civil unions becoming law. The event will be held at McNichols Building Civic Center and will include dinner, music, cake and even a photo booth! When the clock strikes midnight, revelers will head to Denver’s Webb Building and begin applying for their civil union licenses.

  Immigration

The Colorado ASSET legislation, a state tuition bill that will allow young immigrants living in Colorado to pay in-state tuition for college, passed in the Colorado House on March 8th by a 40-21 vote margin, its last step before arriving on the desk of Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has vowed to sign it!
On March 18th powerful immigrant leaders and law enforcement, testified in support of the Community and Law Enforcement Trust Act. This was a HUGE first step at the state Capitol with the member-led Community and Law Enforcement Trust Act (HB13-1258) passing out of the House State Affairs Committee with a bipartisan 9-2 vote! The Trust Act will repeal Colorado's harmful "show me your papers" law and restore trust and dignity for all Colorado communities! Unitarian Universalists and members of other faith communities have testified or been present on behalf of thousands of families across Colorado. The second reading of bill was re-calendared to Thursday, March 21st. Please stay tuned for updates.

Unfortunately the Income Protection Act, (HB 13-1227) a wage theft prevention bill, was postponed indefinitely, so work will shift into helping that campaign work on delegations and direct actions in coordination with El Centro Humanitario, the day laborer center, to recover unpaid wages. Wage theft is a serious issue in Colorado so it will be on the agenda for a legislative fix again next year.

Our congregation along with other faith groups have been invited to support “Driver’s Licenses for All” an immigrant led campaign to pass a bill that would allow the undocumented to access drivers licenses. That bill is expected to be introduced in the Colorado legislature on April 1st. It will make our roads safer, generate more state revenue and stimulate the economy by providing driver’s licenses for undocumented Colorado residents. It is estimated that as many as 150,000 additional Colorado residents would qualify for a state ID or driver’s license. The bill requires Colorado residents to establish their community ties and identity in order to get a license or ID. ~ Maureen Flanigan, JustACT Advocacy

Just ACT Planning Meetings

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 to 8:00pm at church.

What are you up to? Can you fit some Just ACTion into your life? We have opportunities for you to make a difference in someone’s life and to influence how our kids live. Spend a few hours a month and discover what you get back spiritually. Or, if you’re the curious or committed to action type, come to our meeting and discover what we’re really up to as we plan for 2010 and our future.

Social justice programs are the reflection of Unitarian Universalism principles put into practice. As a coordinating team, Just ACT offers support and assistance to those who wish to learn about, participate in, and create service, charitable, or advocacy projects. Team members are individually involved with diverse projects and meet regularly to share information, strategies and experiences. Members and friends with ideas for new projects are particularly welcomed. We‘d like to hear your ideas and passions, so please feel free to contact sarahmanning@sprynet.com or just show up on Wednesday!

Environmental Team

 JustAct’s Environmental Team Co-Sponsors
“The City Dark” Presentation at CUUC

Twenty-six people attended a showing of the full theatrical version of the film “The City Dark,” which explores the question: do we need the dark sky? Filmmaker Ian Cheney answers in the affirmative, providing poignant cinematic evidence of the negative economic, environmental, medical, astronomical, and spiritual costs of increasing light pollution.
The program, which was co-sponsored by the JustAct Environmental Team and the Denver Astronomical Society (DAS), also featured an introduction to the various kinds of light pollution and their amelioration by Justin Modra, an introduction to the International Darksky Association’s advocacy activities by DU Professor Dr. Robert Stencel, a summary by Darrell Dodge of results from a recent National Geographic light pollution survey in which he and other DAS members participated, and a discussion of local light pollution issues and activism opportunities by Pam Chadbourne.
The DAS is extremely grateful to CUUC and George Mandeville’s JustAct Environmental Team for co-sponsoring the event and providing the wonderful space; and to Adam Dressel for his assistance with the CUUC AV system.

Ethical Eating

Tips from our Justice Action Team’s E.E. Guru

With many holidays around the corner and cold weather arriving, our eating habits change from fresh salads to warm stews and chili. Below are resources to find ethically raised and grown meats and veggies for the holiday and winter season.

Ethically raised meat:

Amy & Ellen’s grass finished beef: 970-881-2147 Sell whole, half and quarters of beef.

Arriola Sunshine Farm: 970-882-4222 Sell sheep, live turkey, fruits and vegetables

B Bar S Ranch: 303-442-1995 Sell beef as halves.

Bare Bottom Ranch: 719-541-4761 Sells goat milk, soap and lotion, wool, eggs and meat.

Craig Angus Ranch: 970-402-1098 Grass fed Beef

Desert Weyr, LLC: 970-527-3573 Mutton and wool

Grunniens Ranch: 303-646-6226 Yak meat

High Wire Ranch: 970-835-7600 Buffalo and Elk meat

Indian Ridge Farm and Bakery: 970-327-0336 poultry, turkey, veggies, bakery

Check out other resources at: www.eatwild.com.

Currently there are not a lot of resources for finding prepared holiday foods that are ethically produced. However, the following resources are great for local Colorado food:

http://www.localsustainability.net http://www.growlocalcolorado.org  http://www.colocalmarket.com/Default.aspx

Happy holidays EVERYONE! May ethically raised and produced food grace your table!

Maura Stack-Oden, JustACT

CUUC gives a great deal of support to three specific programs within IFCS: outfitting children returning to school; buying turkeys for the food baskets given to over 500 families at Thanksgiving; and sponsoring families at Christmas with two gifts for every child and coupons for groceries. Contributions of clothing, household items, and non-perishable foods are always welcome in the wicker basket in the CUUC foyer.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please contact Frances Blizard at 303/795-8221 or justact@columbineuuchurch.org  for more information.

Project Angel Heart

CUUC Involvement in Project Angel Heart

JustACT Welcomes Taylor Powers as Co-Team Leader of Project Angel Heart with Jim Hopkins!!!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Project Angel Heart (303-830-0202) to sign up for a required volunteer orientation at the PAH Headquarters near Colorado Blvd and I-70. Orientations last about 90 minutes and are required for all new volunteers. Volunteers who will be the drivers should bring their driver’s license and proof of insurance to the orientation. Please note that you must RSVP for the orientation.

Upcoming orientations are:

First Saturday of the month at 10:00 am
Second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm
Fourth Wednesdays of the month, 5:30 pm

Once you have been through the orientation, contact Jim Hopkins to find out about signing for one of our CUUC Saturday delivery days. The time required on the Saturday that you volunteer will be approximately 2 hours, from 1-3pm.

For more information about this volunteer opportunity at CUUC or for any questions, please contact Jim Hopkins by email at jahpk@att.net or at 303-589-5971.

Services for Hire is CUUC’s fund raising program in support of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights and social justice around the world by partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. UUSC is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA).

Services for Hire matches individuals’ needs with skilled CUUCers who can fill those needs. CUUC members and friends offer their services to each other for smaller fees than would normally be charged commercially. Checks for services performed are made payable to UUSC and become donations instead of payment to the volunteers. Current services include tutoring, house cleaning, home repairs, pruning, meal preparation, pet care, window washing, transportation, and carpentry. If you have a need, please contact Les Jones or Sarah Manning at and we will do our best to connect you with someone who can help.

If you’d like to contribute, please consider the talents and skills you’ve developed that you can donate as you help out a fellow CUUCer and the UUSC. A complete list of volunteers and services can be found at: http://www.columbineuuchurch.org/uusc.html#Volunteer_Service_Roster.

Please contact Sarah Manning at justact@columbineuuchurch.org  to be added to our list of wonderful volunteers!

JustACT Tutoring Program Can Still Use More Tutors
Volunteer Tutors from CUUC are working in Dutch Creek Elementary School in Littleton, and Ft. Logan Elementary School in Sheridan. Tutors work on a weekly schedule, generally at least two hours each week, supporting a teacher in the classroom. This support gives the teachers opportunities to work with smaller groups. The Tutoring Program is a great way for people with time during the week to get involved. Teaching experience is not required. Contact Brian Pendleton for more information: 303-972-8544 or bpendleton[at]msn.com

The Kids Need Us!

Tutoring Program at Fort Logan Elementary Organizing
for the 2011-2012 School Year

In its 8th year, the CUUC Tutoring program, supported by the CUUC Justice Action Coordinating Team (JustACT), continues to grow in number and effectiveness. Sixteen volunteer Tutors, along with several more volunteer substitutes, will be swinging into action in the latter part of August at Ft. Logan Intermediate School and Dutch Creek Elementary School.

Tutors will support teachers in the classrooms for at least two hours each week, helping with reading and writing skill development, arithmetic, and other projects desired by the teachers. The Tutoring program does not require that volunteers have a teaching background, and the majority of
our Tutors do not. Additional volunteers are welcome in the Tutoring Program. Here are some thoughts from one of our volunteers:

“I am one of the tutors in the CUUC Tutoring Program, working with the students at Dutch Creek Elementary School. This past school year I worked primarily with one teacher and her 4th grade students, tutoring a group of 3 – 8 students once a week. The students were a delight to work with and were
enthusiastic about their reading. In the process of tutoring them I learned about the migratory paths of birds, the Southwest Indians and even a bit about dinosaurs. In addition to the reading, I was able to help with computer projects and several reports, including a persuasive letter to the President of the United States to convince him that turkeys should be saved and not eaten on Thanksgiving Day The children were always excited about seeing me arrive, waving and smiling the moment they saw me each week. I can’t think of a better way to volunteer my time than working with the children that will be in our future world.”

Brian Pendleton, JustACT

Please join us! Contact Brian Pendleton if you are interested in participating, or if you have questions about the program, at 303-972-8544, or at bpendleton@msn.com

CUUC Women's Circle participates in an outreach project through an organization called Women for Women International (WfWI) which focuses on the urgent need for aid in many countries throughout the world for women who are victims of war. Very often rape and victimization of women is used as a military tactic. The women affected by this violation are generally considered outcasts by their neighbors and families, often deserted by their spouses and left with their children in poverty and despair.
WfWI has set up a program of support, education and re-socialization of women in several of these war torn countries. (You can visit their website at www.womenforwomen.org ) Their programs are changing the lives of women and children each day. WfWI provides rights awareness and leadership education along with the vocational and technical skills training needed to provide a better standard of living for each woman and her family. The sponsorship is nominal for the sponsors but invaluable for those who benefit from it.

Our Women's Circle has sponsored women from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hopefully our financial support and personal letters to our sisters in the DRC will show they are indeed valued and help on their way to independence and security.

What a good way to enlarge our circle. For more information, please contact Sue Fazio at 303-910-0109 or justact@columbineuuchurch.org .