UU Justice Ministry of California

Category: Leadership

  • A Transition of Leadership

    A Transition of Leadership

    September 2024

    It is with a mix of emotions that I write to you today to announce my resignation as Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California, effective August 31, 2024.

    Serving as your Executive Director has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we have navigated the complexities of justice work, advocating for equity, inclusion, and compassion in our world. Through the challenges and triumphs, I have been consistently inspired by your dedication and unwavering commitment to our shared values.

    As I step down from this role, I do so with deep gratitude for the trust you have placed in me and for the profound experiences we have shared. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me to pass the torch and allow new leadership to bring fresh energy and vision to our work.

    I want to assure you that the transition process is already underway, and I am working closely with our Board to ensure that the ministry continues its critical work without interruption. The Board will be sharing more details in the coming weeks about the next steps in this transition.

    Please know that while I will no longer be serving as Executive Director, I remain deeply committed to the mission of the UU Justice Ministry of California and will continue to support our movement in new ways.

    Thank you for your continued support and for the privilege of serving alongside you. I have no doubt that this community will continue to thrive and lead in the struggle for justice and equity.

    In faith and solidarity,

    AJ
    Pastor AJ Blackwood
    Executive Director
    Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California

  • Saving Democracy: Get Out the Vote

    Saving Democracy: Get Out the Vote

    August 2024

    Dear UU Justice Advocates,

    As summer draws to a close, we find ourselves on the brink of another critical election season. This month’s theme, “Saving Democracy: Get Out The Vote,” highlights the essential role each of us plays in upholding and strengthening our democratic institutions. We are offering you the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and work toward a more liberated California.


    We will be hosting: Turning the Tides Justice Summit over the weekend of August 9–11. We will start on Friday evening with a Care for Activists in Liberation Movements (CALM) with Antoinette Scully. This will be an inspiring “worship” service and discussion time for us to gather and prepare for the work ahead. On Saturday and Sunday with workshops hosted by UURISE, UUSCM, UUJME, EQUUAL Access, and conversations about how to engage our recently passed UUA General Assembly Action of Immediate Witness: “Solidarity with Palestine,” and much more … Register TODAY


    Voting is not just a civic duty; it is a powerful act of advocacy and empowerment.


    In recent years, we have witnessed numerous challenges to the democratic process, from efforts to restrict voting rights to widespread misinformation campaigns. These challenges underscore the importance of our collective action to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot freely and fairly. Our democracy thrives when participation is broad and inclusive, reflecting the diversity and a variety of perspectives within our communities.


    We are dedicated to promoting voter engagement and education. This month will be sharing a variety of ways to get involved in the democratic process through our daily website and social media post series: “31 Days of Saving Democracy: Get Out the Vote.”


    Whether it be simply registering to vote for the first time, learning about the history of voting and the complexities of oppression and voter suppression, the issues we are voting on this November or joining with a local or national organization and organizing in your community, there is something for everyone!
    Our collective action is more powerful than any single vote. By working together, we can create a ripple effect that strengthens our democracy and ensures that it truly represents all of us. Every vote counts, and every effort to get out the vote makes a difference.


    As we move forward, let us be guided by our shared values of justice, equity, and compassion and remember that our actions today will shape the future of our democracy for generations to come.
    Thank you for your unwavering commitment to justice and for being a crucial part of this movement. Together, we can and will make a difference!


    In solidarity,


    Pastor AJ Blackwood
    Executive Director
    UU Justice Ministry of California

  • A Word from Pastor AJ

    A Word from Pastor AJ

    Justice Requires Action

    July 2024

    Dear Justice Advocates,

    As we move through the heart and heat of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the essential work we have been doing and the progress we have made together. The theme for this month’s message is “Summer Manifestations,” a reminder that our commitment to justice goes beyond words and intentions; it demands tangible, courageous actions that allow us to manifest a more just and equitable California.

    In recent months, we’ve seen significant strides in our advocacy efforts. Our campaigns for immigrant justice Pilgrimage to the Border have changed lives of families living in Tijuana and raised awareness of the economic realities that our US Immigration and Border Policies have saddled our neighbors who live across this socially constructed line. We have garnered widespread support for these pilgrimages. We are happy to announce that we will be hosting our next Pilgrimage the weekend of October 18-20. We hope you join us. If you are interested in receiving more information, please click here.

    These victories are a testament to the power of collective action and the impact we can achieve when we are united for justice.

    However, our work is far from complete. The journey toward justice is ongoing, and it requires our unwavering dedication and persistence. We must continue to challenge systemic inequities, support marginalized communities, and hold those in power accountable. Every phone call, every protest, every vote is a movement toward a more just and equitable society.

    This month, I urge each of you to take a moment to reflect on how you can contribute to our shared mission and invite you to join us with other UUs across the state for Turning the Tides Justice Summit on August 9 to 11. Please register here. Whether it’s volunteering your time, participating in local activism, or simply educating yourself and others about the issues we face, every action matters. Let us remember that justice is not a destination but a continuous pursuit.

    As we look ahead, I am filled with hope and determination. Together, we have the power to create lasting change and to build a world where justice, equity, and compassion are the norm. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a vital part of this movement.

    In Service, 

    AJ
    Pastor AJ Blackwood
    Executive Director
    UU Justice Ministry of California

  • Invitation to join UUJMCA Leadership

    Join a Team

    November 2022

    Dear UUJMCA Justice Partners

    During the last year, the board of the UU Justice Ministry of California has been very busy with our new Executive Director re-envisioning UUJMCA’s ministry in new ways . We are now ready to move ahead into a forward-looking mode with the ideas we have imagined for our future as the state action network of California. With a 20-year history of positive accomplishments in the justice areas of Marriage Equality, Reproductive Justice, Immigrant Rights, Voting Rights  and much more, as well as  justice education and coalition building, we look forward to working with our UU communities and many statewide and local partners.

    As we look forward to 2023, we recognize a need to engage a larger number of dedicated Unitarian Universalist leadership who are committed to the mission and vision of UUJMCA.  As we grow our board and develop two new teams: Vision and Values and Team Arc Benders (13-18yo), we hope you will want to join us.

    Vision and Values Team: To  set a rolling 5 year plan for UUJMCA to meet the organizational Mission and Vision by assessing needs of covenantal partners and justice issues facing California.  

    Team Arc Benders (13-18yo):  To make recommendations to the Vision and Values Team, Board of Trustees, and staff in regards to youth needs and desires for justice programming and to assist with the development and implementation of UUJMCA’s Arc Benders Youth Justice Program. 

    Board of Trustees: To manage and control the property, affairs, and business of the Ministry, as well as, delegate to officers, staff and committees of the Ministry such powers as necessary to provide for the success of the Ministry.

    Justice Action Teams: To coordinate volunteers and local justice advocates in gathering information about local and statewide UU justice work and justice partners, maintain a database of legislation and legislative progress, and assist with UUJMCA justice programing.

    Our Vision and Mission are to advance justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities and by empowering the public voice of those who share our UU values and principles. By developing the skills of civic engagement and faith-rooted organizing so that UUs across California, we  can educate, organize, and advocate for public policies in the areas of Environmental, Immigrant, Racial, Queer, Economic Justice, Disability, and Voting Rights and Justice.

    If you want to join us in this important work as a member of one of our UUJMCA leadership teams, contact me or our Executive Director, Pastor AJ Blackwood, for a conversation about your interest. We hope you will accept this invitation, knowing that it could just change your life and our world in a positive way.

    Blessings and Thanks,

    Betty
    The Rev Dr Betty Stapleford

    Click Here To Join A Team Today

    About the UUJMCA
    UUJMCA works to develop the skills of civic engagement and faith-rooted organizing in our Unitarian Universalist congregations so that Unitarian Universalists across California can educate, organize, and advocate for public policies that uphold the worth and dignity of every person, further justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, ensure use of the democratic process, protect religious freedom, and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence.

    How to Join the Team
    People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ persons are encouraged to apply. UUJMCA is committed to developing a diverse and talented team. If you are excited about this opportunity to serve California UUs but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and contact Pastor AJ Blackwood at leadership@uujmca.org.

  • Leadership Transition at UUJMCA

    Leadership Transition at UUJMCA

    6 September 2021

    Leadership Transition at the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California (UUJMCA)

    Congratulations to Rev. Ranwa Hammamy, who has left UUJMCA for a new position as Congregational Justice Organizer on the UUA’s Organizing Strategy Team. While her departure is clearly a loss for UUJMCA, in her new role she will have greater scope to enhance connections among UUs nationwide to Side With Love and build a more liberated world. We know Ranwa and her bold leadership will continue to inspire great work. Bon Voyage, Ranwa!

    In one of her final initiatives with UUJMCA, Ranwa led our transition into a shared leadership model with a Director of Policy and Mobilization and a Director of Finance and Outreach. Marie Arce, after nearly two years of outstanding service as UUJMCA’s Business Administrator, will continue in her expanded role as Director of Finance and Outreach. Thank you, Marie!

     UUJMCA is also pleased to announce that our Interim Director of Policy and Mobilization will be AJ Blackwood. AJ is a graduate of the Claremont School of Theology and has served UU congregations in California and Colorado. He is also the Chairperson of the Progressive Interfaith Alliance in Fountain Valley, CA, and the founder and chaplain for The Mountain Top: A BIPOC UU Community. Welcome, AJ!

    UUJMCA remains committed to its mission to advance justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities, and by empowering the public voice of those who share UU values and principles.

    With Commitment and Service.

    Rev Betty Stapleford

    President on behalf of the Board of Trustees

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