Tag: ACLU

  • UUJMCA Twitter Announcement 11/30/2022


    Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California

    1731 Howe Ave #579, Sacramento, California 95825
    Office: 916-441-0018 x1
    Direct Line/Text: 916-243-0603
    Follow UUJMCA on facebook & Instagram

    About us:
    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.


  • GIVING TUESDAY 2022

    Today, thousands of people will come together to make long change by giving to their favorite charities, justice organizations, and community services programs. At UUJMCA, we are committed to lasting, systematic change in California and beyond our borders. We are asking that you give today to UUJMCA to support our work in actualizing a more just California. We would like you to consider giving in at least one of these three ways. 

    Time – Sign-up, Learn More, and Volunteer with Us 
    Talent – Join one of our Leadership or Justice Action Teams
    Treasure – Pledge to Become a 2023 Justice Partner by making a Financial Contribution

    Your partnerships and support will assist us in bringing justice to California by supporting high school aged youth through ourArc Benders Youth Justice Ministry, building a cottage home in Tijuana through our “Building Homes, Creating Community”Pilgrimage to the Border in April, developing support systems for our local UU communities and congregations through our Covenanting Community program and overall promoting and educating our fellow Californians about justice rooted in UU values and principles.


    UUJMCA is on Social Media…

    Follow UUJMCA on facebook at facebook.com/uujmca
    Find UUJMCA on Twitter at twitter.com/UUJMCA
    See UUJMCA on Instagram at instagram.com/uujusticec
    Track UUJMCA on LinkTree at linktr.ee/uujmc

    Log onto your favorite social media platform and say hi to us! We want to hear from you!

  • VOTE 2022!

    California Statewide Ballot Measures
    General Election, November 8, 2022

    An updated UUJMCA VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE from UUJMCA can be downloaded as a PDF for your use. The guide includes positions and endorsements from several partner organizations and trusted sources who share our UU values and passions.
    CLICK BELOW!

    CRITICAL DETAILS:

    UUJMCA VOTER GUIDE 2022

    *The linked document was created with the intent to be printable so you can easily share the information with your congregation.


    PROP 1 – CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

    Amends California Constitution to expressly include an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which includes the fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives. This amendment does not narrow or limit the existing rights to privacy and equal protection under the California Constitution. Fiscal Impact: No direct fiscal effect because reproductive rights already are protected by state law.


    PROP 26 – ALLOWS IN-PERSON ROULETTE, DICE GAMES, SPORTS WAGERING ON TRIBAL LANDS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

    Also allows: sports wagering at certain horse racing tracks; private lawsuits to enforce certain gambling laws. Directs revenues to General Fund, problem-gambling programs, enforcement. Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly reaching tens of millions of dollars annually. Some of these revenues would support increased state regulatory and enforcement costs that could reach the low tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 27 – ALLOWS ONLINE AND MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING OUTSIDE TRIBAL LANDS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

    Allows Indian tribes and affiliated businesses to operate online/mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Directs revenues to regulatory costs, homelessness programs, nonparticipating tribes. Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly in the hundreds of millions of dollars but not likely to exceed $500 million annually. Some revenues would support state regulatory costs, possibly reaching the mid-tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 28 – PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Provides additional funding from state General Fund for arts and music education in all K–12 public schools (including charter schools). Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $1 billion annually, beginning next year, for arts education in public schools.


    PROP 29 – REQUIRES ON-SITE LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AT KIDNEY DIALYSIS CLINICS AND ESTABLISHES OTHER STATE REQUIREMENTS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Requires physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on site during treatment. Requires clinics to: disclose physicians’ ownership interests; report infection data. Fiscal Impact: Increased state and local government costs likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 30 – PROVIDES FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION AND PREVENT WILDFIRES BY INCREASING TAX ON PERSONAL INCOME OVER $2 MILLION. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Allocates tax revenues to zero-emission vehicle purchase incentives, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire prevention. Fiscal Impact: Increased state tax revenue ranging from $3.5 billion to $5 billion annually, with the new funding used to support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.


    PROP 31 – REFERENDUM ON 2020 LAW THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE RETAIL SALE OF CERTAIN FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

    A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, a 2020 law prohibiting retail sale of certain flavored tobacco products. Fiscal Impact: Decreased state tobacco tax revenues ranging from tens of millions of dollars annually to around $100 million annually.


    Additional Resources:


    Voter Registration:

    You can register to vote any time between now and up to Election Day. Simply go to any voting location to register and vote on Election Day. This is briefly explained on the back page of the Easy Voter Guide: https://easyvoterguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/EVG-Nov2022-Eng.pdf


    UUJMCA is on Social Media…

    Log onto your favorite social media platform and say hi to us! We want to hear from you!

  • California’s 7 Ballot Propositions

    General Election, November 8, 2022
    A basic look at the propositions on the November 2022 ballot.

    PROP 1 – CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

    Amends California Constitution to expressly include an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which includes the fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives. This amendment does not narrow or limit the existing rights to privacy and equal protection under the California Constitution. Fiscal Impact: No direct fiscal effect because reproductive rights already are protected by state law.


    PROP 26 – ALLOWS IN-PERSON ROULETTE, DICE GAMES, SPORTS WAGERING ON TRIBAL LANDS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

    Also allows: sports wagering at certain horse racing tracks; private lawsuits to enforce certain gambling laws. Directs revenues to General Fund, problem-gambling programs, enforcement. Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly reaching tens of millions of dollars annually. Some of these revenues would support increased state regulatory and enforcement costs that could reach the low tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 27 – ALLOWS ONLINE AND MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING OUTSIDE TRIBAL LANDS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

    Allows Indian tribes and affiliated businesses to operate online/mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Directs revenues to regulatory costs, homelessness programs, nonparticipating tribes. Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly in the hundreds of millions of dollars but not likely to exceed $500 million annually. Some revenues would support state regulatory costs, possibly reaching the mid-tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 28 – PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Provides additional funding from state General Fund for arts and music education in all K–12 public schools (including charter schools). Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $1 billion annually, beginning next year, for arts education in public schools.


    PROP 29 – REQUIRES ON-SITE LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AT KIDNEY DIALYSIS CLINICS AND ESTABLISHES OTHER STATE REQUIREMENTS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Requires physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on site during treatment. Requires clinics to: disclose physicians’ ownership interests; report infection data. Fiscal Impact: Increased state and local government costs likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually.


    PROP 30 – PROVIDES FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION AND PREVENT WILDFIRES BY INCREASING TAX ON PERSONAL INCOME OVER $2 MILLION. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

    Allocates tax revenues to zero-emission vehicle purchase incentives, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire prevention. Fiscal Impact: Increased state tax revenue ranging from $3.5 billion to $5 billion annually, with the new funding used to support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.


    PROP 31 – REFERENDUM ON 2020 LAW THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE RETAIL SALE OF CERTAIN FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

    A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, a 2020 law prohibiting retail sale of certain flavored tobacco products. Fiscal Impact: Decreased state tobacco tax revenues ranging from tens of millions of dollars annually to around $100 million annually.


    Find additional information at https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/.


    Voter Registration

    You can register to vote any time between now and up to Election Day. Simply go to any voting location to register and vote on Election Day. This is briefly explained on the back page of the Easy Voter Guide: https://easyvoterguide.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/EVG-Nov2022-Eng.pdf



    Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/uujmca
    Find us on Twitter at twitter.com/UUJMCA
    See us on Instagram at instagram.com/uujusticeca
    Track us on LinkTree at linktr.ee/uujmca

  • CAT WORSHIP!!!

    CAT WORSHIP!!!

    (Graphic by Faith Holland)

    You heard me – cat worship.  If you’re a UU youth – middle or high school – you’re invited to our first online youth worship of the year, and the theme this month is cats!  

    (This is UU youth worship in a space that is meant to be youth-led.  It’ll be fun.  It’ll be dynamic.  It’ll be engaging.  It won’t be boring.  We promise.)

    Yes, you are invited – nay, encouraged! – to bring your cat.  And as always, bring a cozy drink to sip, show up in your jammies if you like…  Just come as you are and be comfortable.  You are invited to log in individually or as a youth group.  Come meet or reconnect with other UU youth from around the Pacific Western Region.  Post-covid, let’s rebuild strong UU youth culture in PWR, talk about the topics YOU want to talk about, and have a good time doing it. 

    What can we learn about life and even spirituality from cats?  Planned by youth, this worship will include cat songs, cat check-in, cat-centered meditation, and of course, a communal purr.  Worship will be around 30 minutes, and then there will be time for games and conversation. 

    Tune in on Zoom Saturday, September 10, 6pm PDT / 7pm MDT.
    Registration  isn’t mandatory, but it helps us to know how many to expect…  Help us out if you can.  

    In Love and Resistance,

    Jen Simon (they/them she/her)
    The Mountain Top Community Minister
    CO UUs for Racial Justice (UURJ) Coordinator
    (720) 775-9863

    Zoom office hours:
    Monday 12 – 1pm
    Thursday 1 – 2:30pm
    or by appointment
    https://uuma.zoom.us/j/3783855107

    #croissantsnotdonuts #Robbiesrule #IYKYK #ifyoudontknowcomefindout


    We are committed to accomplish our justice ministry through education, community organizing, and advocating for justice. Our justice initiatives are shaped by and rooted in your feedback. We are here to support you, our California UUs, in your journey promoting justice in your community.

    If you are interested in finding out how we can journey together or if you are looking for support and resources, follow us on social media or email us at communications@uujmca.org.

    GET CONNECTED:

  • TAKE ACTION – August 5, 2022

    Alliance for Gun Responsibility – Ban Assault Rifles
    Research shows that a shooter armed with an assault rifle is able to hurt and kill TWICE the number of people as a shooter armed with a handgun or non-assault rifle. We banned assault rifles before and we can do it again. 
    URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO PASS FEDERAL ASSAULT WEAPONS


    ACLU Southern California
    “For decades, Angelenos have witnessed a culture of corruption and impunity in the sheriff’s department, leaving people who are stopped or incarcerated at risk of abuse or worse. For more than half a century, deputy gangs have emerged among the ranks and management of the sheriff’s department and terrorized community members.”
    DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE L.A. SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT


    WATCH LIST:

    Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
    “Following a peaceful rally protesting the living conditions and abusive treatment at a rural, privately operated immigrant prison in southern Georgia, guards selected three Black men to punish, forcing them to spend a month in isolation.”
    ‘AKIN TO TORTURE’: FOR-PROFIT IMMIGRANT PRISON SINGLES OUT BLACK MEN AFTER PEACEFUL PROTEST

    Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
    On July 1, 2022, House Bill 1557, commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, went into effect in Florida.
    ACTIVE CASE: COUSINS ET AL. V. THE SCHOOL BOARD OF ORANGE COUNTY ET AL.

    Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
    “At an event for the anniversary of the enactment of the new law, the Department of Justice announced a series of new initiatives to address hate violence, including especially well-crafted guidance prepared jointly by the departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. The guidance provides information on engaging and building partnerships with AAPI and Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu communities. The updated Justice Department hate crime website now includes information in 24 languages, including 18 of the most frequently spoken AAPI and South Asian languages in the United States.”
    AN ACT OF TERROR: REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE SIKH WORSHIPERS KILLED IN WISCONSIN 10 YEARS AGO
    source: Margaret Huang, SPLC President and Chief Executive Officer at splcenter.org

    Disability and Faith
    A recent series focused on ableism revealed “how disabled and neurodivergent leaders across faith traditions are upending ableist assumptions and changing the religious landscape to be more hospitable to all.” The report, plus additional resources on how you can combat ableism in your congregation, can be found at:
    HOW RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ARE COMBATING ABLEISM
    source: religionnews.com

    WASHINGTON D.C.
    U.S. prosecutors have charged four current and former Louisville, Kentucky, police officers for their roles in the botched 2020 raid that killed Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was in her home, in a case that sparked nationwide protests.
    U.S. CHARGES FOUR KENTUCKY POLICE OFFICERS IN BREONNA TAYLOR KILLING
    source: reuters.com


    We are committed to accomplish our justice ministry through education, community organizing, and advocating for justice. Our justice initiatives are shaped by and rooted in your feedback. We are here to support you, our California UUs, in your journey promoting justice in your community.

    If you are interested in finding out how we can journey together or if you are looking for support and resources, follow us on social media or email us at communications@uujmca.org.

    GET CONNECTED:

    UUJMCA Website

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Facebook

    LinkTree
    *LinkTree is our newest social media outlet.
    It’s user friendly and serves as a simple menu for current and previous posts.
    CHECK IT OUT!


  • Family Equality Resources and Tools

    ALERT!
    Human Rights are subject to change!

    LGBTQ+ families need your support, friendship, resources, and an occasional cup of coffee with you, now, more than ever. Share this resource with your ….. EVERYBODY!

    Family Equality’s mission is to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. source: familyequality.org

    FamilyEquality.org

    Family Equality’s Vision Statement:

    • We envision a future where all LGBTQ families, regardless of creation or composition, live in communities that recognize, respect, protect, and value them.
    • We envision a world in which every LGBTQ person has the right and the opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, geography, socioeconomic status, disability, or the intersection of those characteristics.
    • Finally, we envision systems of service and support that are free of discrimination and that maximize opportunities for LGBTQ youth needing permanency and LGBTQ adults seeking family formation through adoption, foster care, assisted reproductive technology or other means.
      source: familyequality.org

    From the UUA President: UUs Remain Committed to Reproductive Justice

    UUs Remain Committed to Supporting Reproduction Justice Justice

    UUA Denounces Attacks on Abortion Rights and Demands Reproductive Justice


    Planned Parenthood
    Abortion Finder
    ACLU

    https://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/left-and-right-where-do-us-religious-groups-stand-on-abortion-rights-issues
    from GetReligion.com

  • Follow Us

    At UUJMCA, we are committed to accomplish our justice ministry through education, community organizing, and advocating for justice. Our justice initiatives are shaped by and rooted in your feedback. We are here to support you, our California UUs, in your journey toward justice in your local community.

    If you are interested in finding out how we can journey together in any of these ministerial areas or if you are looking for support in another ministerial area please let us know. Email us at communications@uujmca.org.

    HOW TO FOLLOW US:

    Official UUJMCA Website

    Twitter

    Instagram

    Facebook

    LinkTree
    *LinkTree is our newest social media outlet.
    It’s user friendly and serves as a simple menu for current and previous posts.
    CHECK IT OUT!


  • A rally to demand assault weapons ban took place in Washington, D.C. today. (July 13, 2022)

    Angry Uvalde parents, parade mass shooting survivors rally to demand assault weapons ban

    “A Highland Park, Illinois, woman who was at last week’s Fourth of July parade mass shooting with her husband and three children told the crowd about the questions her 6-year-old daughter has been asking her over the last week: ‘Mommy, can bullets get through my door? Can they go through my window at night when I’m sleeping? … Where does a bullet have to hit me to kill me? When will my nightmares stop? … Was your hand over my heart when we were hiding because you would stop the bullet from killing me?’” – abcnews.go.com

    Remembering the victims of the Uvalde school shooting
    abcnews.go.com

    California enacts sweeping gun control laws, setting up a legal showdown
    Los Angeles Times

    Will California gun laws pass muster?
    CalMatters

    Gov. Newsom signs bill allowing suits against gun makers for negligence
    Politico


  • New California Law Holds Gun Makers Liable:

    “The Gun Industry Can No Longer Hide”

    SACRAMENTO, CA, July 12, 2022 – Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1594 today. The bill “establishes a “firearm industry standard of conduct” and allows local governments, the state Department of Justice and gun violence survivors to sue for egregious violations of state sales and marketing regulations.” from LA Times.

    Governor’s Office

    “This bill is a significant step toward holding irresponsible, reckless and negligent gun manufacturers, distributors and sellers accountable,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). “The U.S. has less than 5% of the world’s population, yet we make up nearly a third of the world’s mass shootings. I’m proud to joint author AB 1594 and support other common sense gun reforms that will help make our communities safer.”
    – Assembly Member Chris Ward (D-San Diego (July 12, 2022)
    source: ca.gov

    Legislative Source


    Full text: AB-1594 Firearms: civil suits.(2021-2022)
    State of California Legislative Information

    California enacts sweeping gun control laws, setting up a legal showdown
    Los Angeles Times

    Will California gun laws pass muster?
    CalMatters

    Gov. Newsom signs bill allowing suits against gun makers for negligence
    Politico