At Albany UU, we believe that our values call us to work for justice both within our congregation and in the wider world. The Social Justice Team (SJT) helps turn those values into action by creating opportunities to learn, connect, serve, advocate, and work alongside others for a more just and equitable world.
The SJT brings people together around issues that matter to our community. We support projects and partnerships, share information and educational opportunities, encourage public action and advocacy, and help connect members and friends with ways to put their values into practice.
Our Work Takes Many Forms
What We Do
Working Together
The SJT works alongside a number of groups and teams whose members bring their own passions, expertise, and perspectives to justice work. These include the Green Sanctuary Team, Inclusivity Team, Democracy Crisis Response Team, and other congregational projects and partnerships.
The SJT seeks to strengthen connections among people doing justice work throughout Albany UU, share information and resources, and look for opportunities to work together when our efforts overlap.
Some of the projects and community partnerships connected with Albany UU’s SJT include the Community Breakfast, Sheridan Preparatory Academy, CROP Hunger Walk, Black Lives Matter vigils, and our Share the Plate program.
Connect. Contribute. Take Action.
Our Justice & Service Initiatives
Our justice work extends well beyond our four teams. Congregants contribute their time, energy, creativity, and resources to a wide range of efforts.
Sheridan Preparatory Academy
Just two blocks from Albany UU, Sheridan Prep, an Albany City Public School, has been a long-standing partner of our congregation. Members support students and staff through classroom volunteering, one-time school projects, and financial contributions. Our playground project also brought Albany UU volunteers together in meaningful, hands-on service.
CROP Walk
For decades, Albany UU members have put their “hearts and soles” in motion through the annual CROP Hunger Walk, raising money and awareness to address hunger and disaster relief. Twenty-five percent of funds raised in the Albany area supports local food pantries and feeding programs, while the rest supports hunger and disaster relief around the world. Walkers of all ages are welcome to join Team UU each spring.
