Unitarian Universalist Traditions and Purpose
Unitarian Universalists have a long tradition of working for social justice. Our Principles guide us and turn our words into deeds. UUJF educates, organizes and advocates 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 and the rights of conscience
• Protect religious freedom
• Promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence
• Build a community of peace, justice and liberty for all
History
In May 2013, UU Justice Florida and UU Justice Florida Action Network were incorporated as Florida not-for-profit successor organizations to the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Florida (UULMF) which was then a committee of the Florida District originally formed in 2007. On July 14, 2014 UUJF received 501(c)(3) status with the IRS as a public charity.
UU Justice Florida is one of 24 Unitarian Universalist State Action Networks nationwide and is affiliated with the Southern Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Unitarian Universalists in Florida dedicated to social justice participate in two main, but distinct, activities of education and advocacy on critical issues of the day.
In 2015, UUJF formed its Climate Justice Resiliency Ministry as an outgrowth of Annual Climate Action Interfaith Workshops co-sponsored in conjunction with the Florida Interfaith Council of Churches.
We continue growing with the support, skills and dedication of those who share our mission and vision. All UU congregations in Florida are encouraged to support UUJF efforts with contributions of $1.00 per member per year and/or special ‘Share the Plate’ collections. We welcome your contributions at various levels. Individuals of all faiths are encouraged to join our efforts as well.
Board of Directors
The all volunteer five-member UUJF Board of Directors consists of these members.
- Rev. Bud Murphy, St. Petersburg, President
- David Johnson, Jacksonville, Treasurer
- Martha Hartgering, Orlando, Secretary
- Steve Jens-Rochow, Davie, Director
- Gina Jonas, St. Augustine, Director
- Bill Patrarca, Fort Myers, Director
Ex Officio members are listed below.
- Kindra Muntz, Venice, Immediate Past President
- Jan Booher, Davenport, Director UUJF Climate Resilience Ministry
New members who share our vision are invited to join our Board of Directors. It is only by building our connections with each other and with people of good will from all faiths and traditions, we can hope, over time, to “bend the arc of history toward justice”.
UUJF organization structure is published in the UU Justice Florida Bylaws
Where we function
Click here for information on 45 UU congregations located throughout the state of Florida.
What we do
We help organize conferences, workshops, Cluster meetings and presentations for any of the 45 Florida UU congregations and their social justice committees and, at times, in collaboration partnership with other affiliated organizations.
Unitarian Universalist Justice Florida is a 501(c)(3) charitable not-for-profit organization that provides education and training in core issues, state and federal legislative processes and opportunities for civic engagement. We host conferences on key issues of the day, encourage relationships with our elected representatives and build coalitions with Florida Unitarian Universalist Clusters, regional and national networks, UUA affiliated organizations, interfaith partners and secular public interest organizations to work together on issues for the common good.
UUJF undertakes actions at the state Capitol, encourages visits to District offices of our state and federal legislators, encourages outreach to city and county officials, and publishes on-line and email Action Alerts in support of specific issues and legislation consistent with UU values.
The Climate Resiliency Ministry engages in assisting residents of communities vulnerable to sea level rise as well as victims of hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters.