3.24.26 Action Center Update

Side With Love

Welcome to the Action Center Weekly Update. Each week, we’ll share:

  • A brief analysis of critical issues in this political moment

  • Immediate actions you can take

  • Resources to deepen knowledge and strengthen our collective work to side with love

Nothing is inevitable. Justice movements are built by ordinary people who come together to defeat oppression and nurture a loving world. You are not alone. We have power. Together, we can create a just and thriving future.

Movements are strongest when we act together. Organize with your teams and networks, and take these actions in community. For practical tools, see our Organizing School and Skill Up resources.

Democracy

Core Principle: Democracy is not a destination but a practice rooted in interdependence and the worth and dignity of all. While authoritarianism consolidates power, we are the majority—and we must organize to build a truly multiracial democracy.

The Update:
This year, which will mark the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Midterm elections will be an inextricable part of the struggle over who belongs—whose lives, cultures, and dreams are honored in the telling of US history and in the construction of our shared future. As people of faith, we believe that democracy is a living practice that calls us to show up, defend the dignity and voice of every person, and actively shape a future where participation, belonging, and justice are real for all.

The midterm elections Midterm elections are underway and the battle for voting rights and against suppression is being waged on the local, state, and federal levels. This administration continues to threaten the continuation of the partial government shutdown in an effort to force Congress to pass the SAVE Act which would disenfranchise millions of eligible Americans voters. The Supreme Court is considering a case that could limit whether mail ballots arriving after Election Day are counted, potentially restricting access in many states. We are witnessing intense legal and legislative battles over who can vote and how votes are counted just months before a major federal election cycle. 

Join the movement that has made history. Don’t miss the launch of UU the Vote on Wed. March 25, 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT to learn what you can do to defend democracy in the midterm elections. 

Act: The fight to STOP the SAVE Act is not over. Let’s keep the pressure up. Connect your representative, write a Letter to the Editor, or organize a lobby visit.  


Learn how to build strategies that meet the moment and build power by reading Scot Nakagawa’s Substack “Bearing the Burden Consciously.”

Bodily Autonomy

Core Principle: Every body is sacred. We affirm that trans people are divine, abortion is a blessing, and no one is disposable. Attacks on identity are designed to divide us—solidarity is our moral and strategic mandate.

The Update:
Reproductive justice is rooted in solidarity, and no one should be left behind in the fight for dignity, care, and autonomy. In Alabama, Yellowhammer Fund has partnered with the Morning Sickness & HG Clinic in Birmingham, the only standalone clinic in the world dedicated to treating hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), providing essential care to those affected by this severe pregnancy complication. This partnership reflects how abortion funds are broadening their work to meet a wide range of reproductive health needs especially in restrictive states where they’ve had to pivot their programming to maintain access to funds. Meanwhile, in Texas, the Center for Reproductive Rights is defending a midwife, Maria Rojas, and three healthcare clinics accused of violating the state’s restrictive abortion laws, highlighting the increasing criminalization of healthcare providers and their patients.Rojas is the first person to be prosecuted under Texas’s total abortion ban. She has since lost her livelihood and has been stripped of her midwifery license. She primarily served a low resource, Spanish speaking community including at one of those clinics that served as a birth center. The clinics have also been shut down pending the outcome of this civil case. Rojas faces additional criminal, felony charges and is facing up to life in prison. As attacks on reproductive care intensify, grassroots organizations across the South are stepping up with mutual aid networks to ensure access to care, resources, and support, especially for those in marginalized communities. 

Take Action:

Resources:
Yellowhammer Fund 

Morning Sickness & HG Clinic 

Center for Reproductive Rights 

HG Relief Project 

  • Read: 

  • Learn: 

    • Morning Sickness & HG Clinic Research – Explore the research and medical advancements being made at the world’s only standalone clinic for hyperemesis gravidarum, focusing on better care and outcomes for those experiencing severe pregnancy complications.

    • Maria Rojas Appeals Court Case to Reopen Clinics – An article detailing Maria Rojas' legal battle to reopen her clinics, offering insight into the challenges and legal fight around clinic closures in Texas.

  • Join: 

    • Yellowhammer Fund Events – Participate in events hosted by Yellowhammer Fund, which frequently organizes rallies and solidarity events, particularly in Alabama and Texas, to support reproductive justice and clinic access.

    • Texas Legislature Online – Use this resource to find your Texas state representatives. Contact them to voice your support for Maria Rojas and the efforts to reopen her clinics, as well as to advocate for the restoration of reproductive healthcare access in Texas, particularly in light of the recent clinic closures.

  • Watch/Listen: 

Decriminalization & Immigration

Core Principle: Criminalization and dehumanization deny the dignity of our communities. Safety cannot come at the expense of others. As people of faith, we proclaim a future of care, abundance, and mutuality—not domination.

The Update:

Detention Watch Network writes: “No one is safe when ICE is present.  The evidence against ICE is indisputable. ICE kills people and threatens community safety across the country. No one is safe when ICE is present – whether in airports, on the streets or in one of the agency’s more than 200 abuse-ridden detention facilities. Hastily created just two decades ago, ICE is not necessary nor is its existence a forgone conclusion. People are dying in detention and ICE agents are tearing families apart and shooting people on the streets, making people less safe, and causing chaos wherever they go.  We must demand members of Congress act now to cut ICE funding, get ICE out of airports and communities nationwide, and shut down ICE detention centers for good!”

As Unitarian Universalists, we have been active in all aspects of this fight – and we are called into continued and deeper action and care. In early February, we made thousands of phone calls to demand Congress stop funding ICE and hold them accountable for their violent and unconstitutional behavior.  As part of a broad movement, we succeeded in getting Congress to keep the Department of Homeland Security shut down in a partial government shutdown.  Now that shutdown is in its 6th week. TSA staff at airports are increasingly unwilling to show up for work without pay - over 40% of staff at some airports - creating massive lines and delays in air travel. Our pressure is working to sustain the shutdown!  

As spring break travel season approaches, the administration has sent ICE to airports.  Unlike TSA agents, ICE agents are still getting paychecks. Unlike TSA agents, ICE agents in airports have no security training or authorization to support the TSA check in process. Instead, ICE has a massive budget more than that of the military of entire countries. 

Color of Change writes: “This has been their plan all along. ICE has already been obtaining travelers’ personal information, including names and birthdates. Project 2025 aimed to increase state surveillance, track Black and Brown people, and terrorize and attack communities of color. Now, we’ve got to band together, keep eac

As people of faith and conscience, we can and should protest ICE at airports and pressure Congress to stop ICE funding and stop the deportation machine.  We can also take measures for digital security, protect our neighbors, and organize networks of care and mutual aid.

Take Action:

Resources:

  • Watch/Listen:

    • Lessons Learned from Coalition to Stop Avelo: Amplifying Movement Work to Build Pressure Faster - This recording includes Side with Love staff, was an inspiring discussion on how the work of this coalition —grassroots organizing, strategic advocacy, and communications amplification — came together to secure this victory against Avelo Airlines. Matthew, Lili, Rev. Cathy shared incredible insights, from their work in this coalition, on what it takes to build and sustain a winning pressure campaign.

Climate Justice

Core Principle: A just and loving world is also a flourishing one. A fossil-free future is possible, where clean energy is a human right and all beings thrive. To get there, we must create new systems, norms, and practices.

The Update:
Just as our congregations are taking to the streets to protest against rising authoritarianism and protecting our neighbors against unjust discrimination, our congregations can be places of safety and security when climate disasters strike - and disasters will strike, it’s just a matter of when, where, and how extreme it will be.  That’s a hard reality to face when we’ve thought for so long that we were fighting to stop climate change.  There is still a lot we can do to slow the worst impacts of climate disruption, but it is just as important that we prepare now to keep our communities safe for what comes next.  

It was 110 degrees in Arizona on March 19. Heat waves have shattered records with temperatures 20 to 40 degrees above average for this year, and the heat dome is now moving from the west to the Plains.  Drought is expected to worsen and expand in the West and parts of the Plains. The Colorado River is at dangerously low levels with projections showing that Lake Mead - the largest reservoir in the country that is currently at 25% of its capacity - could fall to its lowest levels since it was established.   

It’s easy to want to turn the other way, but this is something we need to turn towards.  We need to be strategic in our thinking, deliberate in our actions, and centered in love, always.  Many of our congregations are already focused on ways to become hubs of climate resilience, places of refuge in extreme heat, sanctuaries during storms, triage centers after tornadoes, places for our communities to be safe, come what may.   Take a moment to pause and consider:  

  • What are the climate disasters most likely to impact my community?  

  • Who will be most harmed by those disasters, how, and where?

  • What are some possible ways our congregation could help our community prepare for and respond to those coming disasters - especially in ways that center those most at risk?

Take Action: (2–3 partner actions)

Graphic version of the same content:

Graphic Worksheets: Assessing Climate Impacts & Mobilizing.pdf 

  • Join: 

Creating Hubs of Resilience Series

April Gathering: Creating Hubs of Resilience

Monday, April 13, 2026 8:00 PM - 9:15 PM ET, 7pm CT, 6pm MT, 5pm PT, 4pm AT, 2pm HT.

Join us for The Gathering, a monthly virtual event from Side With Love designed to offer: 

  • Spiritual Grounding – Strengthen your heart and spirit for the work ahead. 

  • Political Analysis – Understand the threats to democracy and justice. Collective Action – 

  • Organize with others to block anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world.

This Month's Focus:

In the midst of extreme weather and climate disruption, our congregations and communities can be powerful hubs of care, connection, and critical infrastructure. Rachel Myslivy, Side With Love’s Climate Justice Strategist, will break down what we mean by “hubs of resilience” that are adaptive to and grounded in their context. We’ll hear stories of how folks are creating spaces that are not only prepared to provide critical support in times of crisis, but also generate deeper partnerships and expanded possibilities in their communities. This month, activist Canedy Knowles will ground us in movement and possibility. Side With Love's monthly event to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others! Join us live or watch the recording later.

See you at The Gathering to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others!  

If you are on staff or a board member of a congregation, we encourage you to  ALSO attend Now What: The Gathering for Congregational Leaders

Rolling out a Mobile Resiliency Hub in Atlanta, Georgia

April 15, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET - online

As congregations consider how to turn our buildings into hubs of climate resilience, the UU Congregation of Atlanta is taking the idea on the road with a Mobile Resiliency Trailer. Powered by solar panels with battery backup, the trailer will include a refrigerator, a water filtration system, induction burners for cooking, a washer and dryer, portable shower, and a mini-power station. The Mobile Resiliency Trailer is designed to meet emergency response needs, wherever that may be . . . but that’s not all! When not in use, the Trailer will also serve as a microgrid to supplement the congregation’s electricity and lower their carbon footprint. UUCA’s David Stewart will share their planning process and budget spreadsheet which you can use to replicate the idea in your local context. Don’t miss this conversation to take your resiliency planning to the next level.

Mobilizing for Climate Justice - GS2030 Office Hours

April 1, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM CT - online

Did you know that the completely revitalized Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice has just one requirement for annual Recognition? Monthly Office Hours are here to anyone with questions on how Green Sanctuary 2030 can support UUs to transform our congregations through climate justice. Review the short Orientation Video then come to the office hours to get all your questions answered.

Jokes on you: How Environmental and Climate Campaigns Can Effectively Use Humor Online

Wednesday, March 25th at 1:00 Eastern

The session will showcase the value and effectiveness of using humor in online political organizing and campaigns. It will feature examples from both Crooked Media and Fossil Free Media’s social media, highlighting lessons learned and best practices.  This session is designed for individuals newly exploring the digital media landscape and for comms practitioners who want to learn from fellow digital leaders on how to use humor tactfully in our campaigns. This is the first in what we hope will be an ongoing series to share learnings and case studies across the environmental movement to meet the new media landscape. We would love to have you join us – make sure to RSVP here

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, March 25

Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am PT // 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

Featuring: Tejal Mankad, Digital Director and Deepti Hossain, Senior Digital Media Manager with Fossil Free Media and Jon Millstein with Crooked Media (

 Together, we practice the world we long for. Together, we win.



3.17.26 Action Center Update