UUs are resisting militarization of our communities: October Decriminalization Update from Side With Love
We are witnessing further consolidation of authoritarianism in the U.S. with 35,000 US troops deployed domestically. This increase in militarization at home and abroad doesn’t make anyone safer.
We know UUs are showing up in this moment to resist. Around the country, people of faith and conscience are supporting ICE watch endeavors, establishing and maintaining solidarity funds, and showing up at detention centers - like those that were tear gassed and assaulted at Broadview Detention Center in Chicago.
We offer this prayer for those in communities with military occupation:
In this moment of fear and false promises of security, may we remember that peace cannot be imposed-it must be cultivated.
May we honor the sacred worth of those living under surveillance, occupation, and the constant hum of violence.
May courage rise among us to resist domination and to build safety rooted in care, dignity, and solidarity.
Spirit of Life, move through our grief and anger, transforming them into steadfast commitment to one another.
May we become, together, the shelter we seek.
Our faith demands we demilitarize all communities. We must work with one another to build pockets of safety through organizing and mutual aid. As UUs, we believe all people deserve safety in their communities with investments in health care, housing, and community.
Check our weekly action updates for curated readings, resources, and actions so we may respond faithfully and strategically in this moment. Updates are posted on Tuesdays at noon ET.
This month, we recommend:
SHARE: Demilitarize All Communities Graphic
Background image features a variety of people putting their hands into the center. A white box with the Side with Love logo is superimposed over it, with text that reads: "Our faith demands we demilitarize all communities. We must work with one another to build pockets of safety through organizing and mutual aid." There is a small round white heart in an orange circle at the bottom of the quote.
ACT: Immigrant Defense
Dig into immigrant defense in your area—join a local solidarity fund, ICE watch, or 4th amendment workplace/Signs of Solidarity campaign.
If you don’t have one in your area or want to skill up, check out Defend and Recruit’s upcoming Immigrant Defense Strategies trainings on October 21 and 23 (with November and December dates available, too!). This introduction training will cover the basics of your immigration defense, including starting an ICE watch, launching a solidarity fund, building Fourth Amendment Workplaces, winning municipal resolutions and legislation to support our communities, and taking on the corporations enabling ICE, like Avelo Airlines.
READ:
What You Need to Know if the National Guard Is Deployed to Your State by the Trump Regime
From From Movement Law Lab, this guide details the legal and illegal actions using the National Guard, what rights we have, and what we can learn from organizers in cities that have experienced military occupations.
LEARN: Surveillance Self-Defense
From the Electronic Frontier Foundation: Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, Tools, and How-Tos for Safer Online Communications. Discover the basics of how online surveillance works, explore the guides for most secure online tools, and work through the common security scenarios.
