March news: faithful action for climate justice, democracy, and decriminalization.
These are trying times. And yet, in the midst of uncertainty, I find deep inspiration in the collective action of people of faith—especially Unitarian Universalists—across the nation. The poet and activist Audre Lorde reminds us:
"When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak."
This is our call—to take action, protect those being targeted, and resist the rising tide of injustice with all that we have. And the truth is, we’re already doing it. Even when the impact isn’t always visible at the national level, people are showing up, organizing, and making a difference in communities across the country. That is something to hold onto. That is reason for hope.
At Side With Love, we are committed to supporting, organizing, and equipping UUs for this work. This month’s email highlights events, resources, and opportunities to sustain us as we move forward together. I hope you’ll take time to explore, find what resonates, and continue being part of this movement for justice, love, and collective liberation.
Celebrate 35 Years of Green Sanctuary
For 35 years, Unitarian Universalists have been imagining renewal through the Green Sanctuary Program, a bold commitment to climate justice launched in 1989. Today, nearly 340 congregations are engaged in the revitalized Green Sanctuary 2030, focusing on continuous renewal and meaningful climate action.
Join us as we celebrate this legacy and look ahead with hope. On Wednesday, April 16 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, gather with President Sofia Betancourt for the Green Sanctuary 35th Anniversary Call for Renewal—a time to honor our movement’s past, reaffirm our shared commitments, and envision the future we long for.
🔗 RSVP today!
Growing Leaders, Growing Justice: Tending SOIL in UU Communities
How do we cultivate stronger, more effective justice leaders in our UU congregations? Tending SOIL is Side With Love’s leadership development program, equipping UUs with the skills, organizing strategies, and spiritual grounding needed to advance justice.
In our latest blog post, we explore the impact of Tending SOIL through the experiences of congregations across 13 states. Plus, Rev. Brandan Robertson sits down with Rev. Cathy Rion Starr and Rev. Ranwa Hammamy for an inspiring conversation about grassroots organizing and the future of UU justice leadership.
🔗 Read the blog & watch the interview here.
Take Action with Us
The work we do together to build a world where all of us are free and thriving is deeply interconnected. When we ground our spirits, grow our skills, and act strategically for justice, we Side With Love.
That’s why every Tuesday, we update the Action Center Weekly Update—your go-to place for:
✅ Timely actions you can take
✅ Upcoming events to connect and mobilize
✅ Spiritual reflections to sustain our work
🔗 Check out this week’s update and take action with us here.
Join The Gathering – A Monthly Space for Grounding, Analysis, and Action
The Gathering is a new monthly virtual event from Side With Love, created to ground, inform, and mobilize UUs and partners in this critical moment. Each month, we come together for:
Spiritual Grounding – Strengthening our hearts and spirits for the work ahead
Political Analysis – Understanding the threats to democracy and justice
Collective Action – Organizing with others to counter anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world
Join us every Second Monday of the month at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT. Our next gathering is April 14, 2025.
🔗 Register now and be part of the movement here.
Join President Sofía Betancourt in Washington DC on Wednesday, March 26
Join UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt and national faith leaders for a powerful, nonpartisan vigil calling on Congressional leaders to uphold their responsibility as a check and balance and to advance the common good.
Our nation faces a growing constitutional crisis impacting communities nationwide. Faith leaders from diverse traditions will unite to offer prayers and compelling calls for courageous action from our elected officials.
When: Wednesday, 12:00 PM Where: Upper Senate Park, Area 8 (virtual option available)
Register here: Sojo.net/Witness Join us as we raise our collective voices and speak truth to power. Together, we can make a difference.
📍 Faithful Witness Wednesday
📅 March 26, 12 PM ET
📍 U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Side With Love & UUSJ Condemn FY 25 Continuing Resolution
On March 15, Side With Love and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) issued a joint statement condemning the passage of H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. This budget is a moral failure—gutting public services, enabling mass deportations, and prioritizing billionaires over everyday Americans.
As people of faith, we refuse to remain silent while our communities suffer and our democracy is eroded. We call on our leaders to demonstrate the same courage that everyday people are showing in the fight for justice.
Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/Stmt-FY25-CR
Closing Prayer
From UUA Minister Christian Schmidt:
"Spirit of Life and Love,
Be with us in this time, as people suffer, as parents grieve, as violence rages.
Be with us who feel the pain of loss, who feel anger at injustice.
Be with the oppressed and change the heart of the oppressor, for we know that both are joined in their humanity, no matter how often we forget it.
Help us remember the hope we had, the hope we have, and the hope we will have; help us remember joy in the midst of sadness, success in the midst of challenge, and good things in the midst of bad.
Help us to be better people, to work for better things, and to create a better world.
Amen."
As always, thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we organize, resist, and build a world rooted in love and justice. I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events.
