Our Call to Protect Dignity, Justice, and Democracy: Decriminalization Update from Side With Love
We are living through a period of rapidly escalating criminalization and repression. From the armed military occupation of Washington, DC, to the proposed “Crime” bill in Congress, to yet another tragic school shooting, to the renewed detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to the rushed deportations of children in the night, and to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the pattern is unmistakable and deeply alarming.
A new report from Civicus has placed the U.S. on its civil society watchlist, pointing to the deployment of military forces to quell protests, increasing restrictions on journalists and civil society, and the aggressive targeting of anti-war advocates speaking out on Palestine. The UUA has joined the chorus condemning the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, DC- an escalation of federal force against civilians that echoes last month’s actions in Los Angeles. These moves disproportionately target communities already marginalized by systemic oppression, eroding public trust and weakening democracy.
As people of faith committed to equity, dignity, and the common good, we refuse to remain silent. We will continue to resist state overreach and organize for justice.
The organizers at FreeDC remind us of what works in times like these: do not obey in advance, prioritize joy, take up space, stand in solidarity, and keep organizing. They emphasize that no single protest or event will solve this crisis, but that disciplined, connected organizing can and will transform our reality. Our congregations know how to build community so find the local organizations to join because being in solidarity matters and every small step builds toward liberation.
We also encourage you to read the helpful analysis from Protect Democracy, which explains why the administration is turning to these intimidation tactics and offers strategies to stop further National Guard deployments in U.S. cities. And don’t forget to check our Action Center weekly updates every Tuesday for movement updates, resources, trainings, and opportunities to take action.
Together, we can resist repression and nurture a democracy rooted in justice and love.
In solidarity,
The Side With Love Team
Trainings & Webinars
Mon, Sept 8: The Gathering
featuring Deepa Iyer
Throughout history, people of faith and conscience have come together to resist injustice and build a better world. Now, it’s our time. Join us at The Gathering on Monday, September 8th at 8pm ET/5pm PT/2pm HT! We kick off the church year with live music from Parker Woodland and a conversation about Solidarity with Side With Love’s Nicole Pressley and Deepa Iyer, author of this year’s UUA Common Read Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.
The Gathering is Side With Love's monthly virtual event to equip UUs and justice-seekers with the spiritual grounding, political analysis, and collective action needed to rise to the challenges of this moment. Come find inspiration, forge connections, and move together toward justice!
Tuesday, Sept 9: Supporting Abortion Seekers with Info & Compassion
Join the Renewed Clergy Consultation Service on 9/9 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET for this training with West Virginia Free as part of the Faithful Futures Training series this fall. Participants will understand resources available to abortion seekers, from self-managed abortion with pills, to funding, and spiritual support. While this workshop is particularly useful for those living in states with abortion bans, it’s relevant for all, as more people are self-managing at home safely with medication abortion.
Wednesday, Sept 10: Hope in a Time of Peril - Interfaith Immigration Coalition
Join us on Wednesday, September 10 at 3pm PT/6pm ET for this important webinar. Across the nation and within our cities, immigrant families and allies are overcoming aggressive immigration raids, fear and uncertainty, and the real impacts of family separation with care and compassion. Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for a webinar to learn about the latest federal updates, to understand how immigrant families are navigating the first six months into the Trump Administration and how people of faith are mobilizing boldly, to stand for welcome in a sea of change. There will be a Spanish interpreter.
Resources
12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops (Guide from the May Day Collective and Washtenaw Solidarity & Defense) As our bodies and identities continue to face further criminalization and erasure, it is critical for us to lean into practices of community care that embrace an abolitionist ethic. This guide offers simple, concrete alternatives to calling the police in moments of crisis, disruption, or uncertainty so that everyone involved is cared for and safe.
Learn how to raise money for families impacted by ICE and other mutual aid with this great report by Community Justice Exchange: Fundraising for Direct Aid is NOT Illegal. But there is paperwork. It isn’t illegal to fundraise for our collective needs, but there are learnings we wanted to share about raising direct aid money through payment platforms like venmo, cashapp, & paypal.
