Love not as a slogan, but a shared practice: May 2026 Update from Side With Love
May invites us deeper.
In a time that pulls us toward urgency and overwhelm, we are grounding again in what sustains this work: relationships, clarity, and the steady practice of showing up for one another. You continue to choose courage, community, and love that shows up in public life. That choice matters more than you know.
On May 1, Unitarian Universalists join the tidal wave of everyday people demanding that our tax dollars fund stability and care, not occupation and repression. The UUA is a coalition partner of May Day Strong, and together, we demand:
Tax the rich.
No ICE.
No War.
Expand democracy, not corporate power.
Defend free and fair elections.
Will you participate on Friday, May 1st? Find an action near you then join us May 11 for The Gathering: What’s Next After May Day?.
In June, we invite you to join The Gathering: Declarations of Democracy. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we are called to do more than reflect on the past. We are called to take action to shape what comes next. Together, we will name the truths that formed this nation, confront the ways they have been used to exclude, and build a democracy rooted in dignity, solidarity, and shared freedom. Register here.
UU the Vote 2026: Ignite Solidarity, Reimagine Democracy is also underway. This work is about more than elections. It is about growing the relationships, skills, and infrastructure that sustain democracy over time. Through voter engagement, community safety initiatives, and solidarity summits, we are building a movement powered by care, courage, and collective strength.
Below you will find opportunities, trainings, and resources to help you take action and stay connected this month. More will be added in the weeks ahead.
Let’s keep creating the future we need. Let’s keep choosing love not as a slogan, but as a shared practice strong enough to transform our communities.
In solidarity,
The Side With Love Team
May Events from Side With Love
May 1 & May 15: UU Solidarity Sessions
Held the first and third Thursdays of the month, Solidarity Sessions are an opportunity for folks working for immigrant justice to connect with one another, take action, and learn about the most recent changes in immigration laws and policies. First Thursdays will include top-level updates and time for connection and shared learning. Third Thursdays will be deeper dives into the administrative updates and the impact the changes they will have on folks seeking immigration relief. (Ex: Naturalization, DACA, asylum, TPS, victim's services, etc.)
May 1 @ 2pm ET / 11am PT
May 15 @ 2pm ET / 11am PT
May 6: Green Sanctuary 2030 Office Hours
Drop in to ask questions about anything related to the Green Sanctuary 2030 process, including our new easier requirement for annual recognition, find out how to access our Green Sanctuary Actions Searchable Database, and see how Green Sanctuary 2030 can support you in transforming your congregations through climate justice. Review the short Orientation Video then come to the office hours to get all your questions answered. Register to join us 5/6 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT.
UU The Vote Trainings in May
Learn how to run a phonebank, textbank, and/or use the REACH grassroots organizing app this year to contact voters as well as how to run MiniVAN for canvassing. After these trainings, congregations can host their own events which count toward the criteria needed to achieve Good Trouble Congregation status!
May 7 @ 5pm ET / 2pm PT: Phonebank Training
Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:00pm ET / 3pm PT: Canvassing/MiniVAN
May 18 @ 6pm ET / 3pm PT: REACH app Training
Thursday, May 21 @ 6:00pm ET / 3pm PT: Canvassing/MiniVAN
May 28 @ 7pm ET / 4pm PT: Textbank Training
May 11: The Gathering - What’s Next After May Day?
This month, we’ll strategize about the specific roles congregations can play in building the organization and power we need to force our government to put our families over billionaire fortunes. Get inspired by stories of congregations running strike schools, mapping and mobilizing their resources; and strengthen your spirit with music from Soren Austenfeld. The Gathering is 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 on May 11 at 8pm ET / 4pm PT.
May 18: Undermining Pillars of Support: 4th Amendment Wedge Strategy Training
How do we stop the authoritarian administration from becoming full on fascism? This hands on workshop will overview some of the answer: Pillars of Support, non-cooperation, and strategy to defeat authoritarianism. Then we’ll talk specifically how UUs can play a key role in growing networks of Fourth Amendment Workplaces, helping employers and workers understand their rights if ICE shows up. We’ll send you out with training and materials to recruit your local businesses to take a stand while building relationships within your congregation and community. Co-sponsored with UU Justice PA. Join us on May 18 at 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT.
June 8: The Gathering - Declarations of Democracy
On June 8th the Gathering will engage with the 250th anniversary of the United States and the prophetic call this moment places before us as people of faith.
This is more than reflection. It is a faithful act of proclamation. Our spiritual traditions remind us that prophecy is not about predicting what will come but courageously speaking truth into the present and calling new worlds into being.
As we mark this milestone in U.S. history, let us ask with spiritual clarity: What are we building for the future of democracy? Through declaration, witness, and shared action, we join in the sacred work of building a democracy that serves all of us. Join us June 8 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
This session of The Gathering will kick off a 2026 learning series that examines the limits and possibilities of American democracy so we can begin shaping a multiracial, interdependent democracy where everyone can thrive. Together with faith leaders, organizers, and scholars, we will tell the truth about the stories that formed this nation, confront narratives that have justified exclusion, and create new ones rooted in solidarity, collective power, and shared freedom.
The Gathering is 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, every second Monday of the month at 8pm ET / 5pm PT / 4pm AT / 2pm HT. Register at sidewithlove.org/the-gathering
Opportunities / Announcements
Accepting Applications for our Climate Justice Fellowship
The Unitarian Universalist Association is hiring a part time Climate Justice Fellow to support the Climate Justice organizing on the Side With Love Organizing Strategy Team. This position would be ideal for a seminarian, grad student, community minister, or others looking for part time work, especially those interested in climate as a social justice issue, community organizing, working with faith communities, or approaching climate justice from a systems perspective.
The Fellowship is fully remote, with a flexible schedule of 19 hours/week, $23/hour through July 2027 with the possibility of extension. If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter via our applicant portal (ADP WorkforceNow) on uua.org/jobs. If you have any questions, please reach out to careers@uua.org.
Resources
Creating Hubs of Resilience - Resources from April Gathering
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, explored how “hubs of resilience” are adaptive to and grounded in their context and we heard 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. Artivist Canedy Knowles ground us in movement and possibility. Watch the recording & check out the resources.
