Week Three: Mobilizing for Action

Reflection

by Caitlin Breedlove, UU the Vote 2026 Lead

In the season of darkness, I find it easy to nest, grounded in revelations that come out of the long nights. But as the Winter Solstice gives way to the growing of the light, it is time once again to begin to open up and connect.

When was the last time we went outside? Not just on a hike or walk, but outside of our friends, family, and network? The last time we took a risk, felt awkward, greeted someone we do not know, attended a meeting of a new group, or asked a neighbor for coffee?

When my father comes to visit, he likes to bake cookies for a small army. In order to not allow my kids (or self) to enter sugar shock, every year, I am inclined to wrap some up for neighbors in my townhouse complex, and deliver them.

It is extraordinary how much joy this gives my neighbors, how appreciative of this they are. I always get text messages with many exclamation points. I do not bake much, let alone remember to make enough for neighbors. I get mired down in my own worries, concerns, and responsibilities. But, every year, my dad bakes and then asks me: who might be alone this holiday and want some? 

Years ago, my friend Kai Lumumba Barrow introduced me to the work of Laura Mvula, especially her Green Garden. I love the beauty and Black excellence of her work, and I love the way she shares the idea of take me outside. The video, and song, remind me to move myself from concrete emptiness to undomesticated land as much as possible. 

I read her words I go, wherever you go, wherever you take me, I go not as a submission to another person, but as a letting go to Spirit itself. A union with the collective that is at the heart of mobilizing: we go outside together, understanding very little can be changed alone, but together we can transform much more than we could imagine. Even now. Perhaps especially now: as we see a return and draw to the analog of life, and life itself: springing and decomposing on and on, into and from the earth. 

Orange sugar cookies in foil on a doorstep. Building the campaigns of our dreams and inviting each other in. To be invited, to be gifted, to be thought of: one of the greatest quiet joys of life. A joy we can give freely and generously, when we invite each other to mobilize for what matters in this new year. 

I invite you to consider: where are you wishing to be invited in to? What are you part of that brings you joy that you could invite others into? What could you be part of building in the new year that would make you want to join, and to invite?

Body Practice

Inspired by Body Scan Meditation by Lóre Stevens

Collective Action

UU Solidarity Initiative ICE Out! Week of Action

In this time of moral crisis, our faith calls us to live our values through courageous and prophetic action. Join Unitarian Universalists across the country for a national Week of Action, Feb 2 through Feb 6, against the violent, immoral actions of ICE. The week will include a 40-hour phone call blitz to Congress, five straight days of virtual action hours led by UU State Action Networks, and an opening event with UU Solidarity Initiative.

Creative Practice

“Mobilizing for Action” Coloring Sheet by Lena Kassicieh

UU Children's Choir, “Let Your Light”

Ben Harper, “With My Own Two Hands”

Something to watch together as a family with kids of all ages

Reflection:

• How did the dancing make you feel while you were watching?

• If you could use movement, music, or art to say something important, what might you want to say?

• How does your body help you express feelings when words are hard?

Something to watch together as a family with older kids

Reflection:

• What does mutual aid say about how people see each other?

• How does mutual aid help people keep their dignity?

Theological Conversation

Video coming 2/3 at 12pm ET!

Reflection Practice