The Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Hon. Thomas Andrews, President and CEO of the UU Service Committee have asked all Unitarian Universalists and our congregations to consider signing on to a Declaration of Conscience.  The Declaration is in response to the recent political changes and the sense among so many UUs that we must be united in purpose to protect the values of our democracy and those vulnerable populations among us.  Rev. Morales says, "This is not about partisan politics. It is a principled response to the potential targeting of people not for what they have done, but for who they are. It is a commitment to speak out and to act in support of basic human rights." 

Copies of the Declaration are available on the foyer table, and/or you can read more about it and access the way to sign it here:  https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/calling-all-friends-faith-and-conscience-invitation-uua-president-and-uusc

activity is distributed among many people. Each person does just a little work. We are confident you will enjoy this experience.

Stay tuned! In the weeks ahead, you will be receiving more information about our Build the Vision Campaign.

 Consider helping on Saturday, March 4 between 8a.m. and noon.  The Winter Work Day is being held by the Campus Committee in order to accomplish some indoor tasks in the church.  There are projects that include organizing, cleaning, painting, and repairing.  Everyone is welcome to help.  Please contact Vicki Banville at vickib@uucw.org if you are willing to help and she can get you paired up with a project. 

There will be a performance opportunity for all youth at services on Sunday, March 26.  All young ones who love to sing are welcome to join!  There will be two rehearsals before the date of performance and rehearsal tracks will be available for practicing at home.  More details will be announced soon; please contact Lead Music Director Jennifer Nicolosi via the church office if you are interested.

Endowment Fund Committee is now accepting grant request proposals throughout January and February. Forms are located on the information table in the lobby. Completed grant requests should be placed in the Endowment Fund Committee mailbox by February 28, 2017. Questions? Contact committee chair Mike Brown via the church office.

UUCW Common Ground's Gun Safety Campaign: All of us are increasingly vulnerable to gun violence no matter where we live.  It makes sense for UUCW members to become involved in Common Ground's DO NOT STAND IDLY BY campaign to advocate for developing safer guns and shut down gun dealers responsible for the majority of guns retrieved at crime scenes. For more information see an article in the upcoming West Wind.  Contact Dennis Briley if you have questions or want to volunteer.

The Social Action Council, in collaboration with the SOPHIA organization, encourages you to register for Madison Action Day. Join over 800 WISDOM leaders from across Wisconsin at the State Capitol to advocate and educate legislators about issues in the proposed state budget, including criminal justice reform, public transit and immigration! Details and registration are at http://wisdommadisonactio.wixsite.com/mysite Cost: $25.00 for lunch and materials; $10 for the Bus. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Barbara Pfarr   via the church office.

Register now for this exciting workshop featuring UU racial justice activist and educator Chris Crass. Focus is on overcoming our fears and building our skills to move forward with courage for our work in support of Black Lives Matter. Breakout sessions with a variety of local groups active in anti-racism work. Cost: Early Bird til 3/15 - $20 Adult; $10 Student/Youth. Don't wait to register at https://racialjusticecourage.eventbrite.com/ or through the link at uucw.org. Space is limited and tickets are likely to go fast. Pick up a flyer at the Social Action Table after service today! For more info, contact Ann Heidkamp   via the church office .

This one-hour documentary chronicles the lives of those affected by incarceration in America's most incarcerated zip code, demonstrating the significant toll that mass incarceration takes on individuals and families. Following the film showing, join for discussion with speakers from the EXPO (Ex-Prisoners Organizing) project and WISDOM, the state-wide organization working for prison reform in Wisconsin. 

Registration is requested at http://www.uucw.org/adult-spirituality/registration, noting which event you are planning to attend. For more information, contact Ann Heidkamp via the church office.

Join the UUA Common Read discussion of The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement, by the Rev. Dr. William Barber. Rev. Barber challenges us to ground our justice work in moral dissent and to do the hard work of coalition-building in a society that is fractured and polarized. Session leaders are the Rev. Joyce Palmer and Karen Zimmerman. Co-sponsored by the UUCW Social Action and Faith Development Programs. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Pre-register online at www.uucw.org/adult-spirituality/registration, noting in the comment section which session you wish to attend. Or contact Maria O'Connor via the church office.

Are you interested in helping UUCW make a difference in the world?  If so, the Social Action Council is in need of your talents and ideas.  The Council meets once a month (usually on the fourth Wednesday evening) to coordinate activities of the on-going social justice projects and discuss educational programming and new initiatives.  If you're interested in becoming a member or just want to find out more about any aspect of social action at UUCW, contact Ann Heidkamp  via the church office.