First Unitarian Justice Groups
These are justice programs that are operated and supported by church members.
Adult Language, Literacy & Citizenship
Serving immigrant adults in the community.
Contact: Connie Molecke, conniemolecke@gmail.com
After School Tutoring
Providing one-on-one tutoring to at risk students in our neighborhood.
Contact: Carol Oslund, astp.carol@icloud.com
Animal Advocates
Promoting the worth and dignity of all beings through humane education, political advocacy, and assistance to local animal welfare/rescue efforts. A chapter of the national UU Animal Ministry. Contact: Sharon Hall, sharondhall@aol.com
Change for the Future
Supporting local social justice agencies with the loose change collected during Sunday services, and educating members about the agencies’ work in the area. Contact: Bethe Orrell, beeweaveit@gmail.com
Earth Web
Our primary focus is global warming as we care for the Earth through both study and action. Contact: Marilyn O’Boyle, marilynlea@aol.com
Family Promise
First U is One of several area churches and synagogues that provide housing and meals to Albuquerque families who are experiencing homelessness, for a week every quarter. Contact: Peggy Whitmore, peggywhitmore@comcast.net
Food Pantry
Shopping, packing, and distributing food to those in need via drive-through distribution operations. Contact: Rebecca Gracey, maryrebeccagracey@gmail.com
Immigrant Justice Task Force
Supporting the rights, dignity, and well-being of the immigrant community and working for justice, equity, and compassion for local immigrant neighbors. Contact: Martha Ketelle, mketelle@gmail.com
Pride LGBTIQ+
Supports justice for the LGBTIQ+ communities by intergenerational participation in the annual citywide Pridefest and Pride Parade, in June. Contact: Rev Bob LaVallee, blavallee@uuabq.org
St. Martin’s Hospitality Center
Two or three times a year we serve the evening meal at a local soup kitchen. People donate some of the food, volunteer to serve, or cook the main dish at the Center. Contact: Nancy Cushman, njcushman@yahoo.com
Welcoming Congregation
First U value’s sexuality and gender diversity and see it as a spiritual gift by creating inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTIQ+ justice and equity as a core part of who we are. Contact: Mara Hoffman, weemais1@gmail.com
Community Justice Groups
First Unitarian interacts with, and is a member of, a variety of community and statewide justice groups.
Albuquerque FaithWorks
An alliance of congregations seeking wholeness for our community as we learn, serve, and advocate with those living on the margins. Contact: Peggy Whitmore, peggywhitmore@comcast.net
Albuquerque Interfaith
Twenty-five unions, churches, and schools working together to promote citizen participation in the democratic process. Contact: Martha Ketelle, mketelle@gmail.com
Albuquerque Interfaith Power & Light
Works for climate justice by mobilizing faith communities, faith leaders and people of faith to reduce the causes and consequences of global climate change. Core belief is that active care of the natural world is integral to spiritual life and social justice. Contact: Marilyn O’Boyle, marilynlea@aol.com
Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity
Working to establish public banking to keep our public revenue safe, local and working in New Mexico communities. Contact: Angela Merkert, angela.merkert@gmail.com
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
The UUSC, together with its grassroots partners, advances human rights world-wide and mentors’ young people in justice activism. The UUSC provides justice resources to UU churches and is supported by the Guest at Your Table program. Contact: Sue Spaven, spaven@swcp.com