FIA is planning for the future

On September 26, we'll have our 4th Annual Faith in Action (FIA) issues election.This is when our congregation votes on our priorities for social action forthe coming year. This column is dedicated to a brief review of our expectedagenda for the election.

First, we'll review our ongoing programs. Of particular concern is our workon economic justice, peace, and civil liberties. In addition to reviewing ouraccomplishments to date, we'll discuss how to proceed with these issues duringthe coming year. Regretfully, S.J. Guidotti has resigned as chair of the Peaceand Civil Liberties Committee, so these topics will require particular attention.

Second, we'll review the proposed actions of immediate witness and the newStudy/Action Issue on Global Warming chosen at General Assembly in June of thisyear.

Third, we'll consider any proposals made earlier that day by our visiting minister,the Rev. Lindi Ramsden of the California UU Legislative Ministry. She will tellus about this program and review some of their work. This may well serve asa catalyst for new social action work.

Finally, we'll review and prioritize social action projects proposed by thecongregants present at the meeting. Faith in Action is dedicated to the democraticprocess and we are totally committed to pursuing those social action issuesof greatest interest to the congregation.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank S. J. Guidotti for his two-yeartenure as chair of the Peace and Civil Liberties Committee. We will miss hispassion and energy in this important leadership position.

I'm excited by the prospect of reviewing our programs and recommitting ourselvesto our important work. Please place this date on your calendars.

- Charles Haskell Chair, Faith in Action Commission

FIA Issues Election will be on September 24

As the new Faith in Action (FIA) chair, Iwould like to thank Charles and ChristineHaskell for their dedicated work duringCharles' three-year tenure as chair. I would alsolike to thank Judith and the members of the commissionfor their support. I realize that I have verybig shoes to fill.

FIA is holding the annual Issues Election onSunday, September 24, at 12:30, in the Sanctuary.I strongly urge as many of you to attend as areable. As a congregation, a community, and citizensof California, we have very importantchoices coming up in this November's election.Do we want to see affordable health care for allCalifornians, not just those able to pay? Do wewant "clean money" financing future elections?How as a congregation are we going to act onActions of Immediate Witness from this pastJune's General Assembly?

Please give somethought to thesequestions and bringup your own topics.Each suggested topicwill receive a vote.The top three votecarriers will determinewhat actionsFIA will take for thiscoming churchyear. Rememberthat a churchmember or friend has to be willing to take thelead and organize a group to follow through onthe issue. The procedures will be explained at themeeting.

Lunch will be sold after the service.

Please contact me if you would like to suggest any topics for the Issues Election.

- Cathie Gentile

Support for Daybreak Wanted

Long-time Social Action Committee member Dagmar Schnauss,has been coordinating delivery of food items to Daybreak Day Center and Shelter,which works exclusively with mentally ill homeless women in Santa Monica. Dagmarand a group of committed volunteers have been providing casseroles once a monthfor approximately the last 10 years. Dagmar is no longer able to continue thiseffort. If you would like to take up this worthy cause please contact CathieGentile. Any current or former members of the Social Action Committeeare cordially invited to attend the Faith in Action Commission meetings. Thenext meeting is Sunday, September 10, 12:30 to 2 p.m., in Room 4.

— Cathie Gentile

Faith in Action Issues Election Meeting Minutes - September 23, 2007

The current UUA 2007 Actions of Immediate Witness approved at General Assembly in June 2007 were handed out for discussion:

• Social Support for the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• Support Immigrant Families – Stop the Immigration & Customs Enforcements (ICE) Raids
• Support Comprehensive Sexuality Education Legislations
• Stop US Sponsored Torture – A Religious Call to Action
• Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
• Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act with Transgender Inclusion and Protection.

Committee Reports:

Green Sanctuary: Leslie Reuter presented the Action Plan that lists the 12 actions our congregation must take to become a certified Green Sanctuary church. The plan includes actions on Environmental Justice, Sustainable Living, Worship celebrations and Religious Education. The Action Plan was unanimously approved. Leslie also demonstrated an LED lamp that the Green Sanctuary Group would like to sell at church.

Hunger Task Force: Members of the congregation present at the Issues Election affirmed continuing our volunteer relationship with Step Up On Second coordinated by Janet Goodwin and Daybreak Shelter coordinated by Denise Helton. FIA chair presented the challenges of securing funding for these activities on a monthly basis. A request has been made to the Long Range Planning Committee to allocate funds to support this work in the future. We need a new volunteer coordinator for Turning Point Transitional Housing. The chair would like to thank the many congregation members who have donated so generously in the past.

The suggestion was made to add the film “Sicko” to our list of programs. This request will be directed to the Peace & Civil Liberties Committee.

The Multi-Racial Development Group presented their plans to focus on immigration as they relate to labor struggles:

- Plans to address car wash owners’ failure to provide a living wage to their workers
- The new Sanctuary Movement along with CLUE, Clergy & Laity United for Economic justice
- Bond-out families in detention as part of the UUA’s Action of Immediate Witness, Support Immigrant Families – Stop the Immigration & Customs Enforcements (ICE) Raids

MRDC will provide a liaison, Nora Hamilton, to the FIAC meetings and the FIAC chair will participate in the MRDC meetings to foster a close working relationship.

UU Legislative Ministry items:

- Carol Agate, Kris Langabeer, and Jacki Paddock all agreed to participate and report on the UULM’s Marriage Equality work group
- Joan Verdon and Cathie Gentile will participate and report on the Health Care Reform work group.

25,000 Petition for Peace

Phyllis Gabriel and Joan Verdon circulated the Rev. William Sinkford’s petition that calls for an end to the Iraq war. Rev. Sinkford will take the petitions to Capitol Hill on October 10.

Minutes taken by Judy Federick and transcribed by Cathie Gentile

UUA 2007 Actions of Immediate Witness approved at General Assembly in June 2007

• Social Support for the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• Support Immigrant Families – Stop the Immigration & Customs Enforcements (ICE) Raids
• Support Comprehensive Sexuality Education Legislations
• Stop US Sponsored Torture – A Religious Call to Action
• Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
• Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act with Transgender Inclusion and Protection

Actions of Immediate Witness are adopted to address pressing policy concerns in a timely manner. Individual Unitarian Universalists, congregations, districts, and departments of the UUA and UU affiliate organizations are urged to act on it also.

Please planto attendthe AnnualFaith in ActionIssues Electionon Sunday, September21 at12:45 p.m., in thesanctuary. There will be reports from the currentcommittees and guest speakers. We are interested inhearing from members of the congregation regardingany new issues for action this coming church year.A light lunch will be served before the meeting.

— Cathie Gentile

Volunteer Opportunities for the Westside Winter Shelter

Meals

1.Prepare, deliver and serve a hot meal for 150 people at the Culver City Armory.
o 1 time o 1 time a month o 2 times a month
Dates needed: Saturdays & Sundays December 1 to March 15, Christmas Day, NewYears Eve, New Years Day,Valentine's Day

2. All other food donations can be scheduled for anytime of the week.
Prepare, pack and deliver a sack lunch for 150 people at the Culver City Armory.
o 1 time o 1 time a month o 2 times a month o 1 time a week

3.Bake/purchase and deliver dessert for 150 people at the Culver City Armory.
o 1 time o 1 time a month o 2 times a month o 1 time a week

4. Donate and deliver fresh fruit for 150 people at the Culver City Armory.
o 1 time o 1 time a month o 2 times a month o 1 time a week

Supplies

1.Collect and donate toiletry supplies including; shampoo, lotion, deodorant,toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene products, hairbrushes, etc.Items can be donated in bulk or assembled in bags with all of the above items.

2.Collect and donate socks for men and women.

3.Collect and donate underwear for men and women.

4.Collect and donate blankets.
o We can commit to providing ____number of ___________________________.

Financial Support

Adopt a family