Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network

08/05/2026

Thank you to the UUs who served as nonpartisan poll challengers, poll workers (election inspectors), and observers for the primary election. This form of civic engagement strengthens our election processes and helps to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballot.

07/28/2026

These days understandably cause fear and distress for so many beloveds. Fear for individual safety and wellbeing, and for the safety of our families and communities runs deep for many right now.

Please know that as Unitarian Universalists, we will not forsake you. The deep theological roots of our faith, going back to transcendentalists in early U.S. history and inspired by nonviolent resistance around the world, call us to resist unjust laws and refuse to cooperate with oppression. The very symbol of our faith – the flaming chalice – originated as an offering of hope and refuge to all who seek to live freely. We will continue to show up for our communities, demand justice of our leaders, and work together to protect the basic human rights that each one of us deserves.

Ours is a faith of courage, of resilience, and of moral witness. The time to protect our communities and our democracy is now. Holding fast to one another, we will meet this moment courageously, together.

07/25/2026

The polls are open for early voting from today through Sunday, August 2. Visit mi.gov/vote to find an early voting site in your community.

06/22/2026

DETENTION SITE IN ROMULUS TO BE SOLD!
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have officially abandoned plans to convert seven sites to large immigration detention centers. The site in Romulus, Michigan is one of them! Following heavy protests and a federal lawsuit filed by Attorney General Dana Nessel and the City of Romulus, federal authorities reversed course. Protests, legal action, and investigations into overpayment for the properties are the prominent reasons for this seven-site reversal, which includes Roxbury, NJ, Social Circle and Flowery Branch, GA, Tremont and Hamburg, PA, and Salt Lake City, UT. The seven properties will be sold. ICE and DHS say they will shift to using existing state and county detention facilities. So, our work is not yet done.
Thank you to all who advocated for our immigrant neighbors by protesting the Romulus site addition. Let's continue to advocate for a reasonable path to citizenship, for the rights and humanity of people seeking a better life, and stopping the lies that immigrants are "the worst of the worst" criminals.

06/19/2026

"Today, we honor the generations who resisted, dreamed, created, built community, and expanded the promise of freedom. We celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans and the legacy of hope that Juneteenth represents."

Juneteenth is more than a holiday.

It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, joy, and the enduring spirit of Black Americans.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved people were free. That day became known as Juneteenth and has been celebrated ever since as a milestone in the ongoing journey toward freedom and liberation.

Today, we honor the generations who resisted, dreamed, created, built community, and expanded the promise of freedom. We celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans and the legacy of hope that Juneteenth represents.

We encourage you to learn, reflect, and celebrate with the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Explore their Juneteenth resources at the link in the comments.

06/08/2026

The Dept of Defense has dropped 180 faiths from the military's recognized religions list, including Unitarian Universalism. At least five U.S. presidents were Unitarians: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore, and William Howard Taft. The 31 faiths that were kept on the list include 21 different Christian religions. Even "Christian Non-Denominational" made the list. If you're not already aware of the Christian Nationalist movement, start educating yourself about it.

Defense Secretary Hegseth previously announced the change due to an "impractical" system.

05/22/2026

Last week UUs from four congregations participated in the largest LGBTQ+ Capitol Day in its four-year history; organized by Equality Michigan. Attendees participated in 53 meetings with lawmakers, sharing their personal stories and urging lawmakers to protect gender-affirming care and HIV research, prevention, and testing, and build a Michigan where LGBTQ+ people can live safely and openly. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

05/20/2026

SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME. Join our next Calling & Connection on May 27 at 7pm. Faith Saenz, Organizing Strategist for the ACLU of Michigan, will share why and how the ACLU has prioritized privacy and surveillance. She will discuss Michigan House bills 5492 and 5493 that intend to put controls on the use of automated license plate reader systems and the data they collect. Register to receive the Zoom link: tinyurl.com/muusjnaction

05/04/2026

Join the Permanent Mail Ballot List: mi.gov/vote

05/04/2026

May 5 is an election day for many Michigan communities. Click to check whether yours is one of them. You can register to vote at your city or township clerk's office on election day with proof of residency.
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