Conversation Partners
This most recent Social Responsibility Committee (SRC) program is doing exactly what was hoped for. Our Fellowship has for several years, been supporting a growing Hispanic community in Door County with financial allocations as well as holiday gifts to families through the Hispanic Resource Center. SRC was looking for a way to develop a relationship in a more meaningful, useful way beyond gift giving. A program to fulfill this aspiration came about as a result of a working presence by SRC at a Hispanic celebration last September. Between Karen Cruz, NWTC teacher Renee Honold-Smith and other SRC members, supporting English language development, quickly emerged into a vital program. Under the skilled leadership of UU Friend, Jamie Hanreddy, who is training volunteers as tutors, UU’s and several community folks have been taking part in monthly orientation sessions to gain or rejuvenate their abilities in supporting English competency. To date, there are 12 Hispanic persons meeting with “gringo” partners. It is the hope of SRC, that through word of mouth throughout the Hispanic community and your support, this program will continue to grow.
May, 2011
Efforts going into our new congregational year will be:
Programs Serving a Variety of Needs: Support of our Hispanic neighbors in various ways including the Conversation Partners, Movies that Matter, Justice Sunday and a Work Camp Experience (new effort). Ongoing programs include Humanitarian: Loaves and Fishes, Food Barrel, Memory Walk, Guest at Your Table, and Mitten Tree. Environmental: Earth Day, Meatless Dairyless Potlucks, Highway Cleanup, and Recycling of Batteries and Computer Cartridges. Economic Justice: Fair Trade Coffee and other merchandise.
SRC has a number of continuing activities.
- For many years we have sold fair trade coffee and chocolate as a commitment to honest treatment of the growers, which also provides a service to UUFDC attendees. This practice continues very successfully.
- The monthly Movies That Matter series provides free screenings of timely, provocative films for viewing and discussion on the third Tuesday of the month.
- Members assist with the “Loaves and Fishes” monthly dinners in co-operation with other local churches. The event provides meals and companionship for those in need of either or both.
- During the non-winter months we pick up litter along a portion of Hwy. 42 north of Ellison Bay as part of the state “Adopt a Highway” program.
- SRC represents our Fellowship on the Workforce Housing Committee of the Door Co. Economic Development Council.
- Annually we sponsor the Mitten Tree, providing warm accessories to Clothe My People.
- Supporting organizations and issues on the local, national and global levels with quarterly financial donations to such Door County causes as Community Clinic, the Hispanic Resource Center, and the Wellness Center. National and international organizations benefiting from UUFDC donations include on-going relief to Hurricane Katrina victims and Youth Haiti.
- Food donations to a northern Door Co. organization for those in need.
The SRC is co-chaired by Chuck Lauter and Bob Lindahl. Its mission is two-fold:
- To provide information and education that supports the exchange of ideas on local, national, global, and denominational issues of social justice.
- To recommend and provide opportunities for social action in the community and the world.