STEPS TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Newsletter from the Unitarian Society of Germantown
September 2016

As members and friends of USG, we are committed to being compassionate agents for social justice. Each month we will focus on one of the many social justice paths that our members walk, as well as point to other paths that are being walked that month.
red school house
This month's social justice theme is Education.
Our second UU Principle is justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Supporting public education meets all three goals.


This month's newsletter includes:

Anchor1SING-IN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

On Monday,  September 12 , join choirs, bands and performers for a free concert from 2-6 PM in Dilworth Park. Show your support for fair education funding one day before the case is heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The event is sponsored by City Council Members Gym, Blackwell, Domb, Green, Henon, Quinones-Sanchez, Reynolds Brown, and Squilla. 


Anchor2FAIR FUNDING LAW SUIT

Witness the argument before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Tuesday, September 13, in City Hall Room 456. Oral Argument begins at 9:00 AM. An outdoor rally on the North Side of City Hall begins at 10:30 AM.

Anchor3SOUND OF REDEMPTION: THE FRANK MORGAN STORY

On Sunday, September 25, at 2:00 PM, there will be a free screening in the USG Sanctuary. Donations are welcome for Anna Lane Lingelbach and Charles W. Henry Elementary School music programs. 

Jazz saxophonist Frank Morgan was a master of bebop whose heroin addiction landed him in and out of prison for decades. In San Quentin he formed an ensemble with fellow incarcerated inmates and brought the deeply humanizing power of music to the men living in that prison, including himself. This 2014 documentary of Morgan's life is " a fond and forgiving tribute to the man, filled with music that moves beyond happy and sad, and toward something like brilliance." - New York Times 

Director NC Heikin, a Mt. Airy native and Girls' High graduate whose primary residence is in Paris, will be on hand to discuss the film and answer questions.  The event is jointly sponsored by USG's Ending Racism Committee and Public Education Initiative.

Public Education Initiative
Anchor4ALLIANCE FOR PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Two years ago, USG began providing meeting space for the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools (APPS), a grassroots advocacy group of retired and working school staff, parents and community members that researches school administration operations and finances, particularly since the state takeover of the district in 2001 and regularly speaks at School Reform Commission (SRC) meetings. We meet two Tuesdays every month from 5 - 7 pm. All are welcome.

schoolhouse
Anchor5SCHOOL REFORM COMMISSION

Attend School Reform Commission (SRC) meetings to observe current school operations. Opportunities to speak are offered monthly. Sign up at 215-400-4180 before 4:30 pm the day before an action meeting. Schedule is available at the SRC website: http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/s/src/.

Anchor6LINKS TO ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools (APPS)  https://appsphilly.net/

Parents United for Public Education  www.parentsunitedphila.com  

Education Voters of Pennsylvania http://educationvoterspa.org/ 

Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) http://www.pccy.org/ 

share the plate
Anchor7SHARE THE PLATE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Each month USG passes the plate for a charitable organization. This past year, Share the Plate has donated over $14,000 to local community and international organizations serving children, families, those without homes, without jobs, those returning from prison, and immigrants new to Philadelphia. The Share The Plate Task force welcomes suggestions from the congregation: sharetheplate@usguu.org .

On Sunday, September 18, the Share The Plate recipients will be the  Anna Lane Lingelbach and Charles W. Henry Elementary Schools.

Anchor8OTHER SOCIAL JUSTICE PATHS

Decarcerate PA on the capitol steps 6.5.13


Moral Monday-National Day of Action

The Moral Revolution encompasses demands for a higher minimum wage, access to affordable housing, fully funded education, an end to racist incarceration policies and end to the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.  


Many from USG intend to carpool to Harrisburg on September 12, leaving at 8:30 from Glenside, PA. Others will be traveling on buses leaving from the Friends Center at 4 th and Arch at 8:30.  Contact Linda Bernstein, momberner506@gmail.com , for more details and to sign up.  


Making a Killing -- Guns, Greed and the NRA, Part 3
There will be a viewing of the last two segments of Making a Killing - Guns, Greed and the NRA at 7 PM on Monday, September 12 in the Assembly Room at the Unitarian Society of Germantown. State Representative Madeleine Dean will be at the church for a discussion following the film. She is co-chair of the Pennsylvania SAFE Caucus.

The film is in five segments and we have already viewed three of those segments. However, it is not necessary to have seen the first three segments to participate. The film features personal stories from people across the country who have been affected by gun violence, including survivors and victims' families. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit - and thereby putting people in danger. Most importantly, the film presents information on what we can do to put an end to this profit driven crisis.


Concerts Across America


Sing Out Justice
On Saturday, October 8, from 7:00- 9:30 PM, join Emily Joy Goldberg and local singer-songwriters for a concert entitled  "Sing Out Justice!" The concert will encourage everyone to get out and vote. There will be tables with literature from a number of Social Justice organizations. Beer and wine will be available. Details will be announced later this month.


Facing The Unexpected - UU House Outreach
It's not always possible to prepare for the unexpected. It's even less likely to be prepared when you're on a limited budget. That's when UU House Outreach can help. Staff members can use Outreach's Client Assistance Fund to help people in Northwest Philadelphia through difficult financial situations.

  • Sometimes, it's a matter of paying for expensive medications.
  • Other times, it's finding the most appropriate medical device to improve mobility.
  • During a medical crisis, clients may fall behind in paying bills. The Client Assistance Fund may cover some of the unexpected costs.
  • When a client faces a necessary home repair, UU House Outreach may use the fund to defray the costs.

No one knows when they'll face an emergency. However, it's a good to know there's a place to turn for help. UU House Outreach assures its clients that they have somewhere to turn.  If you or someone you know needs help, contact UU House Outreach at 215-843-5881 or email: outreach@uuhouse.org .


USG's Social Justice Facebook Page
USG members are involved in a multitude of social justice projects. To view the latest activities and post new ones, join the UU Greater Philly Social Justice Group on Facebook.


Newsletter Articles
Articles for October's social justice newsletter are due on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Send them to Dennis Strain, dennis.strain09@gmail.com.

Unitarian Society of Germantown | 215-844-1157 | admin@usguu.org | usguu.org
facebookSTAY CONNECTED:
UU Greater Philly Social Justice Group: USG members and UUs from the Greater Philly region are involved in a multitude of social justice projects. To view the latest activities and post new ones, join the UU Greater Philly Social Justice Group on Facebook.