Social Support Team
What we do
The Social Justice Support Team formed in the fall of 2014. At our monthly meetings we have explored a number of areas of concern. For example, John Mix, a chaplain at the Dane County Jail spoke to us; we watched and discussed Barbara Marx Hubbard's DVD "Humanity Ascending." In the fall of 2015 we co-hosted a showing of the “Vel Phillips: Dream Dreams” film with the St. Paul AME church. An interesting panel discussion followed the film, and the evening concluded with hospitality where members of the two congregations got to know each other. We have also marched in OutReach's annual Pride Parade for several years. During the holiday season, we organized a collection of books and Christmas cards for people detained in the Dane County Jail.
We maintain an email list of Unity members who want to be informed about emerging social justice issues and calls to action. Unity is a member of MOSES, an interfaith organization that unites Madison-area congregations to build a better community. MOSES members join together to take action on issues of social justice, such as over-incarceration in Wisconsin. Our church is one of 20 core members. MOSES is part of WISDOM, a statewide organization actively engaged in issues of social justice and currently focused on prison reform.
How you can help
Some members of the Social Justice Team are actively engaged in MOSES working groups and along with other members of the congregation participated in events last year such as a tour of the Dane County Jail and signing of a petition from the National Religious Coalition Against Torture that opposes prolonged solitary confinement.
Monthly meeting:
While we typically meet the 3rd Sunday of each month at 11:30am in our Upper Level space - always check the calendar page in case we're offsite Taking Action! The team group leader is Jeanie Verschay. For additional information, contact the Unity of Madison church office at 608-221-1376.