The Eighth Principle
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

Unfortunately, violence too frequently continues to be perpetuated in policies and practices that inflict undue suffering and harm to communities of color. We know now is the time for people of faith and goodwill to stand up and speak out. If this describes you, below are some racial justice organizations that will help you get better informed and provide volunteer and witnessing opportunities.

Opportunities to Support Racial Justice

• Support Black-Owned Businesses whenever possible
• Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP)
  • Current petition to sign against Racism
  • Series of weekly virtual discussions currently focusing on racial justice
  • Investigating a possible legislative action to eliminate Money Bail in Virginia
• Justice Forward Virginia
  • Non-partisan political action committee (PAC) bringing attention to the urgent need for criminal justice reform
  • Develops legislation and supports candidates who advocate for comprehensive reforms to Virginia’s criminal justice system
  • Current series of webinars in the run-up to special session of the General Assembly
• The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL)
  • M4BL seeks to reach millions, mobilize hundreds of thousands, and organize tens of thousands, so that Black political power is a force able to influence national and local agendas.
  • Six long standing policy platforms with two new ones specific to what is happening in 2020:
    • Demand that the rights of protestors be respected and protected and that there be no abuse of powers.
    • Demand immediate relief for minority communities from the impacts of the pandemic.
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
  • The ACLU of Virginia is one of 54 local offices across the U.S. working with attorneys and activists in their communities to shape better policies and spread awareness about their states’ priority civil rights issues.
  • People Power is the ACLU’s platform for grassroots action working with volunteers and supporters to defend civil liberties and civil rights…..many opportunities to volunteer.
  • ACLU of Minnesota filed a lawsuit on behalf of journalists who were targeted and attacked by police for covering protests over the killing of George Floyd
• Black Lives Matter works to organize and mobilize in response to anti-Black violence and structural inequality.
• La ColectiVA is an inclusive collaborative led by gente Latinx who are committed to upholding social justice and equity.

Recommended books: Racial Justice Resources List