Social Action Activities
We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe that every person should have the same rights and privileges, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religious beliefs, or physical capabilities. We work to bring better awareness and understanding about issues of fairness and equality. If you believe what we believe, we hope you will join us at our next committee meeting.
Examples of our activities include group volunteer days at Transitions and Harvest Hope, the Inclement Weather Shelter, and the Share the Plate Program.
Upcoming Events
Fourth Sunday of the Month Following the Service (approx 12:15pm)
The Social Action Committee will meet in person 15 minutes after the end of the UUCC service in the Sanctuary observing indoor Covid protocols. We will stream the event as well. Meeting details should be on the Meeting Info page under News in the dropdown. Questions? Contact Kevin McKinney or Connie Quirk at socialaction@uucolumbia.org for more info.
Support Transgender Youth
Following up on Athena Shier’s visit on June 25, the Social Action Committee has established a donation station for those backpack items needed by The Safe Space Dinners program. This program is sponsored by the Reformation Lutheran Church. They prepare these backpacks for transgender youths and all LGBTQ, and homeless youth that find these items helpful in their day-to-day life. Many transgender youth are asked to leave their home with nothing when they reveal their true gender identity. Your donations will help to fill these backpacks with necessities.
For questions about UUCC’s partnership with this project please contact Linda McLeod at bonneylass44@bellsouth.net or check the Safe Space Dinners website link for more information about their program.
Items Needed:
Hygiene kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, feminine products, etc.), Gift Cards for Fast Food, Snack and Protein bars, Packs of dried fruit and nut,s Socks, Reusable water bottles, Portable battery packs, First aid kits, Hand Sanitizer, Markers, pens, notebooks, Sunscreen, Lip balm, Winter gear
Winter Shelter Donations
Please hold your donations at this time. We will be collecting them again soon! The Social Action Committee collects donations of lightly used clothing – especially hats, gloves and coats – shoes, current magazines and unused personal-sized toiletries for the Inclement Weather Center, the “winter shelter” for Columbia’s homeless. You may place your donations in the container in the Social Hall. The shelter, managed by Transitions, is open from November 1 to April 1 when the temperature falls below 40F. Last season, over 100 adults used the facility each night it was open. Please contact Tom Clements (tomclements329@cs.com, cell 803-240-7268) with any questions.
Harvest Hope Food Donations Needed
Now that we are back to in-person Sunday services we can again support the good work that Harvest Hope is doing to feed hungry people in the Midlands. Please bring your donations, such as any canned food items; rice; pasta; disposable baby diapers. Do NOT bring expired items, glass containers, or fresh produce. The Harvest Hope grocery cart can be found under the windows in the social hall.
Feeding the Hungry at Transitions: Suspended Until Further Notice
Because we can no longer volunteer, please consider donating these things that Transitions needs:
- Brown lunch bags and plastic wrap
- Bottled water
- Heavy duty paper plates
- Cans of Lysol and hand sanitizer and liquid soap
- Financial support
Sign Up for a One-Time Meal Service
Sign Up for Recurring Meal Service
I can help in the Clothing Closet!
Contact Elizabeth Igleheart about making donations – even pickup. EIgleheart@TransitionsSC.org
UUCC has a continuing commitment to help serve the evening meal at Transitions Homeless Recovery Center, 2025 Main Street in Columbia, on the second Saturday of every month. Please arrive by 5:15, as the service window is 5:30 to 6:00. Park in the Transitions lot. Sign in at the Security Office. Remember to bring a hat unless you prefer to wear one of the disposable hair nets they provide. We have stools for anyone who might find it uncomfortable to stand for 30 minutes. Please email Bob at Uubobwhit@gmail.com if you are available.
SCUUJA News
Our own Rev, Dr. Pippin Whitaker, along with Rev. Dr. Jean Heriot, co-founded the South Carolina Unitarian Universalist Justice Alliance (SCUUJA) in 2021. Since then, Rev. Whitaker has moved on to a settled ministerial position for the UU Fellowship of Athens (Georgia). Rev. Heriot remains in her position with SCUUJA and they have hired Rev. Nathan Woodliff-Stanleyas their new Executive Director, beginning September 1, 2022. Learn more about Rev. Nathan here.
Be sure to see our Past Social Justice Activities and Charitable Activities