We appreciate those activists who are already working on something and want us to consider their issue. We ask them to fill out a Proposal. Proposals are a way of collecting the ideas and passions of our members and friends. At the Annual Meeting on October 14th, 2017 in Corvallis we want to know your interests. If you have a passionate interest, read through the criteria below and see if your issue has strong Grounding, Allies, Fit and Opportunity in Oregon! If you think it does fill out a proposal and bring it to the annual meeting.
Criteria:Consider the following when proposing an issue for Oregon UU Voices for Justice. (Adapted from Standing on the Side of Love).
Grounding. Does the issue have authentic and deep Unitarian Universalist roots? Does it link to the current identity and theology/philosophy of Unitarian Universalists?
How does the issue relate to our seven principles?
Is there historic and current UU engagement on the issue; for example, is it related to a study/action issue?
How are Oregon Unitarian Universalists engaged in the issue?
What is the spiritual, philosophical, historical, and ethical basis for addressing the issue?
Allies. Who can we partner with to work on the issue? How can affected groups be included?
Are there potential partners in Oregon working on this issue?
Do we have relationships with these potential partners?
Can we be a respected partner in the public dialog on this issue?
Fit. Is there a match between our resources and aspirations, and an ability to make a real difference?
Is there a group of people who want to work on the issue?
Is there money available?
Does the UUA have any resources around the issue?
Are there Unitarian Universalist leaders who are or could publicly represent a UU perspective on the issue and whom we could recruit?
Is the issue an Oregon or Northwest issue, as opposed to a national or exclusively local issue? If a national issue, is there an Oregon focused portion we could work on, e.g. Health Care for All Oregon rather than national single payer healthcare?
Does it fit within our Campaigns:
Environmental Justice issues are anything having to do with the environment. Examples would be stopping new fossil fuel infrastructure, stopping coal and oil trains, outdoor school for all children, farm and forestry practices, good public transit, and energy legislation.
Deepening Democracy Issues are about our democratic institutions and where they are threatened or not strong enough. Examples are: money is not speech/corporations are not people, money in politics, transparency issues, voter registration, and the design of our primaries and elections.
Human Rights are about threats to human dignity, especially when focused on those with less power and subject to racism, sexism and homophobia. Issues would include: indigenous rights(First Nations), Black Lives Matter, immigration reform, prison reform, and reform of our court system.
Economic Inequality are issues that result from an unjust distribution of wealth. Examples include: raising the Minimum Wage, equitable taxation, funding for schools, policies around school loans, economic development, health care for all, good public transit, and affordable housing
Opportunity. Is this a “hot” issue and a good time to act? Can we/Oregon UU Voices make a real difference?
Is this something that is likely to come before the next legislative session?
Is this something that is likely to be the subject of a ballot initiative?
What other religious and secular voices share our views and are vocal?
What other religious and secular voices oppose our views and are vocal?
What is the degree to which the issue is or could become a meaningful factor in news coverage or public debate?
Is there an Oregon UU Voices “champion” for this issue, a team or a leader who is willing to act as convener for our efforts related to the issue?
Where there is grounding and allies, use the chart below to plot the fit and opportunity. Issues with high fit and opportunity are ones to consider making priorities. Issues with low fit and/or opportunity may still be worth addressing, but may indicate a need to develop resources and allies.
High Fit and Low Opportunity Potential Study, educate, and monitor for development High Fit and High Opportunity Ideal Dedicate time, energy, and resources
Low Fit and Low Opportunity Unlikely Do not dedicate time and resources. May monitor for development Low Fit and High Opportunity Potential Study, educate, and monitor for development
If you have any questions about this, just call or email! We really want your proposals. Rev. Katie Larsell, Oregon UU Voices for Justice, Executive director, katielarsell@gmail.com, 503-327-1612
view "how we choose our social justice priorities" as a printable pdf