Justice Center at All Peoples -November, 2023

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From the Director

Rus Funk
Rus Funk Speaking at First UU of Louisville
Welcome to the November issue of Justice Center News, the monthly update from the Justice Center at All Peoples.
Like many of you I’m sure, I find myself reeling from the Hamas attack on Israel which reportedly killed over 1400 civilians; and the Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have reportedly killed over 8000, mostly civilians. I have no words for what we’re all bearing witness to. Prayers are so important, and seem unsatisfying as a response…and yet, I have barely a clue of how to meaningfully respond. I am deeply troubled by what’s happening there, but also at the reports in rise in both anti-Semitic threats and violence, and the anti-palestinian/anti-muslim violence here.  I hope we can find ways to lean in towards each other.
As a reminder, the Justice Center is partnering with Hart Communications to hold a “holding space” where we come together to hold the complexities of what’s going on in Israel and Palestine, hold the suffering that we’re witness to, and hold each other. This will be held on Sunday Nov 12 from 4 – 6 pm at the Justice Center (4934 Brownsboro Road). Space is limited and registration is required.
Our work for justice doesn’t stop. We have less than a week before the elections (you all should receive this on the first day of early voting) and the Justice Center’s work to Get out the Vote continues to Election day.  You’ll see an update below.
The Justice Center with All Peoples International Justice Committee continues our work in support of the Cofan People in Ecuador; we organized in support of Earth Walk again this year and are beginning to consider our advocacy plan during next years Metro Budget process.
Speaking of advocacy, in partnership with the Kentucky Unitarian Universalist Justice Action Network, the Justice Center is starting to plan our state-wide legislative advocacy agenda. In addition to continuing our work to restore voting rights for people with felonies in their past, we are also paying attention to the “Safer Kentucky Act” (which is not yet in bill form, but we’re monitoring); along with a state law that will make it illegal for utility companies to turn off people’s power if the temperature is above 90 or below freezing.
And, as always, you all are also busy. You’ll see notifications of some of what y’all are planning down below.  Please do be sure to let me know of what yall have planned!
If you have suggestions for what you’d like to see us do, questions, concerns or other feedback, please feel free to reach me at justicecenter@allpeoplesuu.com or (502)425-6943.

Get Out the Vote

The Justice Center, in collaboration with the Kentucky Unitarian Justice Action Network, has been active in our voter registration and mobilization efforts. The Justice Center has distributed more than 2800 in the Metro Louisville area to be mailed to registered voters to encourage them to get out and vote this year. We have also registered at least 250 high school and college students, made more than 500 phone calls, and 2000 texts (so far). We’re also looking to support efforts to provide rides to the polls for people who need them.
This year’s election is so important!

Voting Rights

In addition to our efforts to get out the vote, the Justice Center is also working to support people with felonies in their past to regain their voting rights once they have completed their sentence. As you may know, Kentucky is one of the most regressive states in the country in terms of allowing people to regain their voting rights. The Unitarian Universalist principles call us to compassion for all, and expand the democratic process.  We believe that the right to vote should be a fundamental right for people and that all voices (and all votes) matter! We are facilitating a metro Louisville voting rights coalition to work on these efforts.
For more information or to join this coalition, contact Rus.

Support the Cofan People
Last year, the International Justice Committee of All Peoples, as a part of the Justice Center, launched a program to support the Cofan People in Northern Ecuador. These indigenous people exist and care for a million acres of threatened rainforest. Their land is under threat by developers and others; and their culture and way of life is under threat by any number of forces.
A part of our initiative is to cover the costs ($250 per family) of enrollment in the Ecuadorian health plan. The costs we’re raising also pays for a “Navigator” who helps get these families into this plan, and assists with the complicated process of getting people who have health care needs to health care providers.
This effort has launched a “Faithify Campaign” (Faithify is a crowd source fund raising platform organized by the Unitarian Universalist Association). If you are able, please consider supporting this initiave with a donation by going here.
For more information about this initiative, contact us at cofan@allpeoplesuu.com.

Environmental Justice

There are two main areas of focus for our work around Environmental Justice:  the Save Bernheim Now Coalition, and advocacy with Metro Government.
Most of you are well aware of the Justice Center’s efforts to support the Save Bernheim Now Coalition.  This coalition continues their organizing and advocacy.  The Justice Center recently received a small grant that will allow us to provide area congregations with Save Bernheim yard signs (both for your congregation’s campus, and to distribute amongst your community). Please contact Rus directly if you would like one or more!  The Coalition also has developed a short educational presentation that we would be happy to bring to your congregation, community group, or organizations.
The Justice Center also works to advocate with Metro Government in support of the REAL Resolution — to be carbon neutral by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, the Metro Government needs to allocate more funds to these efforts!
For more information or to join these efforts, contact Rus.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities 

Environmental Justice Bus Tour
Saturday, November 11, 10AM-1PM
Gather at First Unitarian Church, 809 S. Fourth Street, 40203
Donations requested but not required
First Unitarian Church is hosting bus tour of Rubbertown  Veteran conservationist Tim Darst will lead the tour. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today! To sign up or for questions, email Kathy Kremer at kathykremer11@gmail.com
Grand Opening of the Alberta O Jones Park — Louisville’s newest city park!
More info below:

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