From the Director,
Welcome to the April issue of Justice Center News, the update from the Justice Center at All Peoples.
WHEW!!! That’s about my only words. I was able to go to Bloomington, IN with my child on Sunday and Monday to be in the path of totality for the eclipse. I don’t have words. It was truly awe-inspiring and (at least for me) a deeply spiritual experience. It was a moment of grounding for me.
And an important one as I pivot from legislative advocacy to moving forward with different kinds of advocacy and activism. We have a full agenda moving forward as plan for Pride Events, start our work for voting rights and get out the vote efforts (which we’re seeing as combined efforts), double down on our environmental organizing and advocacy, and continue building our our networks and coalitions. I’m excited about what we’re planning and the opportunities we’re emerging!
Our Legislative Advocacy
Voting Rights
We were not able to pass voting rights legislation again this year. We are working through the Kentucky UU Justice Action Network and the state-wide voting rights coalition to develop a 10 month plan advocacy plan for the 2025 legislative session.
The “Safer (for some people) Kentucky Act” (House Bill 5)
As you all know, HB 5 passed the state legislature. On March 9, The Governor vetoed this legislation.
Our friends at the Catholic Action Center are using this message as a base for an email campaign to our state legislators:
Dear Legislator,
Do not override HB 5 Veto! This bill will NOT make KY safer and takes away our counties’ rights to create their own solutions. Criminalizing homelessness is NOT the solution. Kentucky can do better, and there are coalitions ready to create better solutions for our communities.
Please email your legislator today with this message — adding your own reasons for encouraging them not to vote against the veto.
The Utility Bill
We made some good initial steps in regard to the “utility bill” this session. Most importantly, we were able to secure an informational hearing with the Joint committee between sessions. We can look forward to that hearing being scheduled for sometime this fall.
I will be working with our core partners to craft our plan for this coming year and will share that with you all as we work with our Metro Louisville delegation to ensure their support for this legislation come 2025.
What We’re Working On…
Interfaith Environmental Advocacy Network
The Justice Center is launching the Interfaith Environmental Advocacy Network (IEAN). Our first meeting will be the week of May 6. I am continuing to outreach and identify other congregations and faith groups who are working to address environmental justice to engage in this effort. Working in partnership with KIPL, the Center for Interfaith Relations and other organizations, we’re aiming to create a means to maximize our collective impact by developing a shared advocacy agenda and strategy!
If you or your congregation are interested in being a part of this new working group, contact Rus here.
Pride Month
The Justice Center is partnering with the Mandala House to host a couple of events as a part of our Pride Month efforts. On May 31 from 8:30 – 2:00, we’ll host “Awareness, Action and Allying” to come together as people and organizations of faith to learn how to better support, value and ally with the GLTBQI community. Go here to Register. (NOTE: we are asking a $25 fee, but if you want to attend but can’t afford the fee, please contact Rus to sign up.)
We are still in the process of planning this event, if you’re interested in joining the planning, please contact Rus.
We’re also co-organizing a block party to be held at Mandala House on June 21, 4:00 – 8:00 pm. More details to come.
The Justice Center is organizing for a UU participation in the Pride Parade on June 15.
For more information or to join us in planning for these events, please contact Rus directly.
Get Out The Vote
We are starting our planning for a robust Get out the Vote effort this summer and fall. We are just in the initial planning stages and are looking to partner with efforts such as the “Freedom Summer” recently announced by Simmons College and St Stephens Church, and the campaign being launched by the Poor Peoples Campaign.
If your congregation or organization is planning to engage in GOTV efforts, and you would be interested in coordinating these efforts, please contact Rus directly.
The Justice Center depends on your support
The Justice Center relies on contributions from individuals like you, and support from congregations, to continue our work. The efforts outlined above, our ongoing movement building and organizing, and our ability to share what others are doing in our community is all made possible by the generous donations of individuals and congregations.
Please consider making a donation today to help us keep growing our impact!
Partner Events and Opportunities
Louisville Youth Group
“Pride is Right” Pasta Dinner
Saturday April 13, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Join us at the Highland Community Ministries, where we transform the traditional family dinner into a game show! Featuring Emcee and Game Host Ell Nobles. Bring your little ones, your grandparents, and your friends—everyone is welcome in this family-oriented event. Your participation helps to nurture a safe, inclusive space where young LGBTQIA+ hearts and minds can flourish.
Go here for Tickets
VOCAL Kentucky
Wheelchair Cleaning and Repair
Saturday April 13, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Earth Day of Service
Friday, April 19, 2:00 PM
Alberta O. Jones Park — 744 S 23rd St
Join the Office of Sustainability for a day of planting native pollinators, picking up litter, and a small sustainability resource fair at Alberta O. Jones Park!
This volunteer event is a collaboration between Louisville Metro Government Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, the Parks Alliance of Louisville, Beargrass Thunder and YouthBuild Louisville.
Rally to Support the Homeless
Monday April 22, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join the Coalition for the Homeless, the Justice Center, VOCAL KY, and other partners in this rally in support of the homeless in Johnson V Grants Pass. There will be rallies held in Washington, DC and across the in support of homeless people and against efforts to criminalize their efforts to survive.
About the Case:
Johnson v. Grants Pass is a class-action suit originally filed in 2018 when Grants Pass, Oregon began issuing tickets to people for sleeping on public property. A group of homeless individuals sued the city, lower courts have decided that it is cruel and unusual punishment to fine or arrest people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go.
go here for other ways you can help.
Rally to Encourage LG&E to go Sustainable
Monday April 22, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
At LG&E, 220 W Main Street
Join the Save Bernheim Coalition in this rally to call on LG&E to abandon their carbon-based energy plan and pivot towards a more sustainable plan.
Please Support the Justice Center!
The Justice Center’s largest source of funding comes from individual donors. Please consider making a generous donation by clicking on the button below to support our efforts.
Support the Justice Center
For more information about the Justice Center and our efforts,
contact Rus Funk, Director at justicecenter@allpeoplesuu.com