Racial justice

As Unitarian Universalists dedicated to upholding our Seven Principles, UUCF is committed to exploration, learning and transformation around racial justice. The congregation lives this commitment through the work of its Racial Justice Steering Committee (RJSC).

Please contact committee co-chairs Kaye Cook and Sharon Johnson.

Racial Justice Steering Committee

The Racial Justice Steering Committee is a subgroup of the Social Justice Council. Through long-term education, service, advocacy and witness, the RJSC is dedicated to the following mission:

Understanding the root causes and effects of racism.
Working to dismantle racism through individual and congregational actions.
Developing partnerships with other institutions working to dismantle racism, particularly institutions led by people of color.
Increasing the congregation’s diversity.

The RJSC is composed of about a dozen members, including UUCF’s senior minister and intern minister. The group meets monthly and welcomes new members committed to this mission.

RJSC Updates

RJSC Quarterly Report 031217

UUCF Racial Justice events

Please click the event title for more information.

Racial Justice Steering Committee

Sat., Jul. 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Library. Meets the third Saturday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Contact RJSC co-chairs Kaye Cook or Sharon Johnson. Through education, service, advocacy and witness, the Racial Justice Steering Committee (RJSC) - a subgroup of the UUCF Social Justice Council - is dedicated to identifying and alleviating the root causes and effects of racial injustice and racial discrimination. Find out about the group's Second Principle Project and other ways the RJSC is working toward these goals at uucf.org/racial-justice.

Area Racial Justice events

Please click the event title for more information.

FLY looking for facilitators

The Fairfax LGBTQ Youth (FLY) group is looking for facilitators. Facilitators work in teams of two or more to create safe, supportive and social spaces for LGBTQ youth ages 12-19. Facilitators receive training about group processes and need to pass a background check. The group meets twice a month, on the first Tuesdays and third Fridays, but we take turns facilitating, so you don't need to be available for all of these. FLY is a part of DC Metro PFLAG. For more information, please contact Samantha (Sam) Marple.

DRUUMM survey

DRUUMM (Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) is conducting a brief survey of members and friends who identify as UU people of color to learn more about community needs. We are seeking to better understand the gap between "what is" and "what should be." The survey will take about 15 minutes. All information shared will be used only for DRUUMM purposes and will not be shared without permission. Your responses will help inform the next phase of DRUUMM's organizing and base-building work. DRUUMM 2019 Survey. Deadline is Jun. 20. Learn more about DRUUMM and view its monthly newsletter. Questions? Contact Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons.

Sermon podcast 10.08.17: Never Doubt What a Small Group of Committed Folks Can Do

Sermon 10.08.17: Never Doubt What a Small Group of Committed Folks Can Do by Rev. David A. Miller

UUCF hosts first integrated Brownie troop in VA in 1950s

Apr. 14, 2015. Interim Minister for Social Justice John Monroe found this photo and descriptions in the UUCF archives. [caption id="attachment_27145" align="alignleft" width="391"] In the late 1950s, UUCF hosted one of the first integrated Brownie troops in Virginia.[/caption] "In 1955 or 56, this church began to look at what lay ahead for school children, black and white. We realized that they did not know each other at all, and it was possible that a school might have only two or three black students attending, who would naturally feel very conspicuous, very lonely and scared. "So we did two things. At this time we had no minister, and of course no building. We began a summer day camp to last two weeks, and to be open to black and white children. It was run by volunteers and continued for quite a few years, every summer. "And, we started a troop of Brownie Scouts, #339; we think the first integrated troop in Virginia. The black and white little girls soon found that they played different games, and did not always understand each other's speech. Cultural differences were already deep at 7 years of age."

Need help setting up online giving in Realm?

UUCF Administrative Coordinator Mary Foster is now able to help congregants set up online giving payments within the Realm database. (Congregants have had this ability since UUCF started using Realm.) If you'd like help setting up online giving payments, contact Mary Foster, 703-281-4230, in the UUCF office Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Check back later for more Caring news.

Help Find UUCF’s Next Justice-Centered Theatrical Production

Program Update. Apr. 15, 2019. There’s something magical about the theater. It’s not just the illusions created, the beliefs suspended, the ordinary humans transformed. It’s also the enactment of story by living, breathing people in the room with us, with the potential to be moved, touched and, if we are lucky, transformed by the experience. At its best, theater can elevate our spirits. The theatrical arts have a rich history of engaging people with social issues and raising awareness. A desire to engage the UUCF community with theater arts as a way of enlarging our spiritual lives and expanding our social justice activities led to the creation of the Theater Arts Coordinating Team (TACT) last fall. TACT’s inaugural production - Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” - raised awareness about violence against women, raised over $5,000 for V-Day and our local domestic violence shelter and was a special evening of theater for a sold-out audience. Half of the show’s cast came from outside the congregation, which expanded our perspective and allowed UUCF to share its gifts beyond the congregation’s campus. TACT wants to build on that success by finding a centerpiece production for next year and we need your help! As part of the ongoing work of dismantling white supremacy culture in the congregation, we’d like to center the voices of people of color in our next major production in February 2020. We are currently exploring the possibilities by reading plays written by people of color, reaching out into the wider community to explore potential partnerships and collaborations with people of color involved in theater in the community and with local racial justice organizations. Do you know people or organizations we should be in contact with? We’d love to hear your ideas and welcome your participation in this growing theater arts community. As a spiritual community committed to equality, inclusion and social justice witness, UUCF has a unique opportunity to express its values through the theatrical arts. TACT hopes you’ll contribute your ideas, participate in our productions and come to the shows! The team includes Director of Music & Arts Laura Weiss, David Addis, Susan Bennett, Carol Campbell, Kathy Splitt and Cami St. Germain. Please contact us at tact@uucf.org.

Check back soon for Music & Arts volunteer opportunities

Sue Berman

Congregational Treasure. Feb. 9, 2015. [caption id="attachment_25384" align="alignleft" width="138"] Sue Berman[/caption] Sue Berman is the ultimate model of involvement in fellowship at UUCF. Her friends and acquaintances recall that for more than four decades Sue has stepped forward to lead or quietly work to support innumerable activities that have brought together members of UUCF in thoughtful, supportive and often joyful association with each other. In recent years, Sue has been a mainstay in organizing and facilitating the annual fall Adult Retreat. At the same time she has reached out to others as a Pastoral Care Associate, raised scholarship funds for the Partner Church program, facilitated a women's support group, was a Sunday coffee monitor and remained an active member of a growth group and an extended family that were both launched at UUCF years ago. In earlier years friends recall Sue helping to put on the annual Holiday Ball. She was a cook and hula dancer at the annual Luau. In the past, both of these were major social events at UUCF. Sue also taught Religious Exploration, was a youth leader, hosted auction dinners, took part in a journaling group and helped to arrange New Year's Eve gatherings at UUCF. Sue has organized twice-a-year beach retreats for UUCF members and friends. She has regularly joined small groups for a theater outing, a movie, games or a new adventure. And always she has reached out to friends in need, helping them to get through a difficult time, throw a special party at UUCF or hold a memorial service for a loved one. In all these contributions and probably many more Sue has remained modest, often behind the scenes, and has not sought recognition. Says a friend, "Sue is sensitive to people's needs and she’s always stepped up to help." Another longtime friend adds: "Over the decades we and our ministers and lay leaders have emphasized 'ministering to each other' here at Fairfax. Sue has been one of the shining examples of this spiritual practice and we have all benefitted from it - in small and large ways." That's why UUCF is honoring Sue Berman as a Congregational Treasure. by Judy Gallimore, Dick Lucy, Pat Tinker and Ann Wood

Farewell to Rich Sider

What's Next? from Paul Atelsek, President, UUCF Board of Directors, and Senior Minister Rev. David A. Miller. [caption id="attachment_34307" align="alignleft" width="175"] Paul Atelsek[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28730" align="alignleft" width="175"] Rev. David A. Miller[/caption] Earlier today, UUCF’s Director of Administration Rich Sider announced his retirement. Rich has been an incredibly important member of the staff team and has devoted endless time and energy to sustaining UUCF and helping it thrive. For 9 years, Rich has supported events, fundraising and the general administration of the congregation in ways that have allowed us to continue the important work of our mission to each other and our community. Plans for our congregational expression of gratitude will be announced in the near future. The intention is to have a replacement hired by January. Rich will be working to create a smooth handoff to our next director. We wish him a full and enjoyable retirement as we express our gratitude for his devotion. He will be deeply missed. Based on Rich’s announcement, The UUCF Board of Directors met on Tue., Aug. 8, and approved the formation of a search team to fill the director of administration position. The makeup of the team will include: Two congregation members selected by the Board based on applications to serve on the team. Click here for a link to the application. A member of the board who sits on the Financial Oversight Committee, which works closely with the director or administration. A member of the Property Stewardship Committee, which works closely with the director. A member of the Coordinating Team, on which the director serves. A UUCF staff member. A member of the UUCF People of Color Caucus, because the congregation’s strategic plan aims to fill open positions, whenever possible, with qualified candidates of color. Senior Minister Rev. David A. Miller, the position’s supervisor. The deadline for search team applications from the congregation is Sun., Sep. 3. Each of the above groups will select its representative to serve on the search team. Search process As soon as it is constituted, the search team will meet regularly with a goal of filling the position before the end of December. The plan is for the new director to start after the first of the year and have a training period with Rich. The first task will be to review the current job description and create a revised description and announcement for posting. The search team will then generate a list of key criteria for the position. The position will be posted locally and nationally in places used for national UU congregation searches. These postings have been effective for us in past searches. The search team will screen and categorize the applicants by experience and alignment with the job description. The team will develop interview questions. A subset of the team – selected by the team - will meet to decide which applicants meet all the criteria and should be passed on to the full team. Each team member will read all the selected applications in relation to the position criteria established by the search team. The team will evaluate applicants on those criteria; with each individual search team member assigning scores that will be compiled for a group (team) score. The search team will conduct live video interviews with the top candidates. After those interviews, the team will meet and narrow the pool to three finalists. Each finalist will meet with staff and lay leaders relevant to the search process and do a final round of interviews with the search team. The team will choose the final candidate to recommend to the board. Again, we are deeply grateful to Rich for his incredible service to UUCF. We will let you know later in the fall how we will be honoring him before his departure.

Taking Time to Breathe, Reflect and Find Joy This Summer

Jun. 10, 2019. By Senior Minister Rev. David A. Miller. Our congregational life has a rhythm much like schools: we gear up in August for launch in September and we wind down in June for what always feels like a much needed rest. This year has been particularly challenging, and the rest and break to breathe and regroup seems particularly necessary. For years, it has felt like religious life in America in general and Unitarian Universalism specifically is going through a transition. I have talked about it as a period of realignment from what might be called the 20th Century way of doing “church” to a new 21st Century model. This realignment is still emerging and as with most substantial shifts, there will be a time that calls for flexibility, discovery and learning as well as some challenges to our comfort. These challenges were evident in a Central East Region training the UUCF Board of Directors attended last Saturday where discussions centered around the topics discussed at our Annual Meeting - the changing needs for revenue generation, the shifting landscape of generational changes in membership and the need to focus our programs and spiritual life on the mission and vision for the present and future. In the coming congregational year, we’ll have many opportunities for transparent and realistic conversations about these challenges. For now, I hope we can all take time to breathe, reflect, find some joy and rest this summer. I look forward to being part of these important conversations in our shared future and I leave this congregational year with feelings of deep love for all of you, the staff, this institution and our shared faith.

Neither the beginning nor the end

by Rev. David A. Miller. Thirty days isn’t a long time in the course of human history. Although a wonderful place, UUCF probably isn’t going to be able to change centuries of racial justice issues built into the culture and the systems of this country and the world. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Remember, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens …” I wish there were a clear road map for how to take what we have experienced and learned together during these past 30 days and move forward as a congregation to continue the work of racial justice. Unfortunately, there is not. Just like everything else in life, we have to weigh our ability, our time, our resources, our shared vision and desire, then make choices about what we want to do and what we can do. Clearly, we must do something. As we have traveled this month through the history of UUCF, as we look at the state of politics in this election cycle, as we understand the need for voices of progressive faith to be heard in the public arena and as we stand witness to the systems of oppression that have changed and evolved (but not gone away), our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to get involved in supporting change, dismantling systems of oppression and doing whatever we can to help heal the deep wounds and divides we face. On Feb. 27, we will come together to discern our next steps. It was always part of the plan for this “Thirty Days of Love” campaign to call us together to work on what comes next. So if at all possible, please try to attend “Justice Works: Engaging All Ages in UUCF’s Racial Justice Work,” 9 a.m.-noon, in the Sanctuary Commons. This is neither the beginning nor the end of this work. It started long before many of us were a part of the UUCF community and it will continue after many of us are gone. The hope is that we can make as much of a difference as possible while we are here.

A thank you from our Transylvanian visitors

The Partner Church Circle received this thank you note from Emma and Gyula Benke who visited UUCF earlier this month. Dear American UU brothers and sisters, We would like to extend my thanks for giving us the opportunity to come to the other side of the world. You made our dreams come true. There is no gift in the world that could express our gratitude. We will be grateful for the rest of our lives. We would like to give the church a small gift, a symbol our gratitude. It is a Szekely flag that symbolizes that we were and are and will be Transylvanian Hungarians, or Szekelys. In our homeland, faith, hope and love are the three treasures that help us to survive and struggle for what is ours. Those of you who have been in Transylvania understand what I mean. We live as a minority and much is forbidden us. We trust in God to follow every one of your steps, to give you strength and health so that we can nurture this faithful, loving relationship for a long time. I am very happy that we have a true friendship with you. We never would have believed that we would make it to America and yet here we are. Thank you for that. God bless you! Emma and Gyula Benke The Szekely flag will be placed in the Partner Church Room in the Sanctuary Building. Truly we are weaving the relationships that underlie a “beloved community.” – Dick Van Duizend, chair, Partner Church Circle

Reflections on Possibilities

by Rev. David A. Miller. One year ago tomorrow, UUCF voted to call me as your senior minister. I remember that day well, waiting in the office and then having Nigel Astell come to inform us of the vote. It was a glorious day, and it has been an amazing year. The beginning of any ministry is pregnant with possibilities. In fact, it is all possibilities, because we haven’t spent time together in day-to-day life. Once we start to work with each other, just like in any relationship, there are moments of joy and sorrow, frustration and compromise, vulnerability and exploration and everything else that comes with life. We travel a path that won’t always be easy but is still filled with so much possibility. I have to say, now that we have spent almost a year together, I am even more excited about the possibilities than I was on that wonderful day. This week is my installation as your senior minister. It is an important moment in congregational life. It is a symbol of the covenant that we will share together to do the work of love and justice in the world. Yesterday, I talked about how to do that in right relationship. I posed 18 questions for us to reflect on. I received some requests to post them on the website, so I will include them at the end of this blog. These reflections can be a guiding light for us as we move forward together in this covenantal partnership. They can also help us as we turn our gaze, actions and activities out into the community to create circles of love, compassion, kindness and justice. I am so very thrilled to be your senior minister. I am so grateful for this partnership and am looking forward to many years deepening our connection. Thank you for the kindness you have shown Alice and me this first year. Thank you for being so welcoming. Thank you for your good work in the congregation and the world. Thank you for caring so deeply about the flourishing of life. Much love, Rev. David Rev. David’s Reflections on Right Relationship Am I assuming the good intentions of the other? Am I communicating directly with the person with whom I am having an issue? Am I resolving issues or am I spreading them through gossip, anger and/or frustration? Am I reflecting on what personal wounds, issues and tendencies of mine are contributing to the issue? Am I willing to be an active participant and to work in good faith to clear up issues? Am I projecting on to someone else through my own framework what they are thinking or doing versus engaging them and asking them to share their thoughts and story? Am I actually trying to live the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism by acting with compassion, respect and a high value of our interdependence? Am I actively listening to what others are saying and not formulating a response or the next comment or question while they are talking? Can I let go of my need to control the situation? Can I graciously leave space for others by letting someone else speak first or by not speaking my mind if the point has been raised or made already? Can I help lift up the life of another or the group in my words and actions? Can I have disagreements with an individual or group, do so in love and respect and continue to stay in community? Can I take into account the importance of the task in relation to the importance of the relationship? Can I reflect on how my attitude and actions contribute to the tone of our community? Am I willing not to have to be right? Am I being the change I wish to see in the world and really acting the way I would like others to act? Am I willing to be changed? And finally, can I remember to ask the question, “What is the most loving thing I can do or say right now?”

Putting Our Second Principle to Work

Jan. 1, 2018. by Kaye Cook, Chair, Racial Justice Steering Committee. One thing that initially attracted me to UUCF was the congregation’s commitment to social justice work. Upon learning that Unitarian Universalism has seven principles for guiding and governing congregations and that the Second Principle is to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations, I knew I had found my church home. When it was announced in February 2016 that the Racial Justice Steering Committee (RJSC) was being formed, I was eager to join the new group because it seemed like an opportunity to be involved in an effort close to my heart. In early 2016, there was no way to imagine the major shifts about to occur in our country and our faith community - in particular, issues that would require a more focused and renewed emphasis on race and, in particular, the impact of white supremacy on the lives of people of color and on all people. The RJSC launched its Second Principle Project in October 2016, with banners placed around the UUCF campus to highlight our commitment to this principle. Through this project, the RJSC is dedicated to helping the congregation understand the root causes and effects of racism and to developing partnerships with other institutions working to dismantle racism, particularly institutions led by people of color. One of the initiatives undertaken was hosting a performance by the Female Re-enactors of Distinction (FREED) last October. The group re-enacted real-life stories of African American women of the mid-19th Century not found in traditional textbooks. Through these re-enactments, the women of FREED help fill in many important missing pieces of our nation’s history. This event was part of the RJSC’s education commitment. Another ongoing education effort is the Racial Justice Book Group that has evolved into the “Let’s Talk About Race” initiative. The blessing of our “Love is Love” banner along Hunter Mill Road in September and the workshop that followed on “Moving Forward in Challenging Times” are examples of our advocacy and witness activities. We are planning to offer several forums in 2018 around “Difficult Conversations on Race.” These conversations will allow UUCF members and the broader community to examine how race has shaped their lives through talking about race with others in a safe space. Listening to other’s stories helps bring matters of race into our public discourse and makes it easier to work together to confront social injustice and to change systems of oppression and injustice. I feel so fortunate to be part of a congregation that seeks to find deeper kindness, love and understanding even as we deal with the uncertainties and frustrations of the current political climate. As we are faced almost daily with more examples of hate and discord and more threats to our civil liberties, I feel especially blessed to join with others who strive for love, justice and equality. It is reassuring and comforting to be affiliated with people who share my values and who are willing to get actively involved and resist. Please stop by the RJSC table in the Commons to learn more about the committee’s work and how to get involved. Maybe together we can change the world.

Racial justice

Racial Justice Steering Committee

RJSC Updates

UUCF Racial Justice events

Racial Justice Steering Committee

Area Racial Justice events

FLY looking for facilitators

DRUUMM survey

Sermon podcast 10.08.17: Never Doubt What a Small Group of Committed Folks Can Do

UUCF hosts first integrated Brownie troop in VA in 1950s

Need help setting up online giving in Realm?

Check back later for more Caring news.

Help Find UUCF’s Next Justice-Centered Theatrical Production

Check back soon for Music & Arts volunteer opportunities

Sue Berman

Farewell to Rich Sider

Taking Time to Breathe, Reflect and Find Joy This Summer

Neither the beginning nor the end

A thank you from our Transylvanian visitors

Reflections on Possibilities

Putting Our Second Principle to Work

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