With Election Day upon us, I’ve been reflecting on the role of our community in my own life, and in civic life. UUSM has been a great source of comfort and purpose for me over the last decade. Being in community with people who share my values has made the tough times easier to get through, and the good times more productive. On a personal level, I never had a favorite protest chant until our Faith in Action Committee inspired me to get off of my couch and out of my own head, and into the streets to be heard. If you’re wondering, it’s the “This is what democracy looks like…” one.
I am so proud of our community for sending a truly astounding 37,400 Get Out The Vote postcards in the months leading up to Election Day. I’d like to take the opportunity to, once again, thank Brad Hutchinson for his extraordinary work on this project. Our whole congregation saw Brad every Sunday under the shade structure, a well-organized one-man-machine distributing postcards, colored markers, mailings lists, croissants, and fresh berries. Brad also engaged in a great deal of behind the scenes work — ordering the supplies, mailing the cards, coordinating with other communities, and — importantly — preparing applications for Spirit Level Foundation matching grants. The additional funds that we received from those grants enabled us to perform this work at scale. Brad’s dedication to the GOTV postcard project (UU the Vote) has been beyond impressive. We’re fortunate to have him in our congregation.
I also feel fortunate to be part of this community in this moment of uncertainty. No matter what happens on November 5th and beyond, we’re stronger together. We have a great deal of support available from the UUA, in terms of training, organizing, and lifting our collective voice, on a nationwide level. And we have our community at 18th and Arizona, ready to lead with love. I’m grateful for all of you, and all that you bring to UUSM. And I’m immeasurably grateful that we are here for each other, and for the world.
If you’re interested in becoming more involved, we have many opportunities. Particular needs at present include the Communications Team (commteam@uusm.org), Worship Associates (worshipassociates@uusm.org), and Children’s and Youth Religious Education (interimdre@uusm.org). Thank you for all that you bring to our community!
Eileen McCormack
President of the Board
