Social Justice Ministries

At Second Unitarian, our commitment to justice is lived out through a vibrant network of ministries, projects, and partnerships. From supporting migrants and formerly incarcerated neighbors to cooking meals for LGBTQ+ youth and joining citywide advocacy efforts, our Social Justice Ministry (SJM) connects individuals and teams who share a vision of building a more just, compassionate, and equitable world.

Whether you’re passionate about direct service, systemic change, or learning and growing in community, there’s a place for you to get involved. Here’s what’s going on this month:

  • Supply Drive: Backpacks & School Supplies

  • Plate Share: UU Prison Ministry (UUPMI)

  • 8/1: National March at Marquette Park

  • 8/2: Night Ministry Sack Lunches at 2U

  • 8/3: Jail Support at Cook County Jail

  • 8/16: Riot Fest - Social Justice Involvement Fair

  • 8/24: Social Justice Ministry Meeting

Learn more about our groups and initiatives:

  • We work to accountably dismantle racism at Second Unitarian. We create, recommend, and collaborate on resources and events for addressing oppression and promoting multiculturalism within our community.

    Contact: Curtis Smith

  • Members of 2U join the CCJS mutual aid group bi-monthly to provide direct support and solidarity for folks being released from jail.

    We volunteer every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6:30-9PM

    Contact: Eli Sander

  • Diverse & Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is a sacred place for Black Indigenous People of Color—where we share our ideas, and thoughts and support each other’s mental and spiritual growth in a community of love.

    We meet every 4th Sunday from 9:30am - 10:20am at the 2U Library

    Contact: Berlinda Browne

  • We want to invite all white-identifying people at 2U to join the DRUUMM Allies and Accomplices Group. This group will work to build anti-racist community with a focus on challenging racial bias within our congregation. 

    We meet the last Sunday of each month at 9:30am at 2U

    Point Person: Pip Paris

  • Cook and serve a meal at the Crib, a shelter that houses LGBTQ+ youth. No cooking skills required—ingredients and recipes will be provided. We will meet at the Crib every other 1st Sundayto prepare dinner, which we serve around 9:00pm. 

    Contact: Leiszle Lapping-Carr

  • The Migrant Assistance Team supports migrants in Chicago through providing resources, advocacy, and support. 2U is now taking steps to offer sanctuary within our building. 

    Contact: Alicia Obando

  • 2U members regularly partner with ONE Northside to build power to make our neighborhoods and city safer, more affordable, and responsive to community needs. Participate through going to protests, legislative advocacy campaigns, door-to-door canvassing or behind the scenes coordinating.

    Contact: Ryland Rich

    Visit onenorthside.org

  • SJM brings people together from the above teams to collaborate, support, and ground our collective efforts to build justice in our world.

    SJM Meetings are held on every 4th Monday at 7PM: bit.ly/492gIXQ

    Contact: Alicia Obando

  • All are welcome for Social Justice Mondays! We use this time to do a service activity and be in community with others engaged in social justice work. Please contact Judith Briggs for more information.

  • We build power among UU congregations in Illinois to accountably advocate with those who have been historically marginalized. Develop your leadership skills, join 2U’s catalyst team to grow justice engagement at 2U, or participate through actions of the week: bit.ly/3DYhCcs.

    Contact: Ryland Rich

    Visit uuani.org