Social Action

Deeds, Not Creeds

We honor the inherent worth and dignity of all people through a variety of social action projects and partnerships.  A common UU saying is “deeds, not creeds.”  Our Social Action Council coordinates a number of outreach "deeds" that work for  social justice.  For many of us, social activism is a spiritual practice.

The council accepts applications from UUFWS members several times a year and awards grants for social-action projects.  Grants have funded start-up expenses for programs such as Vigils for Healing, an Asperger's Teen and Young Adult Social Group, and the Piedmont Earth Day Fair. 

Here are some of our social-action projects and partners:

AIDS Care Services

UUFWS sponsors an annual "Dining for Friends" potluck/fundraiser for this organization, and several times a year we volunteer to clean up the local memorial garden that honors victims of AIDS.

American United for Separation of Church and State

UUs started this local chapter, which advocates for the strengthening of both church and state through the separation mandated by the Constitution.

CHANGE (Communities Helping All Neighbors Gain Empowerment)

A number of UUs form a core team of volunteers that works for social justice with this multiracial, interfaith, grass-roots organization in areas that include health, education, and public policy.

Community Clothes Closet

We offer gently used clothing and shoes at our Community Clothes Closet, open each Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:00 in our foyer.  Sizes from infant to adult are available at no cost, and each visitor can select up to eight items per week.

Crisis Control Ministry

UUs hold an annual drive and a permanent drop-off site for food and toiletry items donated to this local ministry for our neighbors in crisis.

Fundraising Teams

UUs regularly form teams to participate in activities such as the Hospice Hope Run/Walk, Komen Race for the Cure, and the 5K Run/1.5 Mile Dog Walk to benefit Crisis Control Ministries and the Forsyth Humane Society.

Green Street Welcome Table

Three times a year, UUFWS partners with Green Street Methodist Church to provide food and volunteers who help prepare and serve that church's weekly community meal.

Habitat for Humanity

UUFWS was a sponsor of Habitat's first green build in our county and regularly provides volunteer teams to help construct Habitat homes.  After helping build a home, we collect items for gift baskets and deliver them to new homeowners.

Holiday Gift Drives

Through the Alternative Gift Market, Prison Ministry Gift Drive, Share a Bear collection, Angel Tree for families affected by domestic violence, and Fair Trade Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate sales, UUs have many opportunities each year for social outreach and holiday shopping rolled into one.

Meals-on-Wheels

A team of UUFWS volunteers delivers hot meals on a local Meals-on-Wheels route, providing nutritional and social support for homebound seniors.

Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA)

UUs started this local nonprofit organization that promotes environmental awareness and education.  PEA organizes an annual Earth Day Fair, which was held for the first three years at UUFWS and then moved to a larger venue.  Many UUs volunteer at the fair.

UU Women's Fund Team

A team of UU women participates in this organization that provides grants to organizations and initiatives that address the needs of women and girls in our community.

Vigils for Healing

UUs began this community ministry, which organizes services of remembrance for local murder victims, often at the site of the murder, to promote healing and provide an opportunity to stand together against violence.  Many UUs also participate in Vigil Voices, a group that provides choral music for vigils.