Social Justice

Are you frustrated by current social inequities and assaults on civil rights? Are you feeling moved to “Do Something!”?

Unitarian Universalism has a legacy of “deeds, not creeds.” UUs throughout history have put this phrase into action.  Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression.  

Our Social Justice Committee helps us find meaning and community in working together to create a better, more just, and equitable world. Activities include education, hands-on service, advocacy, witnessing and organizing.

Committee mission

The Social Justice Committee engages in the spiritual work of advancing justice in our congregation and society by providing opportunities for engagement and collective action.

You do not need to be a member of the Committee to participate in programming and activities which they organize.  Watch the Enews for updates.

Current focus areas of the group include:

Social, racial, and economic justice

First Unitarian has made a commitment to support the efforts of Tabernacle CDC.  Support ranges from neighborhood clean-ups to supporting their scholarship program.  Learn more about Tabernacle here and watch for ways in which you can be involved.

Human Rights Social Witnessing is held weekly on Tuesday afternoons at the intersection of Waterman and Kingshighway.  Participants may bring their own signs or use one from the supply we have on hand.  The focus of signs is on human rights matters.  We show the afternoon commuters what Love at the Center looks like!

Food Outreach

Support for Food Programs at Trinity Episcopal (located in our neighborhood at Euclid and Washington).   

Trinity  Pantry Donations - Trinity operates a food pantry that is open several days during the week.  We collect food donations regularly to support this pantry.

Trinity Hot Lunch - A hot lunch is served at Trinity for the food insecure every Sunday at 2:00pm.  Area religious institutions take turns preparing and serving the lunch.  First Unitarian usually takes responsibility for three lunches a year.  Often our high school Youth Group will take responsibility for the lunch and the Social Justice  Committee will organize them as well.  Members and Friends are invited to participate.

Little Free Pantry - On our parking lot we maintain a Little Free Pantry.  Members and groups in the church sign-up to stock the pantry for a week.  Items such as easily consumable food (Vienna Sausages, Breakfast Bars, etc) are popular, as are things like socks and gloves.  You can sign-up for a week here.

Sandwich Making - On One Sunday a month, we prepare sack lunches which are delivered to the Gateway 180 Shelter.  The lunches are distributed to the clients and other members of the community.  The Youth Group starts preparing the lunches at 10:30 and the congregation is invited to help with final prep after the morning worship service.

Welcoming Congregation

We know that religious spaces haven’t always been welcoming places for all people, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. We strive to change that. To that end, we have been a Welcoming Congregation designated by the Unitarian Universalist Association designated Welcoming Congregation for over 20 years.  Members and friends of the congregation participate in various activities and programs to foster education and awareness of LGBTQ issues in our church community.  In addition, many of our members participate in the Pride Parade and Tower Grove Pride as well as other community events.  Watch Rev. Kim Mason's reflection at the Interfaith Pride Service in June 2025.  

Litter Pick-Up

First Church has committed to cleaning up a section of Millbrook (aka Forest Park Parkway) close to Skinker, benefiting our larger community. Our volunteers do pick-ups four times a year, usually on Saturday afternoons, and have the opportunity to clean up our roads while meeting other church members.  You may have noticed the roadway “adoption” signs with our name on them along that segment! This location is especially significant to us since the street is adjacent to the main campus of Washington University, which was founded by our Unitarian “ancestor,” William G. Eliot.  For liability reasons, this activity is limited to adults only.  A notice for volunteers is put out before each pick-up Saturday.

This is just a sampling of Social Justice programs.  Please check the Enews for other events.

Financial Support for Community Organizations

The church also supports local community partners through the Designated Collection program and the First Church Community Fund.