| Environment Committee
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Think globally, act locally
The Environment Committee is guided by the rule “Think globally, act locally.” So while we lobby our government to act on global warming, endangered species, and other major concerns, we also try to simplify our own lives and consume less. Locally we participate in the David Suzuki Foundation Climate Action Team, the CUC Environment Monitoring Group, “Buy Nothing” Day, and our church Thrift Sale. The committee is open to all members of UCV. We meet at 12:30 pm on the second Sunday of the month, most often in the boardroom. For information about the committee and its work, contact Karl Perrin at 604.872.7326.
The Environment Committee posts information about events and ideas on their blog. You can subscribe to receive updates at that site. You’ll find introductions of committee members, photos of marches, vegan recipes—and lots more.
Committee news
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| Refugee Committee
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Our goals are to help refugees abroad to come to Canada and to assist those already here. This can involve, for example, apartment hunting, teaching English, giving financial aid, showing them the ropes, visiting the doctor, gathering household items and clothing, or just lending an ear or a shoulder. From time to time we may find it necessary to write to the Minister of Immigration on behalf of a refugee—or to serve lunches after church to raise funds.
Refugees are brave; their strengths and their cultures enrich us; they contribute much to Canada. Over the years this congregation has sponsored, or helped locally, refugees from Viet Nam, Central America, Burma, Afghanistan, Mexico, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Serbia.
Contact Fiona Graham or Virginia Crabill to get involved.
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| Partner Church Committee
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Revering Our Roots
This committee oversees our continuing relationship with the Unitarian church in Brasso, Romania. Through letters, fundraising and visits, we communicate support to these oppressed people while learning from their very intriguing ancient culture.
For more information or if you wish to join this committee, contact Alison Pearson, 604.541.2302.
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| Social Justice Committee
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Goals
The Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver has the following goals:
To encourage education within the congregation on social justice issues that challenge our Unitarian principles.
To ask the congregation, minister and Board of Trustees to join us in taking responsibility for social action consistent with our Unitarian principles.
To consider social issues and facilitate opportunities for church members to take public action as the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.
The Social Justice Committee coordinates forums from 12:30–1:30 pm on 2nd and 4th Sundays. Their blog lists upcoming and past forums and invites discussion and suggestions.
The Social Justice Committee publishes a quarterly newsletter, Social Justice Notes, which reports on social justice issues. The Winter 2010 issue is now available.
Committee news
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| Family Food Bank
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Our Children's Table
Three Tuesday mornings a month UCV volunteers run a family food and education program. Pre-selected families with pre-school children, referred by Vancouver Coastal Health, come to Hewett Centre for a three-month program. The program includes dental and eye check-ups for children, and a speakers bureau with health and social assistance advocates explaining to caregivers how to effectively navigate and access resources for which they are eligible. Caregivers and children also participate in a pre-school literacy program from the Vancouver Public Library. The caregivers prepare healthy snacks and a sit-down lunch, and nutritious food is packed for them to take home.
For further information please call Laureen Griffin, 604.688.0179, or Diana Epperson, 604.569.3944.
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