To write the voter engagement letters through our UU the Vote efforts, each writer needed to answer the prompt, “I vote because…” It’s a simple, yet profound question that had me delve into the core of my values and the Eight Principles that guide our faith community. Fundamentally, I vote because I want the people who make our laws and policies to reflect my values. I believe my vote and every vote, every person, matters. Our principles also shape a long list of specifics, like my belief that no community should be discriminated against, and that every community deserves clean air and water, access to voting rights, quality healthcare and education, reproductive freedom, livable wages, and truly affordable housing. I shared some of these beliefs in every letter I wrote.
When I addressed a new letter, I imagined its receiver reading and feeling moved by the outreach, touched by the values I shared. Each letter was not just a piece of the strategic effort that Vote Forward has honed to mobilize voters in communities marginalized by racism and classism. Each letter was also a prayer for our collective well-being.
With the engagement of over 200 congregants, our church community wrote approximately ten thousand letters to potential voters in North Carolina. 10,000 letters, 10,000 prayers!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our coming together for this faithful project. Our partner in faith, Reverend Lisa Garcia-Sampson of the UU Justice Ministry of North Carolina, sent a video thank you for our shared efforts. We celebrated our letter-writing this Sunday with a party in the Buchan Reception Hall when Reverend Tom blessed our letters. Kirsten Lee who coordinated this massive project will take our 10,000+ letters to the post office tomorrow, October 28, for the Big Send. (If you still have letters you didn’t return, please put them in the mail no later than Saturday October 29!)
On Tuesday this week we also held a virtual “Voting Our Values 2022” event where our Social Justice Action Groups that have endorsed City of Portland, Multnomah County and Oregon ballot measures invited community guests to tell us about the measures. As our justice leaders introduced the community partners, they shared their statement of values, rooted in our UU Principles, for why they endorsed the measures. It is moving to hear how our congregation is working to create laws that have our values and collective interests at the core.
The truth is, these are stressful and scary times. It brings me hope for what is possible when we move together, guided by our shared values. All of this is possible because of the choices we make to belong to this congregation, to share on our spiritual journeys and to put our faith into action for justice.
This is also the time of our “Season of Giving” when we are asked to contribute financially to keep our church a vibrant faith home, supported by staff who are fairly compensated and facilities that are well-maintained. My family has increased our pledge for 2023 to contribute to the financial health of the church. I hope you will click here to make your financial pledge to the best of your abilities, and that you continue to share your hearts, your hopes, and your visions for our world in this faith community.
Thank you, and please enjoy this fabulous video, All Together We Thrive made by the UU the Vote.
Dana Buhl
(she/her)
Director of Social Justice
First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon
www.firstunitarianportland.org
(503) 228-6389