WELCOMING CONGREGATION/INTERWEAVE
The UUSRF became an officially Welcoming Congregation in June 2009 after conducting several programs and events on the topic of GLBT issues and congregational vote. Our congregation strongly supports the inherent worth of every individual and is proud be a welcoming spiritual resource in the St Croix Valley of Wisconsin.
In the past few months we have begun three initiatives in our community:
Bullying and Beyond Film Series
With endorsement from other community groups we sponsored a film series during the month of October focusing on Bullying topics, followed by group discussions.
Wristbands
We have purchased 300 anti-bullying wristbands which we hope to distribute
to students in the local school district. We are seeking community support so that all students (2000) can receive a wristband along with training and information about bullying prevention.
Creating a Community Coalition
On November 17, 2011 our first coalition meeting was held consisting of groups and individuals in the greater River Falls area. Our mission is to work together to create an inclusive community and eliminate bullying. Additional meetings have taken place in January and February of 2012 at Earth Angels Coffee Shop in River Falls, Wisconsin. The next meeting will be on March 8th, 2012 at 10AM at Earth Angels and is open to individuals and groups in tune with this goal.
To date we have achieved the following:
Temporary Name: Coalition for a Compassionate Community (CCC) has been chosen as a temporary name for the coalition.
The mission statement is: “The mission of CCC is to foster mutual respect and inclusion in our community. We provide educational resources, support and recognition to groups and individuals working to prevent oppression, bullying and abuse.”
Bullying Committee: Nellie Moore offered to serve as chairperson on the committee. If your are interested in helping out please contact Nellie to learn more. Rev. Holden suggested that the group focus on data gathering and compiling data as a starting point.
A PFLAG (Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Chapter has been created in River Falls and will have its first meeting in April , 2012 at the River Falls Public Library. Details will be posted here soon.
Upcoming Events:
United Methodist Church of River Falls is celebrating 1 year as a reconciling ministry. The service is on 2/12/12 at 9:30am and is intentionally open to all people. There will be refreshments to follow the service.
The AAUW-River Falls & River Falls Library is having a community program titled “Poverty and Its Impact on Local Education” on 2/14 at the RF Library at 7:30pm. The presenter will be Mike Johnson, Director of Academic Services of the River Falls School District.
St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program is having a Stakeholder Meeting on 2/14 from 8-10am at the St. Croix County Government Center. All individuals who work in public safety, with offenders, victims or community programs are welcomed to attend.
To learn more about Interweave from the UUA website:
Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
The mission statement for Interweave reads as follows: “Interweave is a membership organization affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. It is dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social well-being of Unitarian Universalists who are confronting oppression as lesbians, gay men, bisexual or transgender persons, and heterosexual allies. It celebrates the culture and lives of its members.” Interweave membership is open to all interested UUs of any sexual or affectional orientation. It has more than 50 chapters in 27 states, active in Unitarian Universalist congregations and districts, as well as many individual members and a Continental chapter.
Membership in Interweave involves these primary goals:
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The creation of opportunities for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender Unitarian Universalists for support, socializing, and sharing life issues
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Outreach to the larger bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender community to publicize the religious alternative offered by Unitarian Universalism
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Educational and social action outreach to the general community
If you would like to become involved with the future planning of our Interweave Chapter, please contact Nancy Holden at d.n.holden@comcast.net or 715-426-6664.
Updated 2.8.12