UUFNB's Commitment to Social Action
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of New Bern is involved in a number of social action activities throughout the year.
UUA President, Rev. Peter Morales at Moral Monday event with Rev. Dr. William J Barber II (photo copyright Nancy Pierce/UUA)
Moral Mondays: Each February members of the fellowship join together with the Craven County NAACP and sponsor a bus to the annual Moral March on Raleigh, the HK (Historic Thousands) on J (St.) People’s Assembly. The leader of Moral Mondays, Forward Together, and NAACP NC, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II wrote The Third Reconstruction, which was published by the UU publishing house, Beacon Press, in 2016. It was suggested for the 2016-2017 UU Common Read.
Refugee Assistance: Periodically, not every year, the Fellowship sponsors a refugee family in coordination with Interfaith Refugee Ministry. This involves assisting a family in many ways to help them with their transition from their homeland to the U.S.
Interfaith Work: The Fellowship is a member of Faith Connection, an interfaith organization in New Bern. Through Faith Connection fellowship members participate in a variety of projects including discussions on race.
Environmental Causes: Many members are actively involved in environmental initiatives including Sound Rivers and the Carolina Nature Coalition. To get involved contact Tom Shoup at tomshoup@suddenlink.com.
Coat Drive: In the fall the fellowship hosts a coat boutique at which refugee families coming to the country without winter outerwear can find coats, hats, gloves and scarves. Leftover items are taken to the Interfaith Refugee Ministry where families coming in over the winter can claim the outerwear. To volunteer contact Ellen Sutliff at esutliff@msn.com
Community Meal: Once a month fellowship volunteers serve a meal at Religious Community Services. To volunteer contact Fred Pittenger at fredwage@gmail.com.
Hunger Walk: In the fall the fellowship participates in the New Bern CROP Hunger Walk which is sponsored by Church World Service nationally. This is a community-wide project that benefits people in need throughout the world as well as our local RCS by ending hunger "one step at a time".
Multiple Sclerosis Ride: In the fall the fellowship participates in the MS Bike Ride. One of our members has MS and members ride for her and others. To participate contact Kevin Reynolds at cyclerkevin@gmail.com
*Throughout the year used bikes are refurbished and provided to refugee adults and children. If you have a bike to donate contact Kevin Reynolds at cyclerkevin@gmail.com.
Alzheimer's Walk: In the fall the fellowship participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. One of our members has Alzheimer’s and we walk for her and others. To participate contact Gerry Mackle at germack820@gmail.com.
Child Abuse Awareness: In April the fellowship puts out pinwheels to participate for Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is an effort sponsored by the Coalition for Craven County Children.