Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea

SOcial Justice

Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot make
a short film on the Climate Crisis.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads a letter of apology from a father to his children. This letter is a part of the Letters to the Earth campaign, which began in 2019, when the British public were invited to put pen to paper and write letters in response to the climate and ecological emergency. It is published in their book 'Letters to the Earth: Writing to a Planet in Crisis'. https://www.letterstotheearth.com

Bringing about the bioeconomy by Nolan Monaghan

Biological systems are optimized for circular production systems because they follow the template of ecosystems, where spare nutrients are scavenged and waste is utilized by decomposers. Building technology from these systems allows us to model industries based on ecosystems, in lieu of the linear models pursued today, allowing us to unlock true sustainability.

You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this winter/spring. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! First Unitarian in Portland is the organizer. The first Circles start the week of January 16th.

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

In the last four months, 10 people have been killed at the hands of the police in Canada – and the media has barely reported on it. Police brutality in Canada is a glaring epidemic for First Nations people that is unacceptable to turn away from. Together, this is our opportunity to raise our voices and demand change. Will you add your name to support the Assembly of First Nation’s call for an inquiry into racism and policing in Canada?

From Amnesty International - Urgent Action

On January 3, 2025, Moussa Tchangari, a human rights defender and secretary-general of Citizens’ Alternative Spaces, faced two new charges: “infringing on national defense” and “intelligence with enemy countries.” He was transferred to Filingué Prison, about 110 miles from Niamey, Niger’s capital.

Moussa’s ordeal began on December 3, 2024, when he was arrested. For two days, his fate and location were unknown. On December 5, authorities revealed he was being held at the Central Service for Combating Terrorism and Organized Transnational Crime in Niamey. He was charged with advocating terrorism and criminal association linked to terrorism. If convicted, Moussa could face five to 10 years in prison.

Please take action at your earliest convenience!

Tawa BraimahUrgent Action Network Coordinator

Message from the
David Suzuki Foundation:

Climate action must rise above politics. The climate crisis doesn’t care about party lines or election cycles.

Every party must commit to putting people and the planet above polluters’ profits, and we need all who hope to be the next prime minister to know that.

Sign now to send a message to all party leaders

The following can go on our "environmental action" page.

While the impacts of climate change are accelerating, so are the solutions. Renewable energy is surging faster than expected. Solar and wind energy are not only cleaner but also more cost-effective than fossil fuels, rapidly becoming the most sensible economic choice. They can help us become more energy-independent and secure, create jobs and build resilience.

What do we do now?

Living in a world so full of uncertainty can be overwhelming. But the path forward is not a mystery. It’s the same path we’ve always walked — the path of community, action and resilience.

Build community: Isolation breeds despair. Connecting with others not only strengthens our resolve but also creates networks of support and action. Please follow us on social media and keep reading our emails to stay connected and hear about webinars, events and opportunities for collective action.
Engage politically: Volunteer for candidates or political organizations that align with your values, or run for office yourself. The fight for climate justice needs as many climate champions in Parliament, and all levels of government, as possible. Note: As a charitable organization, the UUSS must remain non-partisan, especially during election campaigns.
Have conversations: Talk to your neighbours, colleagues, family and friends. Have open and empathetic conversations and seek to understand others’ perspectives, even when you disagree. Civil dialogue is the bedrock of progress. Find out more about how and why to have climate change conversations.
Counter disinformation: Build your civic and scientific literacy and call out the lies when you see them. Find out about Big Oil’s deceit at Fossil Fuel Exposed.
Celebrate the wins and mourn the losses: Grieve the losses — of ecosystems, of homes, of lives. But don’t forget to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. They remind us that progress is possible.
Take action: Make sure to let all parties know that we want whoever forms the next government to prioritize people and the planet over polluters’ profits.

We acknowledge that we live on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), which lies within the shared territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Squamish, and Sto’:lo Nations. We thank the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm who continue
to live on these lands and care for them, along with the waters and all that is above and below.

www.uusalishsea.ca. 2025