Social Justice at UUOCC
As part of our commitment to Social Justice UUOCC partners with UU Faith Action NJ, a statewide organization that provides both advocacy and legislative leadership grounded in Unitarian Universalist values. Issue areas include: Environmental Justice, Immigration Justice, Criminal Justice Reform and Reproductive Justice. UUOCC is particularly active with UU Faith Action’s Environmental Justice Task Force, providing testimony and lobbying for Clean Energy and Climate Justice bills, a NJ Constitutional Green Amendment, Environmental Education in NJ Schools and Forestry protections.
Pictured above: UUOCC members at the Voices for the Voiceless Rally in Toms River, NJ
We stand against intolerance and hate
What we’re doing
The UUOCC chose a primary local issue for which we could make positive change in 2025 which continues in 2026, that of helping to serve the unhoused. We continue to financially support The Hope Center, Interfaith Hospitality Network and Just Believe Inc., Fulfill of Monmouth & Ocean County four ocean county non-profit agencies providing services to those in need. Leaders from those organizations, including Paul Hulse and Rev. Steve Brigham and Stephanie Ferrier have spoken at our Sunday services.
The UUOCC showed up at a rally and public meetings in support of a zoning change for Christ Episcopal Church of Toms River which would have allowed them to open an overnight shelter for the homeless but it was rejected by the town. We are now supporting a zoning change for Interfaith Family Services to open a shelter for homeless families in a different location. We are also exploring other volunteer opportunities and attending meetings of the Toms River Housing & Homeless Coalition.
We have one Social Justice Team, but individually we may have our own justice priorities. For instance, UUOCC is a supporter of the Toms River Pride Parade. We continue to make our voices heard in protecting against devastating cuts to programs like Medicaid and Medicare. We show up and call for immigration justice, racial justice and reproductive justice.
Add a nod of support. Or, add your unique voice and energy to our purpose. Join us in making change.