Social Justice
Social Justice Statement
KUF believes that justice work is spiritual work. Our spiritual values and principles guide us in discerning how to respond to the many urgent and overlapping issues of our day. We know that people of good will may disagree about the best ways to do this, and we are committed to open discussion and staying in relationship with one another, while continuing to uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We affirm the value of justice, equity, and compassion rooted in spiritual courage, ancestral wisdom, and radical love.
KUF members are active in social justice both within the congregation and as members of other communities and groups at local, national, and international levels.
The Social Justice Committee is dedicated to supporting social justice projects proposed by KUF members or the community. We provide guidance, organize congregational efforts, and educate ourselves and our community in accordance with our UU principles and aspirations.
Approved by the Social Justice Committee February 8 2026
Approved by the Board of Directors February 4, 2026
KUF Social Justice and Community Outreach
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Threads of Hope
A charity helping the unhoused in Kingston. We at KUF are involved by making donations of clothing, shoes, sleeping bags and tents, among other things. Some members also volunteer their time by working in the Threads of Hope Warehouse. A group of enthusiastic bakers meet to prepare delicious, nutritious muffins and bring them to the Warehouse.
Contact Person - Julia Hobson
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Immigrant Women’s Conversation Circle
A program run by Immigrant Services Kingston Area (ISKA) that gives immigrant women the chance to connect with each other and practice their English in an informal way. We provide volunteers for these sessions to help facilitate the conversation.
Contact Person - Helen Cutts
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Child Haven
A Canadian charity that supports women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Tibet in China. Child Haven homes and schools respect the native cultures and heritages rather than westernizing. KUF members are actively involved in fundraising through the creation of a wonderful social event each year, such as Indian dinners or movie nights.
Contact Person - Jackie RushMorgan
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Interfaith Community Meetings & Annual New Year’s Day Service
KUF is part of the Kingston Interfaith Community. People from all religions meet monthly to build interfaith connections and work together. At the start of the new year, KUF hosts a special service that brings together representatives of different faiths for the sharing of perspectives. The service is a blend of thought-provoking presentations and beautiful music.
Contact Person - Kim Irvine Albano
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Lord Strathcona Public School
Our concern for children who struggle with reading led a group of us to volunteer at Lord Strathcona. Using materials provided by the teachers, we do a variety of one-on-one activities such as reading to them, encouraging them to read, and playing games focused on reading.
Contact Person - Helen Cutts
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Indigenous Solidarity
We bring together our own members, Kingston community members, and Indigenous communities to discuss ways to remedy situations where indigenous are facing injustice. Jointly, we engage in awareness campaigns and peaceful advocacy to hold governments to account.
Contact Person - Mara Shaw
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Kingston Pride Parade
Each year, we participate in the Pride Parade to celebrate Kingston’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are enthusiastic about wearing our Kingston Unitarian Fellowship banners in the parade and sending out the message that we are a welcoming community.
Contact Person - Susan Young
Social Justice Committee Terms of Reference
Purpose: The purpose of the Social Justice Committee is to work for love, justice and equity in all aspects of our lives, both individually and collectively.
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1 - Inclusivity:
We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identities.
2 - Social Responsibility:
We actively engage in social justice issues, seeking to dismantle systems of oppression and promote a more equitable world.
3 - Intersectionality:
We recognize that social justice issues often intersect and impact communities in unique and complex ways.
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The Social Justice Committee (SJC) will be an ongoing committee that reports to the KUF Board of Directors. The Chair will be a member of KUF; other members may be members, friends of KUF or community members. There will be a board liaison who will attend the Board meetings and submit reports. Any member may attend the meetings; the Minister and President may be consulted and attend meetings as non-voting members.
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The SJC will use the Guiding Principles of Unitarians to offer educational opportunities for KUF members to increase knowledge of how to engage and take action in social justice action.
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1 - Education & Awareness:
Organize workshops, movies, lectures, and discussions on social justice issues.
Support community organizations working on social justice causes and allowing them to use KUF space if a KUF member sponsors them; they must align with KUF’s principles and follow KUF’s rental policy.
Promote social justice themes in our worship services and activities.
2 - Advocacy & Lobbying:
Support legislation that promotes social justice and equality.
Contact elected officials to advocate for social justice issues.
Participate in protests and rallies that promote social change.
3 - Community Engagement:
Partner with organizations and individuals working on social justice issues.
Volunteer our time and resources to social justice initiatives.
Foster a sense of social responsibility and activism within our community.
Annually recommend two organizations who are designated charitable organizations and who fit within our guiding principles to donate “loose change” throughout the year and then the congregation votes for one of the organizations.
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Communicating social justice work to the congregation and the community as broadly as possible
Creating alliances and links with community social change groups and interfaith organizations
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Regularly review policies and practices.
Address any issues of discrimination or injustice within the KUF community.
Promote accountability for our actions and decisions.
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Establish ways to measure the impact of social justice work.
Regularly evaluate progress and make adjustments to policies and practices as needed.