Serving the Capital Region Community

Our Justice Work

At Albany UU, justice is one way we live our values. We believe our faith calls us to care for one another, challenge injustice, protect our planet, and work toward a world where everyone can thrive.

Our justice work takes many forms. We respond to immediate needs through service, learn from people and communities whose experiences differ from our own, advocate for change, participate in public witness, support community organizations, and build relationships that help us work together for the long term.

This work happens through teams, congregational projects, community partnerships, and the commitment of individual members and friends. Some efforts focus close to home, while others connect us with statewide, national, and global movements for justice.

Connect. Contribute. Take Action.

Our Justice & Service Teams

The Social Justice Team

The Social Justice Team serves as a focus for social justice efforts at Albany UU. The team helps educate and inspire the congregation, creates opportunities for action and advocacy, supports community organizations and projects, and helps foster communication and coordination among the many people and groups engaged in justice work.

Green Sanctuary Team

The Green Sanctuary Team helps Albany UU put our commitment to the Earth into practice. The team offers opportunities for education, environmental action, sustainable practices, and advocacy for climate and environmental justice.

Democracy Crisis Response Team

The Democracy Crisis Response Team helps congregants stay informed and find ways to respond to threats to democracy. The team shares information, connects people with educational and advocacy opportunities, and supports collective action.

Inclusivity Team

The Inclusivity Team works to strengthen Albany UU as a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive community. The team helps us examine systems of oppression, learn across differences, and build a congregation where everyone can participate fully and thrive.

Connect. Contribute. Take Action.

Our Justice & Service Teams

Our justice work extends well beyond our four teams. Congregants contribute their time, energy, creativity, and resources to a wide range of efforts.

Share the Plate

Each month, Albany UU shares a portion of Sunday offerings with an organization working to address important needs. Nominations come from both the Social Justice Team and the wider congregation.

Community Breakfast

Each month, volunteers welcome anyone seeking food, connection, and hospitality to a community breakfast in Channing Hall. Congregants prepare and serve breakfast while building relationships with people in our wider community.

Sheridan Preparatory Academy

Albany UU has a long-standing relationship with Sheridan Preparatory Academy, supporting students and staff through volunteer opportunities, classroom assistance, and financial support for enrichment activities.

Hunger Relief

Albany UU participates in efforts such as the annual CROP Hunger Walk, connecting our congregation with local and global work to address hunger.

Public Witness and Advocacy

Members and friends participate in vigils, rallies, advocacy campaigns, educational programs, and other opportunities to stand publicly for justice. Our congregation also connects with statewide, national, and denominational organizations working on issues that reflect our shared values.

Other Community Partnerships

From end-of-life choice to racial justice, climate action, democracy, and economic justice, our congregation engages with a variety of issues and organizations. Some projects have an ongoing presence at Albany UU, while others emerge in response to particular needs or opportunities.

Find Your Place

There is no single way to participate in justice work at Albany UU.

You might join a team, volunteer at a community event, attend a public witness action, come to an educational program, donate to a cause, help with a project behind the scenes, or simply start by learning more.