Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois

Challenged and inspired by the principles of Unitarian Universalism, we work to further the causes of economic justice, environmental justice, racial justice, and justice for immigrants within the State of Illinois.

More specifically, our goals are to
1. Connect Unitarian Universalists and engage them throughout the state
2. Increase funding in order to expand our capacity
3. Develop social justice leadership teams
4. Mobilize Unitarian Universalists in action on behalf of UU values

We help congregations strengthen their social justice capacity, by providing training and renewal for congregational social justice leaders, and by providing consulting and resources appropriate to the social justice context of the individual congregation.

We form networks of congregational leaders in different regions of the state, and annually on a statewide basis, helping leaders to form relationships, learn from each other, and work together for the common good.

We establish partnerships with other organizations working for the same or similar goals, and help our congregations access the resources and expertise of those organizations. These organizations include national Unitarian Universalist (UU) groups, such as the UU College for Social Justice and the UU Service Committee, interfaith groups such as Faith in Place, and issue-oriented coalitions such as the Responsible Budget Coalition.

Our resources include our Executive Co-Directors, the Rev. Scott Aaseng and the Rev. Karen Mooney, who are experienced and committed social justice leaders and a Board of committed and talented individuals bringing a wide range of professional skills, congregational connections, and personal dedication to this work. We have a list of more than one thousand supporters, as well as sophisticated software allowing us to communicate information about opportunities for advocacy to them. We have conducted a series of social justice leadership training programs, and our first set of congregational social justice leaders "graduated" in June, 2019. We have also developed an Anti-Racism Capacity-Building program, and several congregations are working actively with us in that program.

Over the past years, more than 150 Unitarian Universalist (UU) social justice leaders from 20 congregations across Illinois gathered for spiritual renewal and to share experiences and insights concerning work for economic justice, environmental justice, and racial justice. Our staff has worked with 13 congregations across the state, helping to build a statewide network and strengthen congregational social justice capacity.

More than 600 individuals have submitted documented advocacy messages reflecting UU values. Representatives from 19 congregations have met with state legislators. 75 UUs traveled to Springfield to participate in Advocacy Day activities there.

In April and May, 2020, we organized a four-week online webinar series teaching the skills of values-based conversation and encouraging its use. Our main presenter was Olivia Chow of the Institute for Change Leaders at Ryerson University. These webinars were attended by more than 150 participants.

We also used Zoom to hold six “value conversations” with over 230 people in attendance total to allow UUs to engage issues through the lens of our UU values. Held virtually but hosted by different congregations, these events have given people a view into the ministries and leaders of our statewide congregations while exploring why we as UU’s are called to care about things like the environment and a graduated income tax.

Another significant Zoom event was our “Democracy Revival,” a Sunday morning online worship service in October with several Illinois ministers participating, awesome music, a wide attendance and a generous shared plate offering. We organized a second "Revival" in April, 2021.

Within Illinois, our efforts have helped win marriage equality, increase the minimum wage, and improve energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as provide safeguards to immigrants and reduce inequity in the criminal justice system.