Service Projects
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When Did SWUUW Start its Service Project?
Social Action Began:On February 23, 2002 at its Annual Meeting, the SouthWest Unitarian Universalist Women (SWUUW) voted to fund three social service projects. One year before, the Planning Committee, in an effort to revive a flagging organization, had passed a motion to establish a committee to recommend one or more social service projects for adoption at the next Annual Meeting. Sarah Oglesby was appointed Chair of this committee.
Sarah had had first-hand experience with Microcredit, whose slogan is "Empowering Women to Transform Communities in Poverty." A few other projects were suggested to her over the year. The SWUUW Executive Committee endorsed her committee's recommendation to fund a Village Banking Group at $5000, to support The Heifer Project with $500, and to become a Chalice Lighter at $100 a call ($300 total).
At the annual meeting of SWUUW, the motion was made and passed unanimously to support these efforts at these amounts.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CONTINUES
During 2002, SWUUW invested $5,000 with FINCA International, Inc. (The Foundation for International Community Assistance, a village banking organization. Both the FINCA nad Heifer projects were invested in Les Cayes, Haiti, the second largest city in Haiti. FINCA identifies Haiti as the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Through FINCA, our money will provide loans to approximately 40 women, based on an average loan of $100.
Background
In the summer of 2000, one of our members visited El Salvador and met with members of non-profit organizations, which offer loans for micro-entrepreneurs. These micro-entrepreneurs are women organized into borrowers' circles. Through loans from microcredit programs, these women start small businesses such as selling firewood, clothing, fruits and vegetables or producing food products, clothing, or various crafts. Women are targeted for the loans, because they are the least likely to access credit and mothers with children are typically the poorest segment of the poor.
The Heifer project for more than 50 years has provided livestock and training to more than 4 million families living in poverty world-wide. The animals help hungry people to feed themselves, earn income and care for their environment.
Chalice Lighter makes up to three calls a year to individuals who pledge to pay at least $10 per call. Congregations within the SouthWest district propose projects that will enhance their growth. It may be to supplement funds on hand to support an extension ministry, for building a new church, or for renovation of an existing building. By pledging $300 a year, the group became members of the elite Flaming Chalice group and will receive district recognition as such.
Why
The Executive Committee believes that SWUUW has demonstrated most, if not all, of the seven principles of the UUA by our actions. SWUUW is also interested in serving its membership through social justice, worship, community, learning and leadership.
How Can You Help?
- Donate money specifically earmarked for the Social Action Fund
- Eat lunch at SWUUSI from SWUUW's LUNCHES PLUS
- Buy jewelry from Chalice Arts (http://www.chalicearts.com) and ask them to donate their FUNDRAISING MONEY to SWUUW! They will send 25% of the sale to SWUUW for our service project!