Our work is driven by Unitarian Universalist principles including

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

At Eliot, we create a community of deep relationships by working toward a more just society, dismantling racism, and improving the environment. Eliot's specific mission and goals can be found here. 

Our Mission:

The Social Justice Program will inspire and equip individuals and the congregation to work effectively for justice both locally and beyond. We will continue to be challenged by the teachings of Martin Luther King's vision of the beloved community:

"In the beloved community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Birth of a New Nation"
1957

EVENTS

Summer Environmental Film Series Continues Monday, August 13 6:30 pm The Environmental Justice Team invites you to watch the documentary series Years of Living Dangerously. Join us on Mondays in August! Email for more information.		Contain Crabgrass Creep in Fillmore Park! Thursday, August 23 9:00 am Join us in community service in our "adopted" pocket park. Eliot volunteers meet and greet in shelter then spend an hour or so ID-ing, loosening, and removing weeds, deadheading flowers as needed, and doing a once over for usually minimal trash. Email for more information.		Operation Clean Stream Team Forming! Saturday, August 25   The Environmental Justice Team is putting together a group from Eliot Chapel to work on this year’s Operation Clean Stream in Emmenegger Nature Park in Kirkwood. We'd love for you to join us! Please email Environmental Justice at Eliot and go to the Operation Clean Stream site to register and learn more.
Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesday, August 14 6:00 pm Since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson early August of 2014, members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel and people from the greater community have stood in a weekly vigil.		Room at the Inn Eliot Chapel begins its 26th year of involvement with Room at the Inn and its work to provide transportation, to cook and serve a hot meal, to host a bed and breakfast, and to do laundry every week.		Kirk Care Kirk Care, a nonprofit organization providing Kirkwood area residents with food and utility assistance, is directed and staffed by lay people from the churches within the district. The next time you come to Eliot, drop off a few groceries–protein sources like stew, chili, canned chicken or peanut butter are always welcome–in the small cart outside of Adam’s Hall. Think about volunteering; training is provided! Email for more information.

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

In August, we will share our offering with Empower Missouri. Empower Missouri is dedicated to ensuring social justice for all Missourians. Founded in 1901, the non-partisan organization educates and empowers Missourians on issues including hunger, housing, education, health, and economic opportunity. It is an important ally in Eliot Chapel’s work for systemic racial and economic justice, and is an eloquent voice for good in Missouri.

Based in Jefferson City, Empower Missouri chapters across the state provide opportunities for citizens to learn about state and federal policies and become involved in these conversations. We depend on its knowledge and expertise as we learn about changing systems of oppression and how to put our UU principles into meaningful action for systemic change. Learn more at empowermissouri.org.

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.